Happy?

Feeling okay?

Did you know that “OKAY” is a phrase used to ask someone if they are feeling fine, especially when one suspects they may not be?

What does it mean to feel okay?

• It may mean I’m happy or feeling sad
• It might mean I’m feeling good or really bad.

Let’s find out some more about feeling okay. Take this brief, fun quiz.

Feeling Angry?

Feeling angry is a normal, healthy response to a threat and may be used for a constructive purpose. When anger becomes uncontrollable or is unexpressed, it may lead to negative consequences.

• Your body has several ways of letting you know when you are getting too angry. Some common feelings may include:
• Your heart feels like it's racing—it beats very fast and may even feel like it's pounding in your chest, or pounding in your head.
• Your body temperature increases—you feel hot and may sweat a lot.
• Your muscles tighten—your body feels tense and on edge
• Your body temperature increases—you feel hot and may sweat a lot
• You may develop a headache – you may feel like your head is pounding or pulsating

Are there some situations that make you feel particularly angry?

Think about the last few times you became really angry. Do you know exactly what it was that made you angry? Was it justified or did you feel you had a right to be angry? How did you feel? By becoming more aware of what upsets you, and how you feel when you are angry, you can take control of it before it takes control of you. 

Here are some helpful ideas

Feeling depressed?

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It can mean severe and long-lasting periods of low mood that eventually hinder your ability to live a normal life and/or maintain healthy relationships.

Some common signs of depression include
(Stanford Children’s Health)

• Intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Irritability
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering things
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Sleeping too much or too little

Getting Help

Please seek professional help if you think you or someone you know may be experiencing depression.

Feeling stressed?

Stress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stress is your body's reaction to a challenge or demand. Did you know that stress can be positive, such as when it helps you avoid danger or meet a deadline?

Emotional symptoms of stress include

• Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
• Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
• Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
• Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
• Avoiding others

Physical symptoms of stress include

• Low energy
• Headaches
• Upset stomach, including diarrhoea, constipation, and nausea
• Aches, pains, and tense muscles
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Frequent colds and infections
• Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
• Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
• Clenched jaw and grinding teeth

Cognitive symptoms of stress include

• Constant worrying
• Racing thoughts
• Forgetfulness and disorganization
• Inability to focus
• Poor judgment
• Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side

Behavioural symptoms of stress include

• Changes in appetite -- either not eating or eating too much
• Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
• Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes

Feeling stressed?

Here’s what you can do

• Take a walk
• Meditate
• Read a book
• Listen to music
• Relax

If the source of your stress is due to a medical condition, you may want to talk to your parent/ guardian or your healthcare professional.