When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, sometimes it’s a lot to handle. It’s important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.

 

May is Mental Health Month was started 70 years ago by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone. A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It can also help people recover from these conditions. For those dealing with a chronic health condition and the people who care for them, it can be especially important to focus on mental health.

That is why in 2019 we are expanding upon last year’s theme of 4Mind4Body and taking it to the next level, as we explore the topics of animal companionship, spirituality and religion, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness.

 “It is important to really look at your overall health, both physically and mentally, to achieve wellness,” said Chandra Brown Executive Director of Lifelines Counseling Services. “Finding a reason to laugh, going for a walk with a friend, meditating, playing with a pet, or working from home once a week can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy – it’s all about finding the right balance to benefit both the mind and body.”

For more information on May is Mental Health Month, visit MHA’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.

About Lifelines Counseling Services

Started in 1958, our agency envisions building strong families to sustain a healthier community in southwest Alabama.  By empowering individuals and families to live more productive lives through counseling assistance, referrals and education, our agency administers the following comprehensive programs: Family Counseling Center, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, The Rape Crisis Center and United Way 211/Helpline.