Emotional health and wellness are related to how well a person meets her or his basic human needs. There are two categories of basic human needs. Choose...biologicalgrowthmaintenancemental needs involve physical safety and survival; Choose...biologicalgrowthmaintenancemental needs involve social belonging, self-esteem, and mental, psychological and spiritual stimulation. Fundamental to meeting one's basic needs is having thoughts, beliefs and attitudes that are realistic. These form the basis of appropriate actions. Thoughts, beliefs and attitudes that are subject to one's mental awareness are called Choose...cognitionsconsciousunderlying ideasunconscious. On the other hand, thoughts, beliefs and attitudes that are not subject to one's mental awareness are called Choose...cognitionsconsciousunderlying ideasunconscious. To deal with the emotional distress that occurs when basic needs are not being met, a person can call upon her or his Choose...coping strategiesunconscious beliefsdefense mechanismspast experiences, of which there are three kinds: attack head-on; avoid, and adapt. Occasionally dealing with reality is emotionally overwhelming or psychologically threatening, in which case the mind can call into play Choose...maintenance needsunconscious thoughtsreasoningdefense mechanisms, which distort reality to the point of lessening emotional distress. To help clarify reality and deal with associated emotions, people can seek help from counselors, psychologists, and other mental health helpers.