#4Mind4Body Focuses on Fitness 'Head to Toe, Inside and Out' During Mental Health Awareness Month in May
When we talk about health, we can't just focus on heart health, or liver health, or brain health without addressing whole health. We have to see the whole person, and make use of the tools and resources that benefit minds and bodies together.
This year, Mental Health America's (MHA) May is Mental Health Month theme is Fitness #4Mind4Body, focusing on what we as individuals can do to be fit for our own futures '" no matter where we happen to be on our own personal journeys to health and wellness.
New this year: MHA is asking people to take the #4Mind4Body Challenge as we challenge ourselves each day to make small changes '" both physically and mentally '" to create huge gains for our overall health and well-being.
Follow MHA on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for the challenge of the day and share your successes by posting with #4Mind4Body. There is also a web page collecting posts with #4Mind4Body for people to see what others are doing as part of the challenge.
Wendy Germond, eBizDocs, is one of several William B. Joslin Award recipients who exemplifies how meaningful employment empowers workers with mental health disabilities to live more fulfilled lives.
She likes her job because "it gives me an opportunity to be an outstanding employee who is valued for the hard work and dedication to my employer."
Wendy's life was typical until the age of 13, when her father committed suicide. "The day our dad killed himself was the day my sister and I lost our mental health," Wendy says. "But, I have always been pulled forward, out of the darkness by a strong support system, including a tight network of friends and the church."
Wendy attributes her slow recovery of health and well-being to several factors:
- Volunteering at Empowerment Exchange, a peer support program dedicated to encouraging recipients of mental health services find their personal power and voice.
- Finding employment at eBizDocs. "eBizDocs gets me out of the house. I am surrounded by people and a sense of community. eBizDocs has strengthened my opinion of myself and what I am able to do."
- Meeting and working with the Rensselaer County Department of Mental Health, which helped her move into her own apartment.
What's more, Wendy was invited to share her story with the Rensselaer County Legislature last May during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Since 1949, MHA has led the observance of May is Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings.
Download the 2018 May is Mental Health Month toolkit at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may and spread the word that mental health is something everyone should care about.
NYSID celebrates the efforts of MHA and our member agencies and corporate partners to help increase opportunities for individuals living with mental illness. #MHM2018 #4Mind4Body #mentalhealthmonth