January is Mental Health Awareness Month!

As we step into the new year, it's essential to recognize the importance of mental health and well-being. January is not only a time for setting intentions and fresh starts but also an opportune moment to raise awareness about mental health. At Therapy Austin, we believe that fostering a supportive environment for mental health is crucial, and January serves as a perfect platform to initiate conversations, break stigmas, and encourage self-care practices.

Why January?

January can be a difficult month for many. The post-holiday blues, the pressure of New Year's resolutions, and the gloomy weather keeping us from our usual walks around Town Lake, can contribute to heightened stress and anxiety levels. Recognizing January as Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to address these challenges head-on and offer support to those who may be struggling.

Common Stigmas Around Mental Health:

• Therapy is for “crazy” people.

  • You’d be hard pressed to find a stigma that we disagree with more!  In fact, the word “crazy” never even crosses our minds when it comes to our clients. We believe that therapy is for everyone, which is why we offer appointments 7 days a week, from as early as 6am to as late as 9pm, and we offer a sliding scale to create accessibility.

• Showing and talking about your emotions makes you weak.

  • On the contrary!  We know how hard it is to confront difficult feelings, past traumas, and current harm.  It is only through incredible strength that our clients access their vulnerability and allow themselves to be witnessed by their therapists.

• My therapist only pretends to care about me because I’m paying them.

  • Therapy is a job, and as such there is an exchange of money between client and counselor.  However, one of the best things about our clinicians is their deep affection and care for their clients.  Trust me, you would know if someone was only in the room with you because you’re paying them, and our clinicians have the reputation of being warm, relational, and heart-centered.  In fact, that’s part of our mission statement!

Education and Resources:

This January, Therapy Austin is committed to providing valuable resources and educational materials to our community. From informative blog posts and social media campaigns to our ITSGIVING10 promo (for details, check our banner on a web browser!!), we aim to empower individuals with knowledge about various aspects of mental health. Understanding common mental health conditions, recognizing the signs, and knowing where to seek help are essential steps toward building a mentally healthy community.

Promoting Self-Care:

A crucial aspect of mental health is self-care. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being by practicing self-care routines. 

Self-care can include many things.  Here are a few examples:

• Prioritize sleep

• Stay hydrated

• Create a budget

• Connect with a friend

• Spend time in nature 

• Taking a day off

• Journaling

Throughout the month, we will share practical tips and techniques for self-care, emphasizing the importance of rest, relaxation, and mindfulness in maintaining mental and emotional balance.  Visit our TikTok and Instagram pages to take advantage of this content.

This January, let's collectively embrace the significance of mental health and work towards creating a world where everyone feels supported and understood. At Therapy Austin, we are committed to promoting Mental Health Awareness Month as a catalyst for positive change. Together, let's make mental health a priority and foster a culture of compassion, education, and well-being throughout the year.