“To Be Healthy As A Whole, Mental Wellness Plays A Role”

We all have physical and mental health. For some of us, due to genetics, biological make up, trauma, or life triggers, our mental and emotional health can alter or develop into a mental illness. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". One in five Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime and every American is affected or impacted through their friends and family and can do something to help others (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! The City of Lakewood’s Department of Human Services, the Lakewood Area Collaborative, and the Lakewood Senior Collaborative are dedicated to creating a compassionate community where we create space to hold conversations related to mental health and promote positive mental wellness for all residents.

As we age, change is hard to escape. Common changes we experience occur in all areas of our lives-health, abilities, relationships, living situations, or finances. These changes can often have challenging or negative effects on our mental and emotional health. Whether changes are sudden or gradual, often times it can be a struggle to find ways to cope with change in a positive way that increases our overall wellness and outlook on life.

Throughout the month of May, the City of Lakewood’s Division of Aging will focus on raising awareness and offering activities that enhance the overall mental wellness of older adults in our community. Learn about the power of nature, try a guided meditation, join us for a walk in the park, give your brain a workout with trivia, or have a cup of tea while discussing the importance of gratitude. These activities will be focused on engaging our residents in exploring ways to increase their mental, physical and emotional wellness through education, volunteering, art, music, nutrition, exercise, and much more.

Never been to the Senior Center? Now is a great time to check it out! Bring a friend and try something new to help strengthen your mind, body and spirit.

We are proud to be partnering with NAMI of Greater Cleveland, North Coast Health, Nature’s Bin, Beck Center for the Arts, Greater Cleveland Volunteers, ESOP (Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People).                                

To find a listing of events please visit the city’s website: http://www.onelakewood.com/findget/programs-for-seniors 

Or the Lakewood Ohio Division of Aging Facebook Page.

Questions? Contact: Katie Kurtz at (216) 529-5011 or Katherine.Kurtz@lakewoodoh.net.

Katie Kurtz

Katie Kurtz serves in the Department of Human Services for the City of Lakewood. Ms. Kurtz is the chair of the Lakewood Area Collaborative's Mental Health Awareness Committee and leads the Lakewood Senior Collaborative. 

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Volume 12, Issue 9, Posted 3:24 PM, 04.26.2016