There is a clear and critical need to care for mental and physical health simultaneously. Understanding this connection and synergy is vital to overall wellness.

You can improve your symptoms by learning about how your body systems interact -- and by effectively managing both the physical effects of mental illness and the lifestyle options that can help you feel better overall.

Hearts & Minds is a free, 5-session class for any adult living with a mental health condition. The class focuses on the relationship between mental health and physical health, emphasizing that the best possible mental health recovery requires attention to all aspects of your health.

Upcoming Class: Tuesdays, Oct. 1-Oct. 29 | 6-8 pm
Location: NAMI Fox Valley | 211 E. Franklin St., Appleton

Space is limited and registration is required. To register, click the "register here" button below or click here.

For questions, contact Vicki Rivera, Peer & Family Program Director, at vicki@namifoxvalley.org or (920) 740-4565.

Mental health is physical health

It's time to correct the idea that mental and physical health are separate health conditions.

The best possible mental health recovery requires attention to all aspects of your health.

You are complex, unique, and interconnected from head to toe. You are a "whole" human being — not a medical condition or a mental health diagnosis. You are not alone, and you are not powerless.

You can improve your symptoms by learning about how your body systems interact, and by effectively managing both the physical effects of mental illness, and the lifestyle options that can help you feel better overall.

You'll gain information and tools that can help you plan and achieve recovery goals and better overall health...

  • How to advocate for your health
  • How physical and mental health are specifically connected
  • Gut health and how nutrition can affect the brain
  • Current information on the interplay of diet and fitness — and how they can influence your symptoms
  • Effective methods for managing the side effects of medication
  • Substance abuse and smoking cessation
  • How to gain a greater sense of control over how you feel