We often think of symptoms as physical concerns, like a headache or a backache. But symptoms can come in all forms. Here is a list of how symptoms may manifest themselves:

• Physical (e.g., headaches, stomach aches, bodily pains, dizziness, etc.)
• Emotional (e.g., sadness, excessive crying, excessive anger, feeling blue, etc.)
• Cognitive (e.g., inability to think, difficulty remembering, lack of concentration, etc.)
• Behavioral (e.g., overeating, smoking, insomnia, drug and alcohol use, etc.)
• Interpersonal (e.g., wanting to be left alone, difficulty communicating with others, etc.)
• Spiritual (e.g., losing a sense of meaning and purpose in life, etc.)

Remember, first you acknowledge them. Often symptoms suggest that you are in need of replenishment, such as the need for rest, better quality sleep, more nutritious foods, or time away from those things that are requiring a lot of your energy. Secondly, symptoms may suggest that there is something wrong and that you need the attention and help of a professional who can address your needs. Both of these situations can be easily managed if you heed what your body, mind and spirit are trying to convey.

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