Carol Zuniga, MS, LLP, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc.
January 2025
Mental Wellness is critical to our overall quality of life. January, designated Mental Wellness Month, is a time to promote strategies for maintaining mental well-being. It is a time to leave last year’s baggage behind, unwind from the bustle of the holidays, forgive what didn’t get done, and focus on yourself and your goals for a healthy new year.
Let’s define mental health or mental wellness. According to SAMHSA, mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act, how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Unfortunately, when many people hear mental health, they think of mental illness and all the frightening unknowns about a serious illness.
Like physical health, mental health is something to strive for. It takes time and attention. It waxes and wanes. How much it waxes and wanes is up to us. A physical symptom or weakness, like a headache or a cold, doesn’t make us unhealthy but alerts us to pay attention to a developing disease. Similarly, when we talk about mental health, changes in sleep patterns, social interests, or activities should alert us to act just as a headache would.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health or substance use issues contact Hegira Health call 734-458-4601 or visit www.hegirahealth.org.
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About the author
Carol Zuniga, MS, LLP, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc. is a licensed psychologist with more than 30 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. Hegira Health, Inc., is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services with clinic locations in Western Wayne and the Downriver communities. Visit www.hegirahealth.org.