• It is unethical to ignore the signs and continue serving the community. This choice harms those served and eventually causes counselors to become numb.

• Reaching out for help is the responsibility of the counselor. The counselor attending to their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs consistently best serves the community.

• Counselors are human first and meeting their needs is not selfish, it is necessary. Counselors having a plan in place and being proactive are key!

Acknowledging and accepting help makes for better professionals in all helping professions! It is important to embrace self-care as an everyday mantra. Self-care matters and will help professionals thrive and maintain good mental health standards to serve others.

Helpers who choose a solid foundation built on honoring their mental health create a fruitful experience for clients and community members during sessions.

1. Drinking enough water!

2. Eating nutritious and colorful meals

3. Sleeping enough hours each night (7ish hrs)

4. Taking lots of mindful moments throughout my day

5. Saying "no" and not feeling guilty about my boundary

6. Respecting home boundaries and leaving work at work

Making the right choices every day and giving myself grace when I do not meet my daily goals is key to best-supporting clients and my community.

When I am feeling well I function most effectively & ethically!