 As August rolls in, we find ourselves in the heart of National Wellness Month—a time dedicated to embracing wellness in all its forms. This month serves as a powerful reminder that our well-being is not just about physical health, but also about nurturing our mental, emotional, and spiritual selves.
Wellness is a concept we often talk about, but how often do we truly practice it? In the hustle of our daily lives, it is easy to let our own well-being take a back seat. We prioritize work, family, and the endless to-do lists, often neglecting the most important relationship we have—the one with ourselves. National Wellness Month is an invitation to pause and reflect on how we can create a more balanced, fulfilling life. It’s about more than just hitting the gym or eating right; it’s about fostering a holistic approach to our well-being. For me, wellness starts with awareness—awareness of my needs, my limits (boundaries), and the things that bring me joy. It’s about checking in with myself regularly, asking the simple yet profound question: How am I really doing? And then, having the courage to honor the answer. This month is an opportunity to explore new ways to support your well-being. Maybe it’s about establishing a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day, or perhaps it’s about setting boundaries that protect your time and energy. Wellness might mean dedicating time to activities that nurture your soul—whether it’s a walk in nature, a creative hobby, or simply moments of stillness and meditation. As a therapist, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of prioritizing wellness. When we make the intentional choice to care for ourselves, we not only improve our own lives but also enhance our ability to care for others. There’s a ripple effect—when we are well, we show up more fully in our relationships, our work, and our communities. During National Wellness Month, I encourage each of you to take a step back and reflect on your own wellness journey. What areas of your life could use more attention? What small changes can you make to enhance your overall well-being? Remember, wellness is not a destination—it’s a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s about finding what works for you, honoring your unique needs, and making self-care a non-negotiable part of your daily life. Let’s use this month as a catalyst for positive change. Let’s commit to small, sustainable practices that nourish our mind, body, and spirit. Whether it’s prioritizing sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, fostering meaningful connections, or setting boundaries by saying “no”, every step we take towards wellness is a step towards a more vibrant, fulfilling life. Here’s to embracing National Wellness Month with open hearts and open minds. May this be a time of renewal, reflection, and recommitment to our well-being—because we are worth it. Happy National Wellness Month!. Make it a month to remember and a foundation for lifelong wellness. Remember you are a masterpiece AND a work in progress!! Until next time, Cherie Edwards, MA, LPC-S
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 Recently, I was asked “How do I support my child’s "Lifestyle" Choice?”
As we celebrate Pride Month, it is an important time to reflect on acceptance, love, and support, especially when it comes to our children and their "lifestyle" choices. Navigating the journey of understanding and supporting your child's LGBTQ+ identity can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to deepen your bond and help them thrive mentally and emotionally. Here are some insights and tips on how to be there for your child.
Supporting your child’s LGBTQ+ identity during Pride Month and beyond is a journey of love, learning, and growth. By fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding, you can significantly impact your child's mental health and happiness. Remember, the most important thing you can do is to love them unconditionally and stand by their side as they navigate their unique path. Let's celebrate Pride Month by embracing diversity and supporting our children in their authentic selves. Love is love, and every child deserves to feel loved and accepted for who they are.  You know, she’s on antidepressants.
I heard he takes meds for anxiety. My coworker is so bipolar. My boss is a narcissist. THEY say, she went to the psych ward… These are just a few comments I’ve been told that people have overheard whispered about others AT WORK. Have you heard comments like these in the workplace? It never ceases to amaze me the insensitive, callous, rude, and downright mean things said about people with mental illness. As a professional counselor, I have made it my personal mission to decrease the shame and stigma associated with all things related to mental health. Since May is Mental Health Awareness month, let’s start with a few statistics to raise awareness.
Why do we have a whole month dedicated to conversation about Mental Health?
The shame and stigma associated with mental health is related to the many myths about mental illness. One MYTH that I’d like to dispel is that people with mental illness can’t handle work or school. The fact is stressful situations can be difficult for all people, not just those who live with mental illness. People with mental health conditions have jobs, go to school, and are active members of their communities. With effective treatment, people with mental illnesses can be just as productive as other employees. They have good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees. Back to the mission… Decreasing shame and stigma and how YOU can help. If you are in a room with people who were very similar to you (e.g., a room full of individuals sharing your characteristics such as sexual orientation, race, religion, etc.), and a conversation begins where another demographic group is being disparaged, and your best friend belongs to the population being discussed, how do you respond? Would you sit by silently or would you speak up to defend those not present? Decreasing shame and stigma starts with you. It starts with not allowing the negative stereotypes, dismissive comments, or insensitive jokes about mental illness in your presence. Considering that 1 in 5 adults is living with a mental illness, it is likely that someone is listening and absorbing what you really think about them because your silence will seem like agreement. One of the major barriers to people receiving much needed mental health services is being afraid of what other people will say or think. SO, in the same way that you would for your Black, gay, Hispanic, trans, Muslim or whatever category represents your best friend, SPEAK UP, do not listen to people making jokes or saying unkind things about people with mental illness. Speak up for your family, church members, coworkers, and yes, even your best friend with mental illness. Remember you are a masterpiece AND a work in progress!! Until next time, Cherie Edwards, MA, LPC-S  As we step into the blossoming month of April, I couldn't be more thrilled to share with you something near and dear to my heart – Counseling Awareness Month. Yes, it's time to shine a light on the incredible journey towards mental health and wellness.
You see, April isn't just about blooming flowers and warmer weather (although those are pretty fantastic too!). It's about acknowledging the importance of mental health and the transformative power of counseling in our lives. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. "Counseling? Isn't that for people with serious issues or problems?" Well, let me tell you, counseling is for everyone. Whether you're navigating life's challenges, seeking personal growth, or simply in need of someone to talk to, counseling offers a safe space to explore, heal, and thrive. In a world that often glorifies busy schedules and constant hustle, taking care of our mental and emotional well-being can sometimes take a backseat. But here's the truth –prioritizing self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. Counseling can play a pivotal role in your journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. So, why exactly is Counseling Awareness Month worth celebrating? It's a reminder that help is available and that reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's a time to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about our struggles and triumphs. It's an opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work of counselors who dedicate their lives to supporting others on their path to healing. This April, let's make a commitment to ourselves and our communities. Let's prioritize our mental health, embrace vulnerability, and seek support when we need it. Whether it's through individual therapy, support groups, or simply reaching out to a friend, let's take steps towards holistic wellness. Remember you are a masterpiece AND a work in progress!! Until next time, Cherie Edwards, MA, LPC-S  The Impact of "Spring Forward" on Mental Well-being:
Navigating the Clock Change As the vibrant hues of spring start to paint the world with optimism and renewal, there is one thing that often catches us off guard: the infamous "Spring Forward." Yep, that's right, we're talking about adjusting our clocks ahead by one hour. While it may seem like a small change, the effects it can have on our mental health are anything but trivial. Let's explore how it can influence our well-being. The Biological Rhythm Rollercoaster Our bodies operate on a finely tuned internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. This internal timekeeper regulates crucial functions like sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and even mood regulation. So, when we suddenly disrupt this delicate balance by shifting our clocks forward, it's like throwing a wrench into the gears of our biological clock. Sleep Struggles and Fatigue Ah, the age-old struggle of losing one hour of sleep. While it might not sound like much, even a slight disruption in our sleep patterns can wreak havoc on our mental clarity and energy levels. Suddenly, that morning cup of coffee becomes our lifeline, and the day feels like an uphill battle against exhaustion. Mood Swings and Irritability Ever notice how you feel a bit more on edge or irritable after the time change? You're not alone. The abrupt shift in daylight can throw our bodies out of sync, leading to mood swings and increased irritability. It's like our internal clocks are shouting, "Hey, where did that hour go?" Struggling to Stay Sane For those already grappling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, the Spring Forward can feel like an added layer of challenge. The disruption in routine and sleep can exacerbate symptoms, making it even harder to stay grounded and balanced. Coping Strategies for Spring Forward Survival So, how can we navigate this seasonal time warp without letting it send us into a tailspin? Here are a few tips to help ease the transition:
Amidst the whirlwind of time changes and adjusting schedules, it's crucial to prioritize your mental health. One way to do this is by scheduling an appointment or increasing the frequency of your visits with a therapist or mental health professional. Whether you're struggling with sleep disturbances, mood swings, or simply feeling overwhelmed, therapy can offer a safe space to explore your feelings and develop coping strategies. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Embracing the Change Despite its challenges, the Spring Forward also signifies the promise of longer days, blooming flowers, and new beginnings. So, let's take a deep breath, embrace the change, and remember that we're all in this together. As we navigate the shifting sands of time, let's prioritize self-care, compassion, and connection. Together, we can weather the Spring Forward storm and emerge stronger on the other side. Remember you are a masterpiece AND a work in progress!! Until next time, Cherie Edwards, MA, LPC-S  Esteem comes from the Latin word aestimāre that means to “fix the value of.”
In English, esteem is thinking something or someone is important or valuing that person or thing. For example, if you really respect your friend's mom because she volunteers at a local homeless shelter, it means you hold her in high esteem. When an actor or actress wins an Oscar for Best Actor or Actress, it is called an esteemed award. This means the award stands for an important accomplishment. Self means, well… you! So when you put the two words together, a simple definition comes to light. Self-esteem is how much you value yourself and how important you believe you are. In other words, it is how you see yourself and how you feel about your accomplishments. Self-esteem is not arrogance or bragging about how great you are. It is knowing what you are worth (priceless, in fact.) It is not the belief that you are perfect; nobody is. It is an awareness that you are worthy of being loved and accepted. Self-esteem is an essential part of individual happiness, fulfilling relationships and success. Unfortunately, many people with poor self-esteem really beat themselves up whenever they make a mistake or error of judgment. They feel that they are “no good,” a loser, or a failure because they fail a class, lose a job, have divorced, or are not as far along in their life goals as they think they should be. Such events – and how we believe about them and deal with them – are just a TINY PART of who we are. It is important to remember that. Individuals with healthy self-esteem do not define themselves by their occasional setbacks, disappointments, or failures or belittle their whole existence when things do not go precisely as planned or expected. Their regard, respect, and even love for themselves are based on a bigger picture. Halt destructive thoughts People with poor self-esteem doubt their importance and believe that their views carry little or no weight. Is this you? If so, try to stop these damaging thoughts because if you believe them, you will convince others to believe them about you too. Instead, begin thinking and speaking of yourself as someone who has rights, feelings, and ideas that are just as valid as those of anyone else. This will help you begin to improve your self-esteem. Remember YOU are a masterpiece and a work in progress!! Cherie May, LPC |