Step 1. Take your emotional temperature and honor where you are. Expressing emotions are not a sign of weakness. Getting angry, especially in response to unjust behavior, is legitimate.
Step 2. Ventilate don’t isolate. It is important that you find someone you trust to share your stress experiences with. Use your village of family and friends to both check your emotional temperature and get support.
Step 3. Take off the masks and capes. Seek professional help if you notice that your emotional temperature constantly runs high or the weight of your stress is leading to the depression symptoms described earlier. Social workers, psychologists and pastors can provide counseling and support.
Remember, those who love you the most want you to be healthy, happy and really whole. Faking it is no longer an option.
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Depression & Stress: Faking It Until You Make It Can Hurt In The Long Run was originally published on blackdoctor.org
