Ease your mind. Tell your story.

Have you ever said “I’m fine” when you really weren’t? Why was that? Sometimes we use “fine” as a quick and easy shortcut. If time is short and the story is long — or filled with heartache, confusion or grief — we tend to breeze right over the complicated parts, but telling true stories, especially the tough ones, can bring peace and ease our minds.

Let’s face it: Life happens. Family conflicts, life changes, personal loss or the need for clarity can create stress, tension, anxiety or sorrow. Our bodies are wonderfully designed to manage stress in small doses, but ongoing, persistent stress can be unhealthy, triggering feelings of depression. This can mean difficulties with eating, sleeping, decision-making, libido and mood, and these in turn cause more stress. Stress and depression are linked in a nonstop cycle.

Often it takes sharing your story with someone

Reaching out and telling your story takes courage. We might think it’s easier to just grin and bear it. It’s hard to admit that we could use some help handling life.

Know when you need help.

Watch for any of these signals:

• Changes in personality, eating or sleeping patterns

• Trouble coping

• Prolonged sadness

• Mood swings, angry outbursts or drawing away from others

• Substance misuse

• Thoughts of harming yourself*