Mental Health is Health

Mental health has been stigmatized for decades, but slowly there seems to be more of a recognition that mental health is health.  It is widely accepted that the state of one’s mental health determines their overall health and wellbeing.  Mental health can be defined as a person’s “social, psychological, and emotional well-being” and this means that one’s mental health impacts their thoughts, behaviors, interactions, decisions, and even how they manage stress.  When we do not give ourselves the opportunity to care for our mental health everything in our life can suffer.  

A person who is invested in their physical health will tend to workout, diet, and make sure they go to the doctor; A person who cares for their spiritual wellbeing will likely attend Church regularly, meditate, and find time to connect with like minded individuals. Unfortunately, when it comes to mental health, people tend to dismiss how they truly feel, and suppress their thoughts and feelings.  The stressors of our current reality creates a need for mental health to be a top priority! It is time to change the way mental health is viewed and normalize the need to obtain assistance when it is needed. 

As Mental Health Professionals, we have an obligation to stress the importance of maintaining a healthy mental state and encourage everyone to reach out if they’re unsure how to navigate their mental health. We can no longer bash or shame ourselves or others for taking care of one of the most important parts of our being… our mental health.  

Learning how to cope with stressors, manage emotions, handle the effects of traumas, and find our deeper selves should never be seen as weakness. Investing in our mental wellbeing should rather be seen as a great act of bravery, commitment, joy, and healing.  

Mental health is the beginning to the healthy and prosperous life that we all desire. If you are unsure of how to take care of your mental health our doors are open to help you begin the journey. 

Karla Lusane

“There is no health without mental health.” – David Satcher