I think that, just like with physical health, there are the things we can count (days when we got adequate exercise, or did another therapeutic activity), and the things that count (improved mood, a conflict better managed, etc.)

It’s still inputs and outcomes, I think.

Part of the problem, of course, is that it’s difficult to qualify and quantify our emotional and mental health. We can keep track of weight loss & calories, or how many miles we walked/ran, but what’s the scale for feeling good about ourselves and life? And then how do we analyze the results? When I’m down, it might be the weather or hormones, it might be that there’s a rift in an important relationship, or some burden weighing on me. Sometimes I can do something about it, other times I can’t (and many times I have no idea why I’m feeling so low).

We can, however, talk more openly about where we’re at, and what we’re doing about it. I can say “I recognize my need for some sunshine,” or maybe “I haven’t had any physical exercise all week, and I know that affects my mood.” Last week I shared on Twitter how I had a great talk with my daughter’s teacher, and what great medicine that was. Sharing these things at least moves the dialogue in the direction you’re talking about, I think.
.-= Kristin T. (@kt_writes)´s last blog ..Talking to my kids about death =-.