It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. So we are sharing this perspective recently posted by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Health and Wellness, that explains that Mental Wellness is more than not being mentally ill, and argues that we can all learn a lot from the First Nations perspective on health and wellbeing.

Some important elements of good mental wellness include positive self-esteem, strong cultural identity and connectedness in the presence of a harmonious physical, emotional, mental and spiritual framework.

As taught by their ancestors, First Nations and Inuit know that it is only possible to understand something if they comprehend how it is connected to everything else.

Mental, physical and social health are vital and interconnected strands of life. In an effort to improve any one of these strands, the others must also be acknowledged.

Many First Nations and Inuit value wholeness, as symbolized by the circle of family and community.  Their traditional spirituality is characterized by strong beliefs in the goodness of people and their need for relationships.  They acknowledge the links between people, plants, animals, the earth, the sea and the sky.

First Nations and Inuit conceptualize wholeness to include health and wellness of body, mind, heart, and spirit.

Families share and care for each other, are mutually respectful, and see each other as important.

Their families, communities, and traditions teach and encourage First Nations and Inuit to live in balance, to care for themselves and others, and to restore balance when it is lost. (Source: Mental Health Advisory Committee Strategic Action Plan)

What does wellness mean to you? What are your positive anchors that help you find balance?