Mental health: A lifelong journey and community effort
By Steve Howell, CEO, Northeastern Center
Mental health – it’s a term you may hear or use often, but it can be difficult to define.
That’s because mental health is fluid and dynamic. It includes our emotional well-being, social relationships and inner sense of self. It plays out in our attitudes, opinions and actions, and it impacts our physical health, too. It’s both a highly personal subject and an important public topic.
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month and, while awareness and action shouldn’t be relegated to one month, now is a great time to discuss the meaning and importance of mental health in our community.
As CEO of Northeastern Center, I have the great honor and opportunity to lead an organization dedicated to helping individuals achieve what we describe as “emotional and mental wholeness.”
Services for all walks of life
Northeastern Center offers a variety of services in multiple settings to improve the mental health of 5,000-plus individuals annually. For nearly 50 years, our services have been provided by a skilled group of professionals who will meet you wherever you are on life’s journey.
It’s along that journey where everyone, not just healthcare professionals, can make a difference. From childhood through our senior years, we know there is a powerful connection between mental health, physical health and community.
For children and teens, supportive families, communities and other resources help lay the foundation for lifelong well-being. In these formative years, it’s important to provide early mental health support, help kids develop resilience and show them the value of self-care. We can do this by recognizing early signs of mental health concerns, teaching coping skills to manage emotions, fostering open communication, role-modeling positive behavior and encouraging regular physical activity.
In adulthood, we know that mental and physical well-being remain deeply connected and equally important – taking care of one supports the other. Depression and anxiety increase our risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Healthy habits such as regular activity, good nutrition and quality sleep are needed to support your mental and physical well-being.
Social life plays a role in your health as well. Supportive relationships and connected communities create a sense of belonging and promote mental well-being for all. By connecting with others, you’re improving not just your mental health, but theirs as well.
As we age, our physical health challenges may sometimes overshadow any mental health concerns, which present differently in older adults. One of the best things we can do to support seniors in our community is to spend time with them, continuing to foster those meaningful connections.
Mental health is always important
No matter your age or stage in life, mental health conditions can impact any of us. Mental health is equal opportunity in that regard; there is no discrimination.
The people who receive support at Northeastern Center, or with any healthcare provider, run the gamut in terms of their profession, education, socioeconomic status, or family structure. They are our neighbors, our friends, our bosses and co-workers, and our hairdressers. They are you, and they are me.
So, no matter how you define mental health, or whether you’ve been personally impacted, it’s something that affects our entire community. During Mental Health Awareness Month, and every month, remember that we’re all on this journey together.
Steve Howell is CEO of Northeastern Center and current board chair of the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers. With more than 30 years of experience in the mental health field, he is a licensed mental health and clinical addiction counselor, and he has a master’s degree in human services and a post-graduate certificate in educational psychology.
