The start of a new school year brings both excitement and uncertainty for many families. For many families, it marks the beginning of a season filled with anticipation, excitement, and unfortunately, anxiety. If your child has been experiencing sleepless nights, stomachaches, or tearful outbursts as the school year approaches, you're not alone. Back-to-school anxiety affects millions of children and their parents each year, but with the right tools and perspective, families can navigate this challenging transition with confidence and peace.

Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being. Yet, for many years, it has been surrounded by stigma and misunderstandings, leaving countless individuals feeling isolated and unsupported. Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month offers a chance to shed light on these issues, promote understanding, and encourage compassion.

If you are reading this blog post, you have most likely been experiencing symptoms for many years. The national average for a person to reach out for help from the time they first noticed symptoms is eleven years (nami.org). Reaching out for help can be difficult. The idea of sharing personal fears with a counselor can feel uncomfortable, which is why people wait so long to reach out for help. However, a good counselor understands the value of building a strong relationship with their clients in which they will feel comfortable sharing. When seeking help from a competent professional, one can expect to receive genuine care and understanding while being helped to build the necessary tools needed to reduce anxiety.