Mental Health Week, May 2-8, is a time to reflect and honour what mental health and wellness means to us as First Nations people. Each Nation, community and individual has their own experiences, culture, and needs, so each wellness journey is unique. As First Nations people, wellness is holistic. Mental health is connected to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. When one part is out of balance, it can affect all other parts.
Taking care of your mental health is about finding balance and harmony in all areas of life. We can support our wellness by drawing from our teachings, wise practices, ancestral practices, and Western medicine. This is known as Two-Eyed Seeing; taking the best from both to support our health and healing.
As First Nations people, a key part of working towards mental health and wellness is acknowledging and healing the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma that we have experienced and continue to experience today. This is a lifelong journey that many of us are on; it is not a linear path, nor does it look the same for everyone.
Learning from our Elders is important
Our Elders have many wise teachings to help us stay healthy. At the 2024 Elders Gathering, FNHA asked Elders to share their wisdom on caring for their wellness. These teachings guide and ground us as we continue on our own paths to healing. Their top teachings included:
- Drinking lots of water
- Eating healthy
- Staying active with exercises like Pilates, walking or biking
- Staying busy - exercising, sewing or reading
- Going on adventures
- Practicing gratitude
- Working to manage chronic illnesses like diabetes
- Walking with other Elders on the lands
- Keeping speech and mind free from criticism and negative thoughts
- Making sure to speak positively about oneself and others
- Spending time outdoors walking in the forest and along the beach
- Speaking with a therapist
- Going to a powwow or a ceremony
- Hanging out with family or friends
- Meditating
Life can be busy with family, work, and community responsibilities. Sometimes we need extra support to prioritize our mental health. Wellness can start with something as simple as doing something that brings you joy. This Mental Health Week, we encourage you to try a wellness tip shared by an Elder. It may support your mental health this week and in the future.
