May is Mental Health Month: Pathways to Wellness

Pathways to Wellness -- this year’s theme for May is Mental Health Month — calls attention to strategies and approaches that help all Americans achieve wellness and good mental and overall health.

“Wellness is more than absence of disease,” said Larry Meredith, Ph.D., Director of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services. “It involves complete general, mental and social well-being. Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being.”

Meredith said conditions such as depression are common — roughly 1 in 5 Americans have a mental health condition -- and are extremely treatable.

“Just as we check our blood pressure and get cancer screenings, it’s a good idea to take periodic stock of our emotional well-being,” he said. “One recent study said everyone should get their mental health checked as often as they get a physical.  There are also online screening tools you can use.”

Strategies that promote resiliency and prevent mental health and substance use conditions lead to improved general health and a healthier society.  Marin has several inspiring community programs at the County’s Health and Wellness Campus in San Rafael.  For example, the Enterprise Resource Center and Buckelew Employment Programs provide vital support for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Since the 1980s, the Enterprise Resource Center has been a peer-run, drop-in center operated free to the public by Community Action Marin. The center, located at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus, has peer counselors, a telephone support line, daily activities and drop-in groups including art and writing. Barbara Coley, Enterprise Program Director, said the program “helps residents go from isolation to connection.”

May is Mental Health Month was started 64 years ago by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for everyone.