Mental Heath Month 2018 centers on physical, mental heath connections

May 7, 2018

This article was originally published on The Mountaineer.

Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable. So much of what we do physically impacts us mentally. It’s important to pay attention to both your physical health and your mental health, which can help you achieve overall wellness and set you on a path to recovery.

May is Mental Health Month; organizations all across America are raising awareness about the connection between physical health and mental health through the theme Fitness #4Mind4Body. The campaign is meant to educate and inform individuals about how eating healthy foods, managing stress, exercising and getting enough sleep can go a long way in making you healthy all around.

A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems. It can also play a big role in helping people recover from these conditions.

Getting the appropriate amount of exercise can help control weight, improve mental health and help you live longer and healthier. Recent research also is connecting your nutrition and gut health with your mental health. Sleep also pays a critical role in all aspects of our life and overall health. Getting a good night’s sleep is important to having enough physical and mental energy to take on daily responsibilities. And because stress can have a huge impact on all aspects of health, it is important to take time to focus on stress-reducing activities like meditation and yoga.

Mental health programs such as Meridian Behavioral Health and Appalachian Community Services, NCGcares integrate these medical and wellness services into their services. Mental illnesses are real, and recovery is always the goal.

Living a healthy lifestyle may not be easy, but looking at overall health every day, both physical and mental, can go a long way in ensuring that you focus on your Fitness #4Mind4Body.

For more information, visit mentalhealthamerica.net/may.