September is Suicide Prevention Month. This month, all of us can speak up to spread awareness, hope, and empower each other to take action. Honest, caring conversations can save lives and serve as a reminder of hope. If you or another student is struggling, the University Counseling Center is available to provide support.

To make a difference:

• Become a QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper by participating in a one-hour on-campus training.
• Learn the facts on suicide and suicide prevention.
• Explore strategies to help when someone shares they're struggling.

Help is available 24/7/365. If you, or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, contact a crisis resource or dial 988 for support.

Group counseling is a great way to connect with other students who have similar experiences, increase self-awareness, and receive encouragement in your mental health journey. The University Counseling Center offers a range of groups each semester including process groups, skills-building groups like How to Worry Well, Stress Management, and Finding Your Focus, identity-based groups like Student of Color group and LGBTQ therapy group, and support groups. To view this semester's schedule and get connected, visit the Group Counseling website or call the University Counseling Center office at (616) 331-3266.

As the beginning of the semester excitement starts to fade and routine sets in, missing family, pets, friends, and other parts of home is a normal feeling to have as a student. Feelings of homesickness are common at this point in the semester, but may come up at any point throughout the year. In fact, 85% of students report feelings of homesickness. Give some of the tips below from the University Counseling Center a try to help you take these emotions in stride!

• Find a bit of home nearby in the form of a favorite restaurant or store you enjoy.
• Explore the area and appreciate all your new home has to offer! Take in all that surrounds you to acclimate yourself to the environment and gain a new sense of gratitude and comfortability.
• Get involved in the community by joining a student organization. Check out LakerLink to see all the ways other GVSU students have made connections on campus!
• Remember that you are not alone! Your R.A., loved ones, and the University Counseling Center are here to help if you need support.

As you're walking around campus this week, you may have countless questions about classroom locations, syllabus, school supplies and more. Surely you're not alone in this situation, and there are others thinking the same questions. Some of these tips from the University Counseling Center may give you the confidence to communicate your needs to others effectively. If you need help, seek guidance from a fellow classmate, faculty member, or another Laker community member, and if you happen to see a student struggling, offer them help if you can!

• Acknowledge your needs. Recognizing what may be helpful in any given moment is the first step to effectively communicating that need to others.
• Notice the strengths of others. There are people all around you with the knowledge, skills, and resources to help! Relying on others for support and assistance is not a sign of weakness.
• Be specific and clear. People typically enjoy helping others. By being specific and clearly articulating your needs, you help them help you!
• Keep a growth mindset. It's okay to not do something perfectly the first time around! Remind yourself that with time, effort, and practice, you may be in the position to help others, too!
• Pay it forward. When someone else approaches you asking for help, empathize with them, and do what you can.

Did you know that managing your time effectively can reduce stress, increase focus, and enhance your productivity? The beginning of the new semester can feel hectic and you may feel like you're shuffling classes, work, and chores as you establish a new routine. Consider how you're managing your time with these helpful tips from the University Counseling Center! Remember, it is also important to plan some time for yourself to do what brings you joy!

• Plan ahead. Schedule a consistent time to sit down and map out the next week or month and stick to your schedule. This can help you feel prepared to tackle what comes next without becoming too overwhelmed.
• Create a to-do list. Be sure to cross items off as they're accomplished to remain motivated to keep going!
• Set a routine. Using your time efficiently is easier when your body and mind are already in a rhythm.
• Minimize distractions when you have time set aside for a certain purpose.
• Reward yourself for staying on track!

Social connection is one of the best ways to improve your mental health and overall well-being. Read on for some of the University Counseling Center's strategies for forming positive connections on campus.

• Be your authentic self. The best people are the ones that will embrace exactly who you are!
• Engage in the conversation. Practice active listening when talking with others to ensure the interaction flows in a genuine way. Bonding over something in common is a great place to start!
• Take the leap. It can be scary to reach out first, but it can also end up being the most rewarding thing you could have done! Give the connection time to flourish into a meaningful relationship.
• Break away from social media. Online, it may seem like everyone else is making friends easily. Remember that someone's social media presence is a highlight reel, not the whole movie!

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! To all Hispanic and Latinx GVSU community members, we acknowledge you! Hispanic/Latinx mental health matters, and there can sometimes be barriers including language, stigma, and cultural differences for those that want to reach out for support. GVSU has helpful resources including the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the University Counseling Center, and opportunities like Laker Familia to support you in your journey. Check out the Hispanic Heritage Month events to engage in the celebration!

National Recovery Month is a time to celebrate those in recovery from substance use disorders, challenge stigma surrounding addiction, and spread awareness about prevention and treatment options. Substance use disorders affect over 48.5 million Americans ages 12 and older. Substance use disorders are both preventable and treatable; however, stigma can prevent individuals from seeking treatment and reaching out to loved ones for support. Leading with compassion and seeking out education to better understand addiction can be extremely helpful in supporting recovery and well-being!

GVSU is also here to help! Learn more about the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Services office and how GV supports students through prevention & education, intervention, and recovery services.

• Use your words wisely! Check out preferred language for talking about addiction.
• Learn more about drug use and addiction from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.