Contemporary conversations around health and well-being often focus on the body—nutrition, exercise, skincare, and sleep. While these are undeniably important, one aspect that remains undervalued is mental health.

The Mind-Body Connection: A Pillar of Wellness

In my 50 years as a practicing physician, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of mental well-being on physical health. Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress often manifest physically, whether in the form of skin conditions, digestive issues, or weakened immune function. Addressing mental wellness isn’t just about emotional resilience—it’s about enabling people to live healthier, stronger, more fulfilled lives in every aspect.

Dr. Bernadette Anderson, a friend and fellow advocate for holistic health, has written extensively about the importance of nurturing mental wellness alongside physical health. She emphasizes that mental well-being isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Her 2023 book, Fulfilled: 52 Prescriptions for Healing, Health, and Happiness, gave readers weekly guidance in living a healthier life by prioritizing mental health (mindset, gratitude, forgiveness, acceptance, and more).

In 2024, Dr. Bernadette (as she likes to be called), was selected as a medical advisor to 34 Gallery, an online gallery and outreach program inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3.4, which draws attention to the importance of mental health and well-being.

Goal 3 of the SDGs is to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Target 3.4 aspires to “By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.”

In Dr. Bernadette’s role as medical advisor she is writing a series of monthly articles on ways to practice self-care and nurture one’s own mental well-being. I’m thrilled that she is including one of my 600+ “Insights,” along with one of my paintings, to illustrate each article.

Articles that have been published so far include:

Breathwork: A Prescription for Mental Wellness

Journaling: A Universal Language of Healing

“The Beauty Series, Part 1: Why Does Beauty Have to Hurt?” and

“The Beauty Series, Part 2: Why Does Beauty Have to Hurt?

Creating a Culture of Mental Well-Being

34 Gallery is using art and online articles such as Dr. Bernadette’s to provide comfort, insight, and encouragement to people struggling with mental health issues anywhere and at any time. That is valuable because not everyone has access to mental health providers. And we can all use a little encouragement to develop healthier mental health habits and remind ourselves to stay resilient, especially after a rough day, or week, or month. By utilizing the arts to cultivate self-care, self-esteem, and self-awareness, 34 Gallery is seeking to lower the suicide rate for the 85% of the global population without access to mental health care.

Beyond personal care, to truly embrace mental health as a global priority, we must break the stigma surrounding it. Open conversations, accessible resources, and proactive policies are all important. Governments, workplaces, and communities would do well to recognize that investing in mental health delivers more than individual well-being—it has far-reaching implications for economic stability, productivity, and overall societal health.

A Call to Action

If we are serious about achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, we must acknowledge that sustainable development is about people. And people cannot thrive without mental well-being.

By integrating mental health into public policies and everyday habits, we can create a future where well-being is not just a privilege, but a universal standard. Let’s continue this conversation, support one another, and work toward a world where mental health is given the attention and care it deserves.

That’s #ModernWellness!