The benefit of EQ in overall mental well-being

 

Your emotions are intricately linked with your mental health. In fact, we often describe the symptoms of different psychological conditions by using words that describe feelings. Many people with depression experience deep sadness. Those with bipolar mania may express anger or excitement. Emotions are an internal expression of neurotransmitter communication within the body. You feel them physically and psychologically. Emotional processes can be complex, and experts still struggle to define their exact nature. Intense feelings can be jarring. If you have ever experienced an episode of strong panic, anger or sadness, you know that these feelings are uncomfortable and draining. But less potent sentiments also affect you. Feelings are linked to your behaviors, thoughts and interactions with yourself and others. Having emotional intelligence, or EQ, can help you maintain a balanced state of mental health. Low emotional intelligence has been linked with an increased risk of mental health disorders. But EQ isn’t an inherent quality. It’s a skill that you can learn and develop to support your mental health. Emotional intelligence plays a major role in regulating your feelings. It allows you to check in with yourself every step of the way and respond to your feelings in a healthy way. For example, in some cases, you might need to let yourself feel anger. Expressing it by fighting someone would be a sign of emotional dysregulation, however, because it doesn’t serve your best interests. Allowing yourself to throw pillows and vent your thoughts in a journal would be a more emotionally intelligent way to regulate the anger.