Right now, the world feels heavy.
Many of us are carrying very real stress, uncertainty, and fear. The constant churn of news and the weight of personal struggles can make it feel like we're always stuck at a red light—waiting, anxious, unsure of how to move forward.
It’s okay to feel this way.
Stress, fear, and frustration are natural responses to what’s happening around us. We don’t need to ignore or push them aside. But we also don’t have to stay frozen in place.
That’s where green comes in.
Green isn’t just a color—it’s a symbol of mental health awareness. It’s the color of Mental Health Month, reminding us that support, growth, and healing are possible. And it’s a signal—a green light—that tells us we can take steps forward, even when the path is uncertain, and without having to pretend everything is fine.
Green means go, and green symbolizes growth. And growth doesn’t always feel easy or obvious. Sometimes, it’s just making it through the day. Sometimes, it’s asking for help, setting a boundary, or recognizing that we’re stronger than we thought. Growth can be slow, messy, and full of setbacks—but it’s happening, even when it’s hard to see it. And growth can happen even in the harshest conditions.
When so much feels out of our control, when the world doesn’t feel fair or stable, it’s natural to be on high alert for red flags—the signs of danger, stress, and struggle – the signals that tell us things are not quite right. We’re wired to notice threats, to prepare for the worst, to focus on what’s wrong so we can protect ourselves. But when all we see are red lights, it can start to feel like there’s no way forward.
That’s why it’s important to look for the green flags too. The signs, no matter how small, that some things are going right. That we’re still growing, still connected, still finding ways forward. That someone cares. That we have moments of peace, safety, or support, or signs that we are on the right track in caring for our wellness.
So, during Mental Health Month at CGCC, we are encouraging everyone to take a moment to notice the green flags in your life—the experiences, people, and choices that remind you things can be okay, even in difficult times. Maybe it’s a friend who really listens, a professor who understands, or a campus resource that provides a space to breathe. Maybe it’s the way you supported someone else, the way you kept going even when it was hard, or the way you made space for rest. It can be taking a deep breath before class, a quiet moment outside, or an act of kindness that sparks something hopeful.
"Wellness isn’t a solo journey, but a shared commitment that we build together to foster a sense of belonging,” says Dr. Kenneth Lawson, CGCC president. “We are here with you, and we are here for you. I encourage you to engage in the activities we have planned, and take action, big or small, to care for yourself and those around you. This is a great opportunity to take steps to support your own well-being, and to find ways to contribute to the health of your friends, family, colleagues, and our campus community.
Green means go – but that doesn’t mean at warp speed or without some pause. It can mean identifying and taking the next step when you’re ready, with the support you need.
Green lights also don’t erase the red ones, but they remind us that stopping isn’t the same as being stuck. There are moments when the light changes, when we feel even the smallest push forward. And in those moments, we don’t have to go alone.
So, take a break when you need one. Reach out for help and support. Take a moment to express appreciation for those who have helped you grow or made a difference in your wellness and success. And challenge yourself to be a “green flag” for others, too. A kind word, a small act of service, a simple smile, or a moment of encouragement can be the green light someone else needs to keep moving forward.
As we recognize Mental Health Month, let’s make the effort to notice the green around us and the growth within us. What are the green flags in your life—signs of support, moments of encouragement, reasons to keep going? How do you see growth in yourself, even in small ways? And how can we, as a community, create more green flags for each other?
Together, we can help each other keep moving forward.
Check out the (in progress) for a preview of what we’re planning, and watch your email and social media for more info and reminders as we get closer to launching the Mental Health Month activities at CGCC!
If you are feeling stuck, struggling with red flags or need support in identifying next steps and resources for your wellness, please contact Shayna Dahl, Student Support Services Coordinator, or other trusted staff/faculty member, and/or visit the following pages for more options.