Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis is promoting the importance of Wellness and the fact that mental wellness is essential to leading full and productive lives.
Pathways to Wellness is this year’s theme for May is Mental Health Month. It calls attention to strategies and approaches that help all Americans achieve wellness and good mental and overall health.
“Wellness is a very essential component to each of us living a full and productive life,” said NaKaisha Tolbert-Banks, director of education and public affairs with Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis. “We may each have a different idea about what wellness means, but at the root, it simply involves a set of skills and strategies that prevent the onset or shorten the duration of illness and promote recovery and well-being. Mental wellness is truly about keeping oneself healthy as well as getting healthy.”
May is Mental Health Month was started 64 years ago by MHA Indy’s national organization, Mental Health America, to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for everyone.
As a mental health checkup doesn’t necessarily require a special trip to the doctor, there are available online screening tools you can use. To take a free, anonymous screening for depression or anxiety, visit our online screening tool at Mentalhealthscreening.org/screening/MHAINDIANAPOLIS.
Tolbert-Banks said wellness is more than absence of disease. “Wellness involves complete general, mental and social well-being. Our mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being. The fact is our overall well-being is tied to the balance that exists between our emotional, physical, spiritual and mental health.”
She says everyone is at risk of having stress in their lives given the demands it brings and the challenges at work and at home. “Just as we check our blood pressure or get screenings for cancer, it’s a really good idea to take periodic stock of our emotional well-being through self-care. Fully embracing the concept of wellness not only improves our health in the mind, body and spirit, but also maximizes our potential to lead a full and productive life.”
“It’s why pathways to wellness are so important and why we need to spread the word.”
Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis is Indianapolis’ leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. Mental Health America represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation–everyday and in times of crisis. The Mission of MHA Indy is to advance mental health across all communities in Greater Indianapolis through education, advocacy and intervention.
