Welcome to The Local Optimist Digest, your crib sheet for the latest news in mental health. Whether you want to know how the government is (or is not) investing in our well-being, discover the latest research on how the mind impacts the body, or find out which celebrities are helping continue the conversation by opening up about their own mental health struggles, we’ll be covering it all here every week. This week, we’re looking at how to overcome self-directed anger, why we feel chest pain when anxious, and what being a ‘highly sensitive person’ actually means.

Self-Directed Anger: What it is and How to Stop

Have you ever experienced flashbacks from your past that bring back feelings of shame and self-criticism? The memories may be from days ago. They may be from years ago. But both stem from the inability to let go of and accept the past. If this feels uncomfortably familiar, you are struggling with the psychological phenomenon of self-directed anger. Unfortunately, self-directed anger does not help us accomplish anything, it only holds us back. So how can we learn to cut ourselves a break, move forward with self-compassion, and find healthier ways to cope with our past? READ.

Why Your Chest May Hurt When You Feel Anxious

Symptoms of anxiety can manifest in different mental and physical ways and vary from person to person. If you have ever struggled with anxiety, you may have experienced a common symptom: chest pain. But have you ever wondered why your chest begins to hurt when you're anxious? A clinical psychologist chimes in, talking about why and how our chest muscles brace themselves to protect our bodies when anxiety strikes. READ.

How Influencers Help and Harm Mental Health Conversations Online

Having open and honest mental health conversations is as important as ever. On social media, celebrities and influencers play a key role in starting these discussions within and beyond their communities of friends, followers and fans. However, people are beginning to notice some social media accounts and influencers talk about depression and other mental health conversations in a way that is more harmful than helpful. READ.

How to Let Go of Guilt

1. Take Action. Make a decision to lessen the guilt in some way, shape, or form.

2. Practice Self-Compassion. Beating yourself up heightens the stress. Self-compassion helps you focus and get through the day with greater ease and peace.

3. Develop A Growth Mindset. Think of yourself as constantly developing and evolving. Thank the guilt for whatever it is it wanted to show you and then try to move on.

4. Acknowledge & Examine. Create space in your mind between you and the overriding emotion. When you feel guilt coming on, acknowledge it, take a step back, and examine why it might have shown up.

Read MORE.

What it Means to Be a 'Highly Sensitive Person’

According to psychologists, the term ‘highly sensitive person’ (HSP) is someone whose nervous system is more reactive to and affected by their environment. Experts want to make clear that it is a personality trait, not a mental health diagnosis. It is, however, a very real experience for many. If you consider yourself an HSP or think you are one, experts say there are some signs to consider. And even if you do or don’t identify with the HSP label, noticing the ways in which you are sensitive can help you develop strategies to make life less overwhelming. READ.

Human Rights Watch

It’s National Human Rights Month. Although it is important to do so every month of the year, in December we are encouraged to stand up for equality, justice, and the dignity of all humans. We are excited to highlight Human Rights Watch, an international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights. To donate or learn more about Human Rights Watch, head HERE.

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