October brings cooler weather, shorter days, busy schedules, and the beginning of the holiday season. While this time of year can be enjoyable, it can also bring increased stress, loneliness, grief, or feelings of being overwhelmed.
This month, make checking in a priority—not only with the people around you, but also with yourself.
Pay Attention
Pay attention when someone seems different from their usual self. They may withdraw from family and friends, experience significant mood or behavior changes, express hopelessness, or stop participating in activities they normally enjoy. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply ask, “How are you really doing?” and take the time to listen.
Remember
Remember to check in with yourself, too. Ask: Am I getting enough rest? Am I feeling more stressed, anxious, sad, or irritable than usual? Am I isolating myself? Do I need someone to talk to?
Seeking support early can prevent emotional distress from becoming a crisis. Mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health.
Self-Care Reminder
Give yourself permission to slow down. Take a walk, enjoy the fall weather, spend time with someone you care about, set healthy boundaries, get adequate rest, and make time for activities that help you recharge.
Don’t Wait
You do not have to wait until things become unbearable to ask for help. If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis, call or text 988 for support 24/7.
Take care of your mind. Check on your people. Connection can make a difference.
Read more Mental Health Matters articles.
Contributor Michelle M. Guia, MA-MHC
Michelle serves as the Director of Crisis Services at Quinco Mental Health Center, where she provides leadership and oversight for mobile crisis services for five counties in West Tennessee. With more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, mobile crisis, and disaster response, Michelle has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families during their most challenging moments.
Michelle specializes in crisis intervention, suicide prevention and postvention, emergency behavioral health response, and community mental health. She is a Certified CPI Instructor response, and
response, and community mental health. She is a Certified CPI Instructor and trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). In addition to leading crisis professionals, she works closely with hospitals, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and other community partners to improve access to mental health resources and strengthen crisis response throughout the communities Quinco serves.
