What’s the difference between Mental Health and Emotional Intelligence?

Mental health and emotional intelligence (EQ) are two important aspects of overall wellbeing, but they are not the same thing. 

Mental health refers to our overall psychological wellbeing, including our ability to manage stress, cope with difficult emotions, and maintain healthy relationships. Mental health can be impacted by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental stressors, and life experiences.

Emotional intelligence, on the other hand, refers to our ability to identify, understand, and regulate our own emotions, as well as recognise and respond to the emotions of others. It encompasses skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and social skills, and is an important aspect of overall emotional wellbeing.

Here are steps we can take to improve our own emotional intelligence:

1. Practicing self-awareness: Pay attention to your own emotions – notice the story that your inner voice is running that underpins the emotions and the behaviour.

2. Developing empathy: Work on understanding the emotions and perspectives of others, and practice active listening and effective communication.

3. Improving emotional regulation: Develop strategies for managing your own emotions, such as breathwork, being out in nature or relaxation techniques.

4. Building social skills: Practice effective listening and communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration with others.

By understanding and developing your emotional intelligence, you can improve your relationships, communication skills, and overall wellbeing, and together we can create a more empathetic and compassionate society.

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