Your Mid-Year Mental Health Checkup
By Megan Cole, MSW, LCSW
Director of Counseling Services
Ancora Compassionate Care Counseling Center
As summer arrives, many of us naturally take stock of the progress we've made so far during the year. The pace of life may slow down a bit, our routines may shift, and there may be more opportunities to pause and reflect. While we often schedule annual physicals to check on our physical health, summer can also be a great time for a mental health checkup.
Taking time to notice how you're doing emotionally can help you identify areas that may need your focus and attention before stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression become overwhelming.
Looking Back
Think back
to the New Year. What hopes, goals, or intentions did you set for
yourself? How have things gone so far?
Maybe you've accomplished more than you give yourself credit for. Perhaps you've faced unexpected challenges, losses, or transitions. Life rarely unfolds exactly as planned, and that's okay. Rather than focusing on what hasn't happened yet, consider what you've learned and how you've grown.
Ask yourself:
- How have I been feeling
emotionally over the past few months?
- What has been going well?
- What has been especially
stressful or challenging?
- Have I been taking care of my
physical and emotional needs?
- What am I proud of?
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes constant, it can affect our mood, relationships, sleep, concentration, and overall well-being.
Take a moment to consider:
- Am I feeling overwhelmed more
often than not?
- Have I been more irritable,
anxious, or withdrawn lately?
- Do I have healthy ways to cope
with stress?
- Am I making time for rest and
activities that bring me joy?
Sometimes we become so accustomed to carrying stress that we forget how heavy
it has become. A simple check-in can help us recognize when it's time to seek
additional support.
A mental
health checkup isn't about judging yourself for what you haven’t done, or
creating yet another to-do list. It's about becoming more aware of your needs,
and responding to them with kindness and self-compassion.
As you look
toward the second half of the year, ask yourself:
- What do I need more of in my
life?
- What do I need less of?
- What boundaries would support my
well-being?
- What would help me feel more balanced and connected?
Even small
changes can make a meaningful difference in your mental health. Sometimes that
means prioritizing rest, reconnecting with supportive people, spending more time
outdoors, adding in some gentle, regular exercise, being mindful of staying hydrated and eating healthy meals, practicing self-compassion,
or seeking professional support.
Many people
think therapy is only for times of crisis. In reality, though, therapy can be a
valuable space for reflection, growth, and self-care at any stage of life. Working with a therapist can help you process stress and hard times in life without reaching a crisis point.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, stress, self-esteem concerns, or simply feeling “stuck,” therapy can help you better understand yourself and develop tools to move forward.
This summer,
consider giving yourself the same care and attention you would offer a good friend.
Your mental health matters, and checking in with yourself is an important step
toward living a healthier, more balanced life.
Contact us today to learn more about therapy services and schedule a free, 15-minute consultation with Megan Cole, LCSW, or Kristi Rakes, LCSW.
(336) 427-9022
www.ancoracc.org/counseling-center
Or you can email Megan
or Kristi directly:
Megan: mcole@ancoracc.org
Kristi: krakes@ancoracc.org
