--- title: Taking Care of My Mental Health by Addressing Issues date: 2022-11-12T01:25:34-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-taking-care-of-my-mental-health-by-addressing-issues" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Taking Care of My Mental Health by Addressing Issues SD discusses the role of communication in caring for her mental health and how her concerns have shifted as she's aged. ## Transcript **OBOS Today:** How do you take care of your mental health in other ways, besides activity—physical activity? **SD:** Well, I talk to my husband, I talk to my friends, I try not to keep anything festering for too long, you know. I try and address the issues and not push them down right. Exercising is just a way to deal with the physical effects of anxiety, but how you deal with issues is to address them. To talk about them with whomever they concern and just process it with friends or family whoever you have that's close to you, so it doesn't build up. And I am a “do work” kind of person, so if I’m concerned about something it makes me feel better, if I can do something about it. **OBOS Today:** Do you feel like your mental health has shifted at all in recent years in terms of your process with aging? **SD:** Hmm. It's not aging per se, it's the time of life, it's the life space that you're in. Whereas, you know when I was younger when I had kids at home, I mean I was worried about all that kind of stuff it was just like the active—you know, all that stuff. Now my concerns are broad, you know, and worry is too strong a word. I can't even think of a lesser word. I think about okay, you know, the people in my life, my grown children, “I hope you're happy,” you know, doing what they want to do. You know, the other young people family members in my life, I hope they're happy too. It's that kind of thing. So, I'm less concerned about, “Oh so and so has to go in a class trip, but then I have to take off from work and I have to get this," you know, like all those worries, for a long time. I do think about bigger things, and I think about someday after I retire what will I do? You know, all that so just the minute—gone out the window. Who cares you know? ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health) - [ growing older](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/growing-older) - [ taking care of our mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-mental-health) - [families](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/families) - [stress](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stress) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health. ![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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) Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress) [ResourcesRead ## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient. ![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAD4ElEQVRIiXVWW3brNhADQCZxFtg9dFdd57VFoB8zpOWeU0aRaD0G8wCG5D9//0Vqfs3v7++fx+PxePz+Ph6/j5+fx/fPz9f39/z60pwcA5RJAyu4nMtZ9uV42XEcxEgYECH6LIAkahAg+1on7Ef/N/r1m4H6uU+cFEGSrAnI/cHG5d1YXUKSDEgg9T34AUKk5lMSSUmkKN5GxVaXba9ug0hhgCIBmhAQMGBIhqg3MTUGSY6hIUnsg6DKlXcCyysQO04SIkNISoKECQGmn24AUWNoDGpUQKhYVE7uoyMgK0WAiEhCyjoSAAx0K9/UHKTGHBpD40TQydrpeSN1itWG2ubNepnWrv8cc5IdgcZQZ4qUKo6u2X9JBgERlZBJdvoOAJtPc8xxB+AQx4AEfuRnzxtNREIlCJPkw3pxg+oUjVk11hjUvc7CLUVvpE0Pdd2TEEDRksB2rV1pFqlyM8bOfpf6lPez1CgNMBBZ7uP2Uqn3ABRhBjXevutYVz5ZBDDYSieQU5cbwKFHCQ0lNJEipLfj+whRjqcr19qoXKVF8q7VBwCK+CKp8+g4ni3PY31jdFXTQrwxYZvrFJ3b6PAZEjfZFzXudm+tjsyZ4ygRGwnA3Lb6pc2I8r0nLs5seR6bSO4t8Nbu3rdncThB0Go3YCCgQeVgbGdZmi34uh6apoPK2+PphEASO04c9IE+OsXZjTxo2SbvUN4jDsSNFkzbTTl5Y8TBShSsk6muQzqC9B9wTFVtTQg0qYp2ruXq9aAp05Gjth52NaJ0iz+GO4AqQzo5hIpvu61grusCqQFQlLmswvDbOoIEele37vR/N4la2ZCaoc7gvF4XqGEAghZtLcthQoddfSi3aqYXgH0+jajU7spVSXu+XhdJJ6agybE4Q5uOUgBBEqfWgA1gOOnNxGFuYZR1tQ6u5wviMAJBF+YX1+IKHRaZqqQBHRIHD3Exr38CtVnh6XWVotfzCckTpjAWr6Vl2rsMoQNVU+YOyHBZd5YTw8hhfgexAZ5/npRsmAPj4lxc5rKWK4iSWRAROOvLKuurYZzNXe6Vr3vPfBVAGA7Ob66l5eVcTdYuQ8JWWIKyuJxlN0YlbW87oLPQztfzSclgNPG6eHksy5azDBmVoqJ9s9bZ+VleK+sdxMfKXxFcf57UCAbmpVXDy1nJSiuuBEGA6U5SEdg7iGU72cvnSRTAeT1fHI4GX+u6PJaXa5y2UYqrHVXXoB54ZWM4tt1NE+8Oz7leLzoYS2uNsutsL9G9umXQfEUzs3XQ/ixv5Z29C0LOrAVwF8ptt0hxdmy7peGm5Juc93Bcn233kfwLunZ6KN0pD6AAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Staying Active for My Mental Health SD gives advice to people who struggle with staying active and discusses the relationship with her health and her work as a therapist. ![Susan](data:image/png;base64,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) SD gives advice to people who struggle with staying active and discusses the relationship with her health and her work as a therapist.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-staying-active-for-my-mental-health) [ResourcesRead ## Coping with Triggers This guide explains “triggers,” or what we like to call “activators,” which are things that activate the nervous system into its alert state. ![polina-zimmerman-3958424-2](data:image/png;base64,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) This guide explains “triggers,” or what we like to call “activators,” which are things that activate the nervous system into its alert state.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/coping-with-triggers) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing With Mental Health as I Mature JV discusses how she has grown and matured since starting college, a change that her parents have noted. ![JV](data:image/png;base64,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) JV discusses how she has grown and matured since starting college, a change that her parents have noted.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-as-i-mature) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Talking to My Mom about Birth Control BK discusses the research she did while considering using the birth control pill and how talking to her mom helped her to be even more informed. ![BK](data:image/png;base64,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) BK discusses the research she did while considering using the birth control pill and how talking to her mom helped her to be even more informed.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/talking-to-mom-about-birth-control) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Explaining Why I Wanted to Go on the Pill BK discusses her conversations with her mother and doctor about going on the birth control pill. ![BK](data:image/png;base64,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) BK discusses her conversations with her mother and doctor about going on the birth control pill.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/using-the-pill-to-manage-menstrual-health) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Understanding How Mental Health Affects My Relationships EN discusses how going to therapy has affected her relationships with romantic partners and her parents. ![Emily](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAE/ElEQVRIiZVWwY7duBGsblJ64xnDWQTYSz4xh1zzvTkEQZD1rsdjz5PY3VU5UHpvbC+yCCEQAiVVdVcXm7K//v1vAAxwoM3Z5EKDHDLRIBMBAQJgDnP31rz3vix9XZf1sqzrsl7WebOsfVlaa601c3f8zjD7vVUAgKDvF+Ynt+m4NZs4fntub7FPBgNMJ5B0LEvndecwGGAH7jHDzPod7B6HDGaAQYABMt1i143sXNJbholuZn5M3t9mZ3d0mcFkPnU/wDRxIehMQnoT3R3azN3d3bzjW73P2CfTAW2SJJMEwQQ4XCJvQp2fHIH77XK/S2RnAQwywWEOmWCHEpJk4KE8DZQ4cwF0xj91cXf35m7uXTfPfFcATXTYVJyCKM0MhDI5NVekNxq5ubt5Oyi8f+/DWdWbVqc+kEBCFAAZrEQHJ/FhpzMDfzu6Dp2POMxksqMAOvIABVJFiYAkg0HeWCVSnEaye6HvOnk/fXHW4u76SXCgowgSrMNBALycJDUzhKa2Nkt9q3OnDrec6t78rUN6EhSKYoklUW4AVDODM4lThIPmlKvzNBkl2fna9DhlN/QqVYlJUQ5A8mZZLLKkI5F7IScNzDrJWU8CtGMPEXLqMOINPYtMqmgGwb2xilVkkbpp9bZXGdCzZFM/oAEFtBk8SdKLmAhZzGQFVTRIlLv1rJkES7MepA6mw3o9qwwGgx/oKMhFmyWtQpYymcmIyqiDQPSGJVpmZVayijw5eBafYo/k4XzADQ645KKLKHoVMhnFyIysjGTQIJW7W6yZmVlVWbdxELCKAPrI9NOmsz04MDNoTGYiUxE1omJk7MmgSVzMm5bwiMzIrMw8WLIyq7UycwB9H+lAzdZsZ9s6apCeiUiNrBE5RsZetZdJLPOm5eIjemRG5G1UtqqWCTNJ/TqGw5ajP5zHgCiRlZ6BCI1R+8h9y7hmXulFPri7lotfRo8R95E9srVwc8DY1L9uw2GrgQbZbHwCJLIdBENj1LbXvsX+kvGpPJQf3BqXB9v3NqJHLBEjoke0CG8N5gJasT9fRzNcgDKjHc1IUol9Eoyhfed2zeuXfP1PDpVDj8/mnes7uzy2fe/7WC6jj9GX0Xp3d8AoNW/9H6/bA/DBEGblNjczcSewsWm71utrffkYvyoTBegnuH+s9T0uj/7w2Mbe99HW0ZbdWzNzCUW21pr+/Jcx8mVkRLZIy0ImIhnBMbjtuW3x9TWefxsfXwcxgAByQzm4FtYn66v3xfvirbm7mcNmkxTJZuvP2AJ77iOfR66RNhIjuAe3Udc9v1zj1+d4+TSAt1deoYeB9Z0tD74s3rt5M2/mPn8X5m5o9vk9ngc+DbyEtvy0Rd8D29A2+HXPz9f8+BLx6w4MYAc2YJ9JANyBp7D1vS+rt25top9nIFlkB37B7EPZ8NKA9k/4Bv0EvkMseG34DIBAAgEEUICABlx26POrPb74w6OvF18Wa336p6hl6e6tA799e2SuwPIR9oz6GdcHoJ8nUJ5JDEDACjwB+jfswy/++L5dHnxZrXW406ykrO6t/XgmT4WRwL+ABXgCHCAwgNdvX90AFNqXr/3pa788+nrxvqA1mVHstbi3Zv/jRxQgsAFXYAPih6cBCFiI9uTt8jiNZO7zj5QAyT8g+MMxgMvA+uHaL39q/eJ9lnqeYaL0o0T/99iACERGVmYdrTsrYebCfwECOZx4wMT5FAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) EN discusses how going to therapy has affected her relationships with romantic partners and her parents.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-understanding-how-mental-health-affects-my-relationships)