Welcome!
Thank you for
taking the time to read "A Woman's Guide to Emotional Wellness." This booklet
is part of a series of materials called "Bright Futures for Women's Health and
Wellness." This series also includes guides for young women, community
organizations, and health care providers. These materials were developed by the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services
Administration, Office of Women's Health, with the guidance of a 10-member
panel of predominantly female mental health experts (medical doctors,
psychiatrists, and researchers) from across the country. The aim of the Bright
Futures project is to help women achieve better physical, mental, social, and
spiritual health by encouraging healthy practices.
Like physical health, mental health exists
on a spectrum. At one end are feelings of flourishing and thriving, and at the
other are depressed and anxious feelings. For a variety of reasons, the field
of mental health has historically focused on the negative end of this spectrum.
This booklet is different. It is not about treating or avoiding depression: it
is about helping women like you to feel your best.
The tips and information in this booklet
are drawn from the latest research into what helps women excel in their
day-to-day lives. This research suggests that coping skills (such as
flexibility, feeling strong, and optimism), personal traits (high self-esteem),
and resources (spiritual practices and support from family and friends) can
boost women's mental wellness. As women develop these elements in their own
lives, they increase well-being, satisfaction, and their overall quality of
life. While this guide focuses on women's emotional wellness, it also touches
on some of the more common types of depression and anxiety that many women can
face from time to time. It is not intended, however, to help you diagnose or
treat these or other illnesses. If you believe you are suffering from
depression, anxiety, or a more serious mental illness, please see a health care
professional who can help you.
This guide is designed to share this
information with you and to encourage you to adopt some of the tips to improve
your emotional wellness. We hope you find it helpful. When you are finished
with it, please share it with the other women in your life!
Sincerely, Elizabeth M. Duke
Administrator Health Resources and Services Administration U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services |