May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Alright, settle in folks, Jenai Tidwell, LPC-S is about to climb onto her soapbox – a very comfortable, plush soapbox, mind you, because we prioritize comfort in these parts. I’ve been in this mental health game for nearly twenty years. Two whole decades wading through the beautiful, messy, and utterly human landscape of the mind. And with a fantastic team of equally dedicated souls by my side at Fowler and Tidwell Counseling, I’ve seen a thing or three.

Now, you might be thinking, “Oh great, another lecture on the importance of feeling your feelings.” And while yes, feeling your feelings is crucial (more on that later, maybe with interpretive dance?), I want to talk about something a little different today: mental health treatment as the ultimate preventative measure and the surprisingly chic lens it provides for personal growth.

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t wait for your car to start sputtering and smoking before considering an oil change, would you? No! You get regular maintenance to keep things running smoothly and prevent a catastrophic engine failure on I-45 during rush hour. Your mind? Well, it’s the engine of your entire life. Ignoring the little clanks and unusual noises is a recipe for a mental breakdown that makes Houston rush hour traffic look like a Sunday drive in the park.

This is where the “preventative” aspect comes in. Coming in for a check-in with one of my amazing therapists isn’t about waiting until you’re in crisis. It’s about building resilience, learning healthy coping mechanisms before life throws a curveball the size of Texas, and understanding your baseline so you can recognize when things feel… off. We equip you with the skills to navigate stress, anxiety, and the general existential angst that comes with being a sentient being in the 21st century.

And let’s talk about personal growth, shall we? Often, we stumble through life with blinders on, reacting to situations based on ingrained patterns and assumptions we haven’t even consciously acknowledged. Mental health treatment, at its best, acts like a powerful pair of glasses (designer colorful frames, naturally). Suddenly, things come into focus. You start to understand why you react the way you do, what your core values truly are, and what kind of life actually aligns with your authentic self, giving light to your choices and how they make those values come to life.

It’s not about becoming a perfectly polished, zen robot (though, if that’s your goal, we can certainly explore mindfulness!). It’s about gaining clarity. Clarity about your relationships, your career, your passions, and your limitations. It’s about peeling back the layers of societal expectations and internal narratives that no longer serve you, like finally decluttering that closet you’ve been avoiding for years – liberating and surprisingly satisfying.

Over the years, I’ve watched countless individuals move from feeling lost and overwhelmed to living more intentional and fulfilling lives, not just by addressing crises, but by proactively investing in their mental well-being. My team and I at Fowler and TIdwell Counseling feel privileged to be a part of that journey.

So, if you’re waiting for a sign to prioritize your mental health, consider this THE SIGN. It’s not a luxury; it’s foundational. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of profound self-awareness and strength. And honestly, a little mental tune-up might just be the most stylish and effective form of self-care out there. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a soapbox to settle into. You can find me here, mindfully meditating to my place of zen. 

Written by Jenai Tidwell, LPC-S