What is it?

Emotional well-being refers to the awareness and understanding a person has about their emotions and how well they are able to manage through different life events.

Emotional well-being, or emotional health or wellness, refers to how well people are able to accept and manage their emotions and cope with challenges throughout life.

Why is emotional well-being important?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), emotional well-being is important because it can affect how people function and carry out everyday tasks.

It can also affect how well individuals are able to handle stressful situations and challenges, how they adapt to change, and how they respond to difficult life events.

Emotional well-being can affect relationships, school, and overall mental and physical health.

Issues with emotional well-being can also affect physical health and may lead to higher blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and increased illness.

Factors that can influence emotional well-being

Factors that can influence emotional well-being may include:

• challenges with school, relationships, or home life
• changes in health
• changes in relationships
• losing loved ones
• moving away from family and friends

In children and adolescents

A child’s emotional well-being is equally as important as their physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that being mentally healthy can help children to:

• reach emotional milestones
• reach developmental milestones
• learn healthy social skills
• learn how to cope when problems arise
• have a positive quality of life
• function at home and in school

Emotional well-being issues in children can lead to problems in school, at home, and in their ability to form relationships.

Tips to improve emotional well-being in children and adolescents

The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that parents and caregivers:

• be there to listen
• regularly ask them about how they feel
• stay involved in their life and show an interest in what they find important
• support them through difficulties and help them work through it
• encourage their interests
• build positive routines
• take what they say seriously

If a parent or caregiver has concerns about a child’s emotional well-being, they may find it beneficial to speak with their teacher, pediatrician, or other healthcare professional.

Signs children are experiencing difficulties with their emotional well-being

Parents and caregivers can look for the following signs:

• ongoing sleeping difficulties
• changes in behavior that is significant
• withdrawing from social situations
• self-harm
• a lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy

Tips to improve emotional health and well-being

The following strategies can be used for improving emotional health and well-being:

• be mindful-stay in the present moment.
• manage and reduce stress
• develop a positive mindset
• reinforce social connections
• cope with loss