April brings an important opportunity to reflect on the mental and emotional challenges so many of us face—Stress Awareness Month and Counseling Awareness Month both aim to open up dialogue, reduce stigma, and promote access to support.
At Serene Health & Wellness in Mandeville, we’re passionate about helping individuals manage stress and improve mental health through evidence-based medical care, compassionate guidance, and holistic support. Whether you’re dealing with persistent anxiety, overwhelming stress, or symptoms of depression, our team is here to help you feel seen, heard, and supported.
Why Stress Awareness Month Matters
Stress is a normal part of life—but chronic or unmanaged stress can take a serious toll on your mind and body. It can lead to:
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- High blood pressure
- Frequent fatigue or tension
- Irritability and mood changes
- Anxiety or depressive symptoms
- Lowered immune response
During Stress Awareness Month, we encourage you to pause and reflect:
How is your mental health right now?
Are you coping in ways that feel healthy and sustainable?
If your answer is “no” or “I’m not sure,” know that help is available.
What About Counseling Awareness Month?
While Serene Health & Wellness does not offer traditional counseling or therapy, we deeply value the role mental health professionals play in helping individuals thrive. Counseling Awareness Month is a time to honor those on the front lines of mental health—therapists, social workers, psychologists—and it’s also a reminder that seeking help in any form is a powerful and courageous step.
At Serene, we offer complementary mental health services for those who may need support beyond talk therapy. Our team specializes in:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Medication management
- SPRAVATO® (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression
- Supportive care and individualized treatment plans
If you’ve tried therapy or antidepressants without success—or you simply want to explore additional mental health support options—we can help.
Learn more about our services here: Mental Health Services at Serene Health & Wellness
Understanding the Weight of Stress & Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health conditions in the U.S., impacting more than 21 million adults. The symptoms go far beyond “feeling sad.” They can include:
- Loss of interest in daily life
- Sleep issues or changes in appetite
- Low energy and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
When two or more oral antidepressants fail to provide relief, it may be diagnosed as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This can be an incredibly discouraging experience—but there is new hope available.
At Serene Health & Wellness, we now offer SPRAVATO®, a breakthrough treatment for TRD that can help patients feel relief more quickly than traditional antidepressants. This innovative nasal spray works on a different part of the brain and has been shown to improve symptoms in as little as 24 hours for some patients.
Compassionate Mental Health Care, Close to Home
As a locally owned and operated clinic in St. Tammany, we are proud to provide trusted mental health services to individuals and families across the Northshore. Jennifer Poche, double-board-certified nurse practitioner with extensive experience in both family and psychiatric care, and team create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where you can explore treatment options, discuss medication needs, and work toward emotional wellness.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about how we can help, we’re here to answer your questions and walk beside you on your path to healing.
Let’s Make Mental Wellness a Priority—Together
This April, in honor of National Stress Awareness Month and Counseling Awareness Month, we invite you to check in with yourself—and consider what support might look like for you.
If you’re ready to explore personalized, medical-based mental health services, contact Serene Health & Wellness today to schedule a consultation.
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here, and we care.
