WEBVTT

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I often work with people
in highly stressful job situations

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and having good mental health
practices are essential.

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Though most of us don't
encounter situations

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like being an emergency
services provider,

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we still confront stressful situations -
not only in the workplace -

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but at home as well.

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So, the first step in your
mental health journey

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is acknowledging that good mental
health practices are needed.

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Otherwise, you may
experience poor health

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that produces a multitude
of mental and physical issues.

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Good mental health can be defined
as the condition of being sound,

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both - mentally and emotionally.

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It's characterized by
the absence of mental illness

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and by adequate adjustment -
especially as reflected

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in feeling comfortable
about oneself,

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positive feelings about others,

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and the ability to meet
the demands of daily life.

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So good mental health
is worth striving for -

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especially in today's world.

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The next thing we can do to be
on the road to good mental health

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is recognize the signs
of poor mental health.

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These can range from simply
being sad or down,

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to low energy or problems sleeping

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and all the way to the extreme of
thinking of harming ourselves or others.

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For many of us, being deluged
by a multitude of situations

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will often cause negative reactions
that can ultimately lead to depression.

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The biggest mistake
I see people making is

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simply repeating the pattern
of worrying, coping

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and being frustrated by attempting
to manage all of life's problems,

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thus, we become overwhelmed!

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When we are in that state of mind,

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we typically perceive things
to be out of our control.

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Then we experience stress that
impacts us physically, behaviorally,

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emotionally to where we can't even think
or function in a rational way.

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Our poor mental health
is perpetuated

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mostly based on things
we can't control

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and the fear of the unknown.

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For many, we simply don't want
to make wrong decisions.

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So, if we don't address
negative stress,

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we'll continue to have
a negative outlook -

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which is the main source
of our poor mental health.

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Now, I know we can't eliminate
stress all together,

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I mean, situations that are out of
our control just can't be avoided.

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For example, let's say you're
hosting an online meeting

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and you lose your internet connection.

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It's something you can't control.

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You're stressed and now overwhelmed
because you don't know

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what to do to fix the problem.

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So, stress is the main source
of poor mental health.

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Severe and persistent stress
can cause many issues

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including sleeplessness, eating disorders
(from not eating to overeating),

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and even withdrawing from others.

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Other common reactions
are the inability to focus,

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feeling helpless or overwhelmed,
even depression, anger and agitation.

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Though we don't like how
stress is impacting us,

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the key is to tell yourself that
your reactions are normal.

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We ALL react in some way.

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We need to break the negative
and counterproductive pattern

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of poor mental health practices by
allowing ourselves time to recover

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from overwhelming feelings.

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To begin good mental health
practices, I always recommend

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taking some time for yourself.

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Give yourself an opportunity to
de-stress by redirecting your mind.

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Perhaps, you can focus on
meditating, breathing exercises,

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reading a book... anything
that will allow you

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to focus on something other
than what is stressing you.

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Definitely avoid drugs
or alcohol to deal with

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overwhelming life situations.

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Do not use them to numb the pain.

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It will only make things worse.

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Instead, do something physical
like walking, biking

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or a project around the house.

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I personally walk about two miles
most days to reduce my stress

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and clear my thoughts.

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Remember, exercise tends to stimulate
the production of endorphins -

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chemicals in the brain that are
the body's natural painkillers

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and mood elevators.

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Another great way of maintaining
good mental health is

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by sharing what you are experiencing
with people that you trust.

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Keeping it inside will consume
your mental health

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and ultimately affect you physically -

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so it's best to let it out and express
what you are experiencing.

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If you are not comfortable sharing,

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you can also journal your
thoughts and emotions.

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The point is... get it out.

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Keep in mind, you are not alone.

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Chances are your co-workers
and family members

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are also probably struggling to maintain
their good mental health.

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If possible, leave your
work area or home,

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to get a change of scenery,

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which can help to regain
a positive attitude.

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You might consider encouraging
a co-worker or family member

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to take a walk with you.

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This will help you both.

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Focus your energy on
helping each other

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by sharing thoughts and ideas on how
to deal with life's negative situations.

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Also, do your best to eat well...

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as healthy as possible.

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Reduce your caffeine
and sugar intake.

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Take vitamins and minerals daily
to support your immune system.

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Remember, mental health is also
dependent on good physical health.

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So, try to keep your meals consistent
by eating at your regular times.

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A proper diet will help you -
both mentally and physically.

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Get plenty of rest and if possible,
go to bed earlier.

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Studies show that sleep is integral
to good mental health.

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It helps us recharge and recover.

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If for any reason, you feel the need
to seek professional help,

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don't hesitate to reach out.

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There's nothing to be ashamed
or embarrassed about

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as we all need a little help
from time-to-time.

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Your first step should be
to contact your manager,

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HR or Employee Assistance
Program (EAP)

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and share with them your situation.

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Good mental health is
essential for a successful life

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and another good way to help yourself

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is by doing something
positive for someone -

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a friend, family member,
co-worker or someone in need.

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For example, bring them breakfast
or take them out for lunch...

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or send them a text or call them
expressing how you appreciate them...

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do something that is positive and see
how you'll benefit from it as well.

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Good mental health is what
should be desired in life -

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both at work and at home.

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Tackling it head-on is
the best way to overcome

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and have a life worth living!