Summer vacation is one of the best opportunities we have to recharge and reframe the mental wellness that we need in our lives. As educators, the moment we walk back on campus from summer break is when we shift from “me” mode into supporting students.

But let’s not let the school year be the end of our “me” stage. The beginning of the year shouldn’t be when we lose touch with our mental wellness. Rather, it should be a catalyst for protecting ourselves during stressful times and maintaining the “me” in our lives.

Maintaining healthy mental wellness isn’t just for some people. It’s for everyone.

Consider the data. Mental Health America reports that 21 percent of adults are experiencing a mental illness, which is equivalent to more than 50 million Americans. More alarming, 55 percent of adults with a mental illness receive no treatment. That means 28 million Americans aren’t getting the support they desperately need.

If we spotlight the data on adults in our marginalized groups, we see more evidence of mental health challenges. In the U.S., 4.5 percent of the population identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual. Of those Americans, more than 39 percent reported having a mental illness in the past year. That is nearly 5.8 million people, a population larger than the state of Minnesota.

Educators are feeling mental wellness issues, too, which makes me ask the question: How can educators be their best at supporting students if we’re failing to support ourselves?

A recent Rand survey found that 85 percent of principals suffered from “job-related stresses” with others reporting feelings of burnout and symptoms of depression. The survey found that teachers and school principals reported worse well-being than other working adults and those feelings were associated with teachers and principals’ intentions to leave their jobs.

The data goes on and on and it’s very real, reflecting a growing need for us to intentionally seek solutions for mental wellness. I have members of my family who have experienced challenges with their mental wellness and they didn’t find the solutions they needed. We owe it to ourselves to be at our best, and the more time we invest in supporting our mental wellness, the better we will be. I won’t give you scientific advice or expertise because I’m not a doctor, I’m an educator just like all of you.

The advice I will give you: Talk to someone. You are not alone and the challenges you are facing with your mental wellness are being felt by more people than you think. Vulnerability is OK if the light at the end of the tunnel is prosperity and feeling good about yourself.

I wish you the best this school year.