Without question, mental health is foundational to our overall well-being. It’s not separate from our health, it IS health.
When we talk about “More Good Days in Maine” during Mental Health Awareness Month, it's not about the absence of a struggle, but the presence of connection, purpose, and small moments of peace, like a quiet sunrise during a morning walk or a warm cup of coffee with a neighbor. This May, we invite you to pause a moment and ask yourself, "What does a good day look like to me?"
The truth is, it’s okay to not be okay, and there should be no shame in facing our mental health issues with the same self-compassion we would extend to ourselves with any other illness. If you find yourself struggling with your mental health, Northern Light Health encourages you to seek support, whether from a loved one, a trusted friend, or a mental health professional, because reaching out is a strength, not weakness.
Charmaine Patel, MD, chief medical officer, Northern Light Acadia Hospital, agrees. "I’ve spent years working in the field of mental health, and here is what I have learned: your mental health is your health. It’s not separate, and it’s not something to push aside. When you’re struggling, your body feels it too. Reaching out and talking to someone isn't falling apart, it's taking care of yourself, plain and simple. And that’s something to be proud of."
To find resources and other helpful information, including an online self-screening mental health assessment tool and tips you can use to improve and maintain your mental wellness, visit northernlighthealth.org/behavioral.