Mental Health Isn’t an On/Off Switch — And Therapy Doesn’t Have to Be a Last Resort

We often talk about mental health as if it’s binary: good or bad - like flipping a switch. But mental health is rarely that simple. More often, we experience shifts all the time: subtle changes in how we feel, think, and cope, influenced by our histories, inner patterns, our current season of life, and the world around us.

Yet therapy is still so often thought of as a last resort - something to reach for when things fall apart. In reality, therapy can be a meaningful, proactive part of caring for yourself. It doesn’t have to be reactive. It can be part of what helps you stay grounded, connected, and clearer - and prevent overwhelm and crisis, especially when the fog starts to roll in.

When we get caught in the fog

Sometimes stress and the weight of our emotions build slowly. You keep saying “I’m fine,” because on paper, things are okay, but you feel off. More tired. More irritable. More distracted. Just not quite yourself. You power through. Keep going. Maybe you feel guilty for even noticing it. After all, things could be worse.

But that slow, subtle fog makes everything harder. If you’ve ever worn glasses, you know how this works. Over time, smudges build up - fingerprints, dust, little flecks of whatever. You don’t always notice how foggy the lens has become until you stop and clean them. Only then can you see more clearly.

Therapy as a regular, intentional act of care

Therapy doesn’t have to be crisis-driven. It can be a regular, intentional act of care. A chance to pause, clear the noise, and see what’s actually going on inside.

We often think of therapy as something for people who are unraveling. But it can be just as powerful in those moments when you’re holding it all together, but feeling the weight. Therapy doesn’t have to be a last resort. It can be maintenance. Integration. A clearing-out.

After all, we don’t wait until a toothache to brush our teeth. We care for our physical health routinely - mental health deserves the same attention.

Keeping the Lens Clearer: Small Acts That Make a Big Difference

Here are some ways to keep your lens clearer:

• Drop the mask: Let yourself be honest about how things really feel - even when that’s uncomfortable. Genuine connection comes from sharing our imperfect realities, not curated highlights.

• Allow all your emotions to be: Feel what’s there without rushing to fix or suppress it. Sadness, frustration, boredom - these feelings are part of the human experience and can teach us important things when we listen.

• Check in with your body: Notice tension or discomfort and respond with gentle stretches, deep breathing, or mindful movement. Our bodies often hold what our minds try to avoid.

• Make time for nature: A brief walk outside, noticing greenery or sunlight, can reset your mind and soothe stress. You don’t need a wilderness trek - just a moment of connection to the world beyond yourself.

• Limit screen time: Stepping away from devices, especially work emails or social media, creates space for mental rest. Consider creating times in the day without screens to recharge.

You Don’t Have to Be Falling Apart to Deserve Support

You don’t have to wait until you're overwhelmed, burned out, or in crisis to take care of yourself. Taking time to care for yourself is a powerful act and isn’t selfish. It’s a way of saying: I matter too, and displaying your commitment to showing up better with those you love. 

Therapy is one way to care - quietly, consistently - before things feel unmanageable. Therapy can be a space for you to feel seen, steadied, and understood. A place where you can come not just when things are bad, but when you’re ready to feel clearer again.

Because the truth is: you matter. Always.

And at A New Hope Therapy Center, we’re here when you’re ready.

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A self-described geek, Maria Laquerre-Diego is a CEO and Owner who is committed to increasing access to mental health services and breaking down the stigma surrounding therapy services. As a therapist turned CEO, Maria has developed a unique perspective when it comes to mental health and the barriers surrounding mental health treatment. Influenced by her time at New Mexico State University in the Family and Consumer Science department, and University of New Hampshire’s Marriage and Family Therapy department, Maria has turned her dedication to giving back and supporting future generations of therapists. In addition to supporting mental health providers, Maria takes an active role in addressing the continued stigma of mental health services through the use of pop culture – everything from movies and television shows to superheroes and Disney characters. Maria has spoken about mental health at several local events, has served as an officer on professional boards and has provided training to clinicians all over the country while maintaining her and her family’s roots as Aggies! Outside of the office, Maria can be found spending time with her family and loved ones, exploring the world through travel, and creating cosplays for herself, her husband and their two little ones. Maria is always happy to talk about Star Wars, Marvel and mental health and can be contacted through her practice website www.anewhopetc.org