This month I am encouraging everyone to make sure they are exercising their rights — specifically to register to vote and vote. I am glad that we, as American citizens, can say that we enjoy freedoms of every kind. Among other types, we have religious, social, marital and political freedom. As American citizens, I know it may be easy to take for granted what many other nations’ citizens are not afforded.

As a professional counselor, I do not have many opportunities to discuss political views with clients, but my students, family and friends openly share their views. I do not seek to influence anyone concerning whom they should support, but I am encouraging them to exercise their freedom. Since the clients I see have mild to moderate mental health issues, I can strongly support that they prioritize mental health and do so by participating in normal parts of life such as good citizenship.

When I told my girlfriend Lelia about my campaign to make sure that people are registered to vote and feel hope toward making a difference exercising that right, she said that she told her teen daughter to make sure that she is registered to vote because she needs to vote this year. This means that I am not the only one who sees the importance of this.

Do you know someone who needs to register and is of age — at least 18 years of age prior to the next general election? Tell them to go online and take care of this. (www.co.pickens.sc.us/Voter.ASP).

Remember, seeking to maintain our personal freedom means that we participate in the democratic process, we seek to right wrongs and advocate for change. What aspects of your life do you want to improve, for your life or someone you love? If you know of someone who cannot be an advocate for himself, you can take steps to advocate on their behalf. If you need my help to take steps to preserve freedom for yourself and your posterity, please let me know. I am available to help you or help you locate someone who can.

Dear Dr. King: My friends think it’s funny to shoplift. I’m afraid to go anywhere with them anymore. What should I do? J.B., Seneca, S.C.

Dear J.B.: It sounds like you are more mature than your friends who mock laws and take advantage of retailers. Protect yourself by choosing new friends who respect the law and who respect you by not compromising your decision not to participate in acts of theft that could lead to legal charges against you. By staying away from these friends, you do not risk being caught as an accessory to stealing, and you keep your nerves clear of the stress and fear you feel when they shoplift. Call me and let’s discuss how to report these acts.

Dear Dr. King: My cousin has many medical problems. Her little sister is jealous of all the attention and acts out. What should we do? S.P., Six Mile, S.C.

Dear S.P.: Families with severely ill loved ones need lots of support and this is a classic example of why. You do not want to ignore the implications of the acting out. To help this family, I would start a network of support to establish and maintain some normalcy for this family — especially the little sister to help offset feelings of insecurity leading to her acting out. Meals at home, field trips, fun playtimes, taking her to the movies, sitting with the ill sibling to allow the parents time with the little sister, and small gifts would go a long way in helping this family.

Dear Dr. King: My mom is a hypochondriac. She takes a lot of herbs and vitamins. I’m not sure this is healthy. What should I do? She takes many pills a day. B.M., Seneca, S.C.

Dear B.M.: What behavior is your mom exhibiting to lead you to believe she is a hypochondriac? Incessant talks about aches and pains? Frequent trips to the emergency room? Numerous phone calls of distress? If your mom is showing signs and symptoms which lead you to believe her health routine is making her sick, talk to her about your concerns. Request a list of her herbs and vitamins of choice and educate yourself about their effects and benefits. If you learn that her regimen has more risks than benefits talk about it and seek to develop a healthy plan.

Dr. Debra A. King is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional Counselor Supervisor in the Upstate. You may reach her at askdrdebraking@aol.com or directorofthecommunitycenter@yahoo.com.