Watch this video and learn about many of the helpful mental health resources available to you and your family to help everyone age well, age wisely, in Colorado. And here is some great information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) : “Why is mental health important for overall health? Mental and physical health are equally important components of overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness. ‘Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. ‘What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. ‘Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.”