Mental Health Association sets theme of Mind Your Health for May

Mind Your Health, this year’s theme for May is Mental Health Month, calls attention to the importance of mental health to overall health and wellness.

“We know that mental health is integral to overall health,” said Jim Lafferty, executive director of the Mental Health Association in Delaware.  “People need to care for their mental health so they can respond to the stress of daily life and the challenges it presents. This Mental Health Month, we are encouraging everyone to learn about steps they can take to protect their mental health and balance both mind and body.”

May is Mental Health Month was started 65 years ago by MHA’s national organization, Mental Health America, to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone.

‘When a person has good mental health, they deal better with what comes their way,” Lafferty said. “By contrast, poor mental health, such as feeling overwhelmed by stress, can make even day-to-day life difficult.  Research shows that stress is closely linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity. It also shows that people who feel depressed or chronically stressed may have a greater risk of physical illnesses.”

For more information on May is Mental Health Month, visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.