By: Madison Houser
September is all about new beginnings. It’s the beginning of a new school year and a new season, and many people begin new routines that will carry them through the rest of the year. It’s a transitional period and, rightfully so, was deemed National Self-Improvement Month.
With all of the new beginnings September has to offer, individuals can easily slip into the September state of mind. This outlook includes constantly focusing on bettering our routine, feeling like we need to be productive, and looking at the big picture of the future rather than what we have in front of us right now. The September state-of-mind sounds a lot like self-improvement, but it is intangible goals disguised as self-improvement.
Parkland College counselor, Marya Burke, thinks that self-improvement is crucial, but perhaps even more important is knowing where and how to start. Burke said, “You have to know yourself thoroughly enough to really know what you want to improve. Then, take time to identify small, tangible actions you can take to begin self-improvement.” It is easy to get overwhelmed with the vast amount of self-improvement opportunities and ideas, but we must take it slow and day by day. Al Pacino would agree. He once said, “I believe in one day at a time; you’ve got today, that’s what you’ve got.”
Taking self-improvement day-by-day allows us to avoid falling into the trap of destination addiction, or believing that happiness is in the destination rather than in the journey itself. We must understand that self-improvement is never-ending. There will always be opportunities and areas in life we can improve if we want to. It can be hard to navigate- especially if you struggle with mental health and because of the stigma that surrounds mental health. Burke believes that the stigma surrounding mental health comes from people not wanting to pay attention to it. She said, “We tend to only pay attention if it immediately affects us.” Also, Burke spoke on how mental health is not taught at an early age resulting in many people who lack basic understanding and knowledge of how important it is. Burke said, “We learn a lot about food and nutrition when we’re little. We know that it’s important to eat the right number of fruits, vegetables, grains, etcetera… but when it comes to mental health, we don’t learn a lot about how to take care of ourselves in that way.”
September also happens to be National Suicide Prevention Month. Because of this, Burke offers tips on how to cope with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts:
- Recognize that where you are in this present moment is temporary, and it will get better.
- Do not hold it in, instead talk to someone about your struggles.
- Take it one day at a time.
- Do things that help you take your mind off your thoughts.
Burke also offered some tips for helping a friend who is struggling with anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts:
- Listen to your friend without making judgments or jumping to conclusions.
- Reflect on what you hear your friend say to understand what their words and feelings mean to them.
- If a friend does not come to you about their struggles but you worry about them, have a conversation with them. Sometimes people don’t realize they have a safe person to talk to and hold it all inside. Open yourself up as a safe space for your friend.
- If needed, help your friend seek support. It can be hard to get help on your own, so being there for your friend as they take steps to get the help they need can be a great way to support them.
Parkland College’s Counseling Support Center offers many great resources to assist Parkland students with self-improvement and mental health. They have short-term counseling and can make referrals for students who may need long-term counseling services. Burke said, “We also have a peer support group called ‘Get Real Peer Support’ which is an online safe space to connect with peers, share your experiences, and find new ways to cope.” The Counseling Support Center also has a student organization called the Body/Mind Alliance, which dedicates itself to spreading information on everything about mental health. This organization also hosts workshops and events to help you learn how to take care of yourself.
Photo credit: Parkland College Facebook
To learn more about Parkland’s Counseling Support Center and all of its resources, visit their website: https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Counseling-Services/Counseling-Support-Center.
And remember: you are loved, and you are important. Take care of yourself.
