Letter to the Editor
Chronicle-Journal Thunder Bay
May 6, 2005
Fitness involves mind as well as body
This is Mental Health Week with the theme "Mind and Body Fitness." The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office would like to challenge the community to not only think of "fitness" as physical exercise but to also think about nurturing our mental health. Practicing fitness centers on a healthy mind, body and spirit. Both are essential for a well-balanced life, for maintaining a positive attitude, enhancing self-esteem and confidence and developing the resilience needed to deal with the stresses we encounter in our daily lives.
Just as good physical health gives us more strength to combat injury or illness, good mental health helps us to achieve balance and cope with stress. Taking care of our mental health on a regular basis helps us to develop a higher level of mental fitness.
We can also assist others in practicing mind and body fitness, by supporting individuals with mental illness in their quest for wellness and recovery. We can take an active part in promoting a greater understanding of mental illness. By raising our awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness, we can create a more inclusive, care and accepting community. We all have a role to play!
Juanita Lawson
Patient Advocate
Thunder Bay
Carolyn Croft
Rights Adviser
Thunder Bay
