April is Counseling Awareness Month, a time to remember the importance of taking care of your mental well-being and to support counselors in their work. Tomorrow, Friday, April 9, is Teal Day – a day that everyone is encouraged to wear teal as an outward symbol of advocacy and hope for counselors in the professions.

Counseling can help people cope with trauma, grief, life changes and major mental health concerns. Counseling is also beneficial for self-understanding, personal growth, career exploration, communication skills, improving relationships and finding solutions for daily concerns. Counselors support, encourage, validate, provide education, teach skills and sometimes challenge people in order to help them reach their goals.

Take time this month to encourage yourself and others in your life to address any mental well-being needs. If you have a few moments, consider dropping a note of encouragement to the staff in counseling services at counsel@mst.edu as they continue to work hard to support our campus community.