Month’s Theme is Mental, Physical Health

May is Mental Health Month was started 69 years ago by the national organization Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone.

What we know is that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.

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. When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, sometimes it’s a lot to handle.

So much of what we do physically impacts us mentally. That is why this year’s theme for May is Mental Health Month, chosen by the national Mental Health America, is “Fitness #4Mind4Body” with a call to pay attention to both your physical and mental health, which can help achieve overall wellness and set you on a path to recovery.

The campaign is meant to educate and inform individuals about how eating healthy foods, gut health, managing stress, exercising and getting enough sleep can go a long way in making you healthy all around.

Most of us realize that stress can have a huge impact on all aspects of our health, so it’s important to take time to focus on stress-reducing activities like practicing mindfulness, meditation or yoga, as examples. Eating healthy foods, managing stress, exercising and getting enough sleep can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy.

The National Mental Health America office has developed a series of fact sheets, available at www.mentalhealthamerica. net/may, on the importance of this. We also know that sharing our own experiences and stories of “what works” for our mental health can inspire and encourage others.

Check out Mental Health America Sheboygan’s first “Pop Up Community Quotes Campaign, May is Mental Health Month” edition on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/MHA.Sheboygan or Instagram at www.instagram.com/mha.sheboygan. You’ll find that many local leaders highlighted a physical activity they enjoy for their mental health.

As always, please know Mental Health America in Sheboygan County is your local resource for learning about mental wellness, illness and resources to address both. Please do not hesitate to visit our website to learn more at www.mhasheboygan.org, contact us by email at info@mhasheboygan.org, contact us by phone at (920) 458-3951.

Kate Baer is executive director of Mental Health America in Sheboygan County.