Are you experiencing health issues, fatigue, anxiety or depressive thoughts? You’re not alone. We all struggle with these same challenges from time to time and we all have feelings about what causes our problems. Some people believe their problems are caused by external circumstances: financial problems, family obligations, work environments, etc. Others internalize their problems, blaming physical, mental or emotional deficiencies within themselves.

The truth is usually somewhere in between internal and external. What’s important to realize is the part we play in our own healing. We can begin the healing process by stepping back and looking at the big picture of our life. When we objectively examine our thoughts, feelings, external circumstances and lifestyle choices, we find many factors we can control to affect positive change in our life.

When struggling with health or emotional problems, it’s wise to consider the following areas of your life:

• Has there been any physically or emotionally traumatic event in your life?

Emotional trauma or stressful events can leave a lasting effect on our brains. Therapies such as counseling, psychotherapy, behavioral therapies or homeopathic remedies can help release emotional trauma. By releasing emotional trauma, we begin to experience life from a place of strength, openness and authenticity.

• Is a biological or chemical imbalance affecting your emotions?

Our minds are affected by hormones, neurotransmitters and many other chemical messengers floating around our bodies. Neurotransmitters and hormones are directly influenced by the foods we eat, environmental toxins and the health of our organs. In particular, our liver, adrenal glands, thyroid gland and digestive system affect, and are affected by, our mood.

• Is there a stressful situation in your life that’s interfering with your ability to find peace, health and happiness?

Our bodies have a magnificent built-in system for dealing with stress. This system dates to prehistoric humans and was essential for preserving life. Called ‘the flight or fight response’, our bodies have an innate ability to speed up certain processes and slow down or stop other processes to enable us to respond quickly to life-threatening situations. In modern life however, we are rarely threatened with life or death. Most of our threats are perceived. These include things like stressful and demanding work, family conflict or financial problems. Our body’s primitive response to these stressors can begin to break down our emotional resiliency and physical health.

• Are you making lifestyle choices that are interfering with your emotional health?

Unhealthy habits can interfere with emotional health. They also take up time that could be spent on activities that build us up emotionally and improve health. Why not fill your free time with activities such as exercise, reading inspirational books, meditation, yoga, journaling and making meaningful social connections. These types of activities enhance your sense of wellbeing, rather than deplete your energy.

Any challenge we face in life is well-served by considering the big picture. The sooner we become aware of the many factors affecting our health and wellbeing, the sooner we can change what’s under our control to affect positive change.