Caring for your mood is caring for your health

Sometimes the body is fine, but the mood is not. You feel sad, tired or unmotivated, and you don't quite know why.

It happens to many people, and it has a name: your emotional health. Taking care of it matters as much as taking care of your blood pressure or blood sugar.

Signs worth listening to

• You no longer enjoy what you used to like.
• You sleep much more, or can hardly sleep.
• You feel without energy almost every day.
• You often feel like crying, or everything makes you angry.
• It is hard to leave the house or see other people.

If any of these signs lasts several weeks, it is time to talk to someone.

What you can do today

Talk to someone you trust. A daughter, a neighbor, a friend. Saying what you feel out loud already helps.

Keep your routines. Getting up at the same time, eating on time and taking a short walk, if you can, help your mood.

Use your therapy. Your SaludCompartida plan includes therapy by video or phone. Talking to a psychologist is not only for "serious cases": it is for when the load feels heavy.

Talk with Lupita. Lupita calls to see how you are and to listen. She is an AI companion: she does not replace a psychologist, but she keeps you company and reminds you that you have someone to talk to.

If you are thinking about hurting yourself

You are not alone. Call Línea de la Vida at 800 911 2000. It is free and answers at any hour. In an emergency, call 911.