Every year, when the calendars flip to April, people begin talking about Spring cleaning. The idea that as winter ends, a fresh, clean start is needed. Many times, spring cleaning is more than just tidying up your yards and living spaces. While on the surface it may seem like just completing a few chores, it has deeper effects. Having a clean and fresh space serves as a refresh for yourself as well. It’s easier to function in a clean space. Taking care of your environment is also a way of taking care of yourself.
Another important part of your environment to take care of is your mind. Your mental health affects you both internally and externally. Sometimes, you may want or need help taking care of your mental health. A great place to start is by speaking with a counselor. April is Counseling Awareness Month. Professional Counselors are a wonderful resource when wanting help coming up with solutions for current problems, gaining insight into yourself, or needing an external sounding board to help process events and happenings in your life that are affecting you.
There are many people in this profession, ready and willing to help others. Counselors can also specialize in certain areas to better support individuals through specific challenges, such as grief. There are many ways to find a counselor. If you feel comfortable, asking friends and/or family for recommendations can be a great way to start. There are also online tools, such as the SAMHSA support locator where you can answer a series of questions and find resources near you or the American Counseling Association’s provider directories.
Counselors serve in many ways, from one-on-one services, leading group therapy sessions, or even in schools. School counselors are a great resource for students. They’re capable of offering support however it’s needed and can connect students and parents to resources outside of the school they may not have been aware of.
One resource available to parents and school personnel across the United States is The Jason Foundation. The Jason Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth and young adult suicide by educating the public. They offer training modules on youth suicide prevention for free on their website by clicking this link Professional Development Series | The Jason Foundation, Inc. or by visiting their website and clicking “Training” at the top. While each module is focused on youth suicide prevention, different related topics are also discussed. For more information, to order materials, view the training modules, or find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office to you, visit www.jasonfoundation.com.
