Being healthy doesn’t just encompass how much you can bench press, what your BMI is, or how many miles you can run. It includes many factors, like physical, spiritual, financial, and mental health. All contributing to overall individual health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website on mental health, one in five Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year, and more than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point during their lives. Depression can increase the risks for physical health problems like diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Chronic conditions can also increase the risk for mental health problems.

Many factors contribute to mental health concerns such as environmental, biological, and life experiences to name a few. Seeking support from the resources available within your community can help with overall health and enhance well-being.

“Mental health can be described as our emotional, psychological, and social well-being,” shared Janell Taylor, LMSW, Regional Director of Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance.

Taking care of ourselves in all aspects of health is important for our overall health. Going for a run or hitting the gym are good ways to burn off stress, gain physical fitness, and for some can be a mental release. Maybe listening to music, singing, dancing, being creative, or meditating are ways you like to unwind and relax. Finding positive coping mechanisms to handle life’s stressful situations is an important factor for good health. Talking with a therapist and checking in on your mental well-being are covered by most insurances, just like seeing your physician, dentist, or any other doctor. Seeking therapy for mental health is becoming more commonplace than it once was.

“I believe there have been great strides made in reducing mental health stigma in the last few years. There is great comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. I think as more people are willing to discuss their experiences with mental health care, the stigma will continue to be reduced,” Taylor shared.

“Mental health contributes to our overall health, and health is more than the absence of illness. Our mission embodies the importance of mental health, that PBCG enables individuals and families to reach their full potential in body, mind, and spirit, using evidence-based counseling and educational services,” explained Taylor.

Having resources like Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance contributes to the health and vitality of a community. PBCG provides access to outpatient mental health counseling, including individual, couples, and family counseling, and veteran case management. Crisis intervention services, including rapid access appointments for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, are also available. In addition, PBCG provides suicide prevention training for a variety of organizations.

With two locations in Artesia to serve the community, Permian Basin Counseling and Guidance provides counseling at the new office on the 3rd floor of First American Bank located at 119 S. Roselawn, Suite 300. It is open by appointment. The second location is at the Bulldog Wellness Center for staff and students at Artesia Public Schools and Lake Arthur Public Schools. “We also offer telehealth appointments for easy access and convenience so coming into an office isn’t required. We offer a sliding scale as we do not want cost to be a barrier to services,” explained Taylor.

Prioritizing mental health care and making it a part of routine wellness visits can be a positive step. Just like any fitness or financial goals, having goals for mental health care puts yourself first and gives you direction in the desire to be the best you that you can be. Wellness of mind, body, and soul aids in whole health.