EPISODE #142- Embracing Emotional Stability: Strategies for Self-Care and Suicide Prevention

Discover the transformative power of emotional stability and self-care with me, Tamara Trotter, as we explore strategies that can truly change your life. Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by societal pressures, or struggling to say 'no' when you really need to? This episode offers powerful insights into maintaining a calm and serene mindset amidst life's ups and downs. We'll uncover six essential strategies for enhancing emotional resilience, like embracing your imperfections and surrounding yourself with people who truly support you. Learn how to create a peaceful environment that can safeguard your mental health, and hear practical advice on resisting external pressures and seeking help when necessary.

Moreover, we tackle the heart-wrenching yet crucial topic of suicide prevention, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of your life and the profound impact your presence has on those around you. This heartfelt discussion serves as a reminder that you are not alone, and reaching out for support can bring comfort and guidance. We'll explore how engaging with trusted individuals or accountability coaches can be a lifeline. Let this episode be a source of hope and encouragement, reminding you that your life is precious and worth living, filled with purpose and fulfillment. Join us as we embark on this journey of redefining the narrative of depression, offering a lifeline to those in need.

Chapters

• 0:10 Emotional Stability and Self-Care
• 19:43 Seek Help and Value Your Life

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:10

Hello and welcome. To Win Over Depression, your beacon of hope in the realm of mental health. I am your host, tamara Trotter. I am your companion on the journey to reclaiming joy and resilience, and this podcast will unravel the vital importance of managing your well-being amidst life's challenges. From practical strategies to uplifting stories and expert advice, each episode is a roadmap to cultivating mental wellness and overcoming the grip of depression. Whether you are seeking solace for yourself or supporting a friend, here you will find the tools and inspiration to navigate the complexities of emotional health. Join me as we embark on a transformative quest to prioritize self-care, resilience and the triumph of the human spirit. Let's together redefine the narrative of depression and embrace a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Speaker 1: 1:17

Today, we'll be talking about emotional stability, so let us first define what is meant by emotional stability. So let us first define what is meant by emotional stability. Well, it means choosing actions and thoughts that contribute directly to a sense of calmness and serenity. It means developing habits that bring harmony into your life and your interactions with everything and everyone. When we are emotionally stable, we have the ability to cope with things that happen in our lives and we understand how important it is to guard our hearts, because mental health has a direct correlation to our emotions. It is very important that we are mindful and understand how an emotional setback can cost us dearly. So what can we do in order to maintain our emotional stability? I encourage you to grab a pen and a piece of paper so that you can write it down.

Speaker 1: 2:53

Number one those people who have good emotional stability. They know when to say no. We understand that there is so much that is expected of us. Our job expects certain things. Our spouse, our kids, our friends, any clubs or organizations that we belong to they all put demands on us, but we have to be able to say no, recognizing that it is just too much for us to undertake. Saying no is not a weakness. Saying no is actually practicing self-care. Number two self-care.

Speaker 1: 3:50

Number two individuals who understand the importance of emotional stability. They embrace their flaws, they understand where they may fall short and they are very careful not to go over the boundary that they have set for themselves. They are very confident in who they are and they understand that they cannot be all things to all people. They know that they're not perfect, because none of us are perfect. They know that we are always going to grow, and we never want to stop growing. Whenever we have an opportunity to make a moment an educational moment, we are going to do just that, and they will gladly admit their flaws openly and they're not afraid to say that they are wrong.

Speaker 1: 4:48

Number three those individuals who have secure emotional stability. They listen more than they talk. They observe what's going on around them so that they have a clear understanding about what they might need to do next. They pivot and position themselves so that when situations and circumstances arise, they have the ability to be self-assured in their decision. They understand the power of listening and this is why they are great communicators. Number four they are selective about their inner circle. They understand how important it is to surround themselves with like-minded individuals who are going to inspire and motivate them. They, in turn, will reciprocate this behavior by also inspiring and motivating those around them.

Speaker 1: 6:02

Number five in practicing emotional stability, they refuse to conform. They are not afraid to disagree with their family, friends, their co-workers or the entire world, because the more secure you are on an emotional level, the more independent you come. You are not conforming because you do not believe in buying into something that you don't believe. You don't just jump on the bandwagon with every new trend and you don't have a problem standing out alone because you believe in your convictions. Number six you ask for help. Emotionally stable people do not feel threatened if they need help. Why would they? The most successful people in the world have entire teams supporting them and helping them succeed. They know that they cannot do it alone and they are not going to waste their time.

Speaker 1: 7:21

Trying Asking for help does not mean you are a failure. We all need help from time to time. If you are struggling in a certain area of your life, ask yourself who may be able to assist and help me. I encourage you to practice one of the seven ways to achieve emotional stability, maybe one week at a time. Take on one and focus on that one particular component. So, for instance, number six ask for help In this particular one. Maybe you haven't been someone who asked for help, so maybe you'll start doing that. And when you take on and bring into existence the seven ways to achieve emotional stability, you are going to start feeling better.

Speaker 1: 8:21

So when we unpack the definition of emotional stability, let us remember how important it is to provide a sense of calmness and serenity in our lives, and I'm going to talk a moment about how your home should be a place where you have peace and serenity flowing through it. So examine whether or not that is the home life that you are currently living in, and if your answer is no, this is going to be part of the reason you have not achieved emotional stability and it's going to have a direct correlation on you managing your mental health, your depression, your anxiety, whatever it might be. Think about that first, and what can you do to bring about change in your very household, your very household? Guarding your heart and mental health is crucial because it helps you maintain emotional stability and resilience. Let's talk a minute about how sometimes people will bait us with their negativity or their drama or their manipulative behavior.

Speaker 1: 9:56

We have to protect ourselves from unnecessary stress and emotional turmoil, and here are a few reasons why this is important. When other people bait us, they generally have an ulterior motive in mind. They are trying to throw you off track. They are trying to distract you. They are trying to keep you from doing what it is that you want to do. The next time someone distracts you, remember not to take the bait. Do not allow them to now decide what you're going to do next. When we set boundaries, by not reacting impulsively, we reinforce these boundaries and it teaches others how to treat us and helps to foster healthier relationships. So who is it in your life that you need to set better boundaries with? Think about that person and write down what will you do with your next interaction with that person in order for you to maintain the boundary that you have set?

Speaker 1: 11:21

Another way that we can protect ourselves from unnecessary stress and emotional turmoil is practicing self-control, which is one of the five components of emotional intelligence. Resisting the urge to react to provocations strengthens your self-control and emotional intelligence, leading to better decision-making in the long run. Practicing self-control is essential in keeping your blood pressure low and managing the stress in your life. I am sure that you are aware that stress can kill you. Another way that we protect ourselves from unnecessary stress and emotional turmoil is to provide ourselves with mental clarity above the fray helps you think more clearly and objectively, enabling you to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively. When we respond reactively, it is that split second that we have to make a decision on what we're going to say or do. When we refrain from making the wrong decision, it enables us to get back to thinking more clearly. It's so important that we refrain from saying things when we are upset or feeling emotional to number one. Keep us from saying something that we'll regret later, and also allow us to weigh all of our options in order to make a well-informed decision. When we practice and protect ourselves from unnecessary stress, we focus on growth. You can invest your energy in personal growth through hobbies and relationships, relationships that uplift you.

Speaker 1: 13:49

I know that when we are in a battle with our mind and depression, it is very easy to fall into a symptom of depression that causes us to forget about guarding our heart, but we have to be mindful that, when we are close to experiencing a downward cycle, that our mind's job is to convince us that what we believe is true is actually true, rather than seeking out the truth from the source itself. If, in your mind, you believe something but you're not sure, ask the person who is involved, so that they can reassure you that you are most likely incorrect about what we're thinking, and this is why good communication saves relationships. When we're able to communicate effectively, we find out that we absolutely were misinformed about something that we thought, so don't be afraid to ask someone rather than assume about their behavior. So, as I wrap up this episode, I want to give you some pointers and strategies on how to avoid taking the bait from others, whether it's their manipulation or something that they say that they are waiting to get a reaction from you. Please pause and reflect before reacting. Take a moment to breathe and assess the situation. This can help you respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

Speaker 1: 15:50

Communicate your limits clearly and assertively. Let others know what behaviors are unacceptable. Stay focused on your goals. Keep your priorities in mind. Ask yourself if engaging is worth your time and energy, and if it is not and the cost is too high, then please refrain. Refrain from engaging. Practice detachment. Emotionally distance yourself from the situation altogether. Remind yourself that their words reflect their issues and not yours. And, finally, seek support. Talk to friends or loved ones who can provide perspective and support, which will, in turn, help you to stay grounded If you can incorporate some of these strategies.

Speaker 1: 16:52

I'm going to tell you about three long-term benefits that are going to also help you to continue to manage your mental health and maintain positive emotional stability. Number one it will increase your resilience. Building the ability to withstand provocations makes you more resilient over time. Maintain your composure. It will also lead to better relationships, because relationships matter. By not engaging in baiting, you foster healthier dynamics and relationships are based on a mutual respect. And, finally, you are going to enhance your own self-esteem. Maintaining composure reinforces your sense of worth and self-confidence. Ultimately, recognizing baiting behaviors allows you to respond in ways that protect your mental health, maintain your dignity and promote healthier interactions.

Speaker 1: 18:10

I never want to end my podcast without first thanking you so very much for listening. You continue to be my audience. The best part of when over depression. Please share this podcast with a friend. This was a very powerful episode and I know that many can gain benefit from it, so please do that. Remember, you can find us on LinkedIn at Tamara Trotter. You can also find us on Tumblr, tamara Trotter. You can also find us on Tumblr, twitter, as well as YouTube. You can go to our YouTube channel, also called when Over Depression, and you can listen and watch podcast episodes as well as videos. Remember, we are now on TikTok and you can find me at Tamara Trotter, mental Health Coach.

Speaker 1: 19:01

I want to also remind you that I have a brand new course called the 14 Days to Mental Health Wellness. It is loaded with value and in 14 days, it's going to help you get back on track. It's going to help you track your mood, figure out what causes your mood to swing. It's going to give you activities that are going to have a direct positive effect on your mental health. There are several videos from myself. There's bonus material. So if you are interested, please go to TikTok and you can click on the bio in my link on TikTok and it will lead you to the 14 days to mental health wellness.

Speaker 1: 19:43

If you are contemplating suicide, please do not take your life. Your family and your friends They'll not understand. They'll think it's their fault. So if you're listening to this podcast, this is a sign that your life is worth living. So just go to sleep, go back and listen to some of my podcast episodes, but when you commit suicide, you are replacing the pain that you're experiencing onto someone else. Please call your accountability coach and have a conversation. Do not take your life. Your life is worth living and we all want you to stay in the game of life. And I will see you next time, next Friday on when Over Depression. Take care.