I always am loathe to give up summer. I love the feeling of the warm sun on my face, the heat of summer on my skin. I love to see summer flowers blooming in neighbors’ yards while I am out running or walking. I often find myself lamenting summer’s end, but recently have realized that in so doing I neglect to see the beauty of autumn.

We think of New Year’s Day as a time to renew our commitment to adopting new habits or creating positive change in our lives. Yet autumn can teach us similar things. As the leaves on the trees start changing color and dropping to the ground, we can be reminded of how beautiful it is to let things go. Autumn can help remind us how it is okay to let go of the things that weigh us down.

This time of year reminds me that perhaps there is no better time to let go of things like negative self-talk, worry or concern about what others think of me and others’ expectations. This time of year reminds me that it is okay to rid my life of things that no longer bring me joy, be that people, places or things. This time of year reminds me that sometimes we have to let go of the things that weigh us down so that we can soar, so that we can rise up and lift ourselves out of any misery we may be experiencing.

So many of us struggle with negative self-talk, low self-esteem, worry about the way others perceive us, shoulding ourselves, perfectionism. What might happen if we let go of those things? What might happen if we took time this season to let go of all our negative thoughts and embraced change? What might happen if we looked at autumn as a time to renew our commitment to positive change in our lives?

What are some things that you have been carrying with you that you could let go? Is it guilt or shame? Is it people pleasing? Is it materialism? Is it poor body image? Is it bad habits? Is it toxic relationships? Know that whatever it might be that is weighing you down, it is okay to let go. Remember that it is acceptable to let go of the things or people that no longer bring you joy. Consider the possibility that some burdens are not yours to carry. It is okay to set down those that are not.

Many of us struggle with the change of seasons. The shorter days of autumn can lead to the depressive symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Perhaps instead of lamenting summer’s end, it might be helpful to think about autumn as a time to embrace change. There is beauty in all of the seasons, just as there is beauty in all seasons of your life. Each season of our life can teach us about who we are and help us become who we always were meant to be. First, though, we need to let go of all that is weighing us down. Think about what you might be able to let go this autumn. Embrace change and consider how doing so might free you of burdens that are not yours to carry.

~ Karri Christiansen, MSW, LSW, CADC, CCTP

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Nearly one in five people experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime, and suicide is the most common cause of death for men under 50. Suicide is on the rise in communities of color and among teenagers. People living with mental health conditions and addictions are more likely to consider suicide. Still, so many people with mental health problems are made to feel ashamed or worthless because of their illnesses.

With nearly one in five people living with mental illness at any given time in the United States, it is possible that someone you know right now has a mental health problem. Take the time today to ask a loved one how they’re doing: it could change their life. So many people who are considering suicide do so because they feel alone in their depression, in their anxiety, in their addiction. Let the people in your life know that you care about them; tell them that you love them and need them in your life. Let the people you care about know that their lives matter, that their existence matters and that their lives are worth living. Let the people you care about know that they are not alone.

It is important to know that if someone you love is thinking about suicide, it is okay to talk about that. It is okay to use the word “suicide” when dealing with someone considering his or her own death. Using the word “suicide” will not put the idea in that person’s head. Be direct and tell them how losing them will affect you. So often, people considering suicide believe that they are a burden on those they love, on the world. Make sure your loved one knows this is not true. Make sure your loved one knows that they are important to you for so many reasons.

If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call 1.800.273.TALK. You also may text the Crisis Text Line at 741 741 for assistance or dial 911 for immediate help.