Melissa Preece, LCSW - S, LCDC, SAP

01/01/2026

There are so many fun ways people welcome a new year—some cultural, some symbolic, some just comforting.

👇
Which ones do you do (or want to try)?

Comment with the emoji!

🍀 Eat black-eyed peas
🥬 Eat greens
🧹 Clean before New Year’s Day
🚪 Open doors or windows at midnight
💵 Carry money or coins
👗 Wear something new
💋 Kiss at midnight
🍇 Eat 12 grapes at midnight

Or tell us—what’s a New Year tradition you grew up with?

Sometimes it’s not about “luck,” but about intention, hope, and starting fresh.

01/01/2026

Let's wrap up 2025 and start 2026 off right!

Kindness has a ripple effect we often underestimate.

Take a moment today to lift someone up—choose a friend, tag/invite them and leave a genuine, kind comment about them below.

You never know how much it might mean to them.
Small acts. Real impact.

12/31/2025

You’ve heard of CTE in athletes—but have you heard of Breacher’s Syndrome? It’s not something we often discuss in Amarillo.
Breacher’s Syndrome can affect military and law enforcement exposed to repeated blast waves, even without a direct head injury. Symptoms may include headaches, sleep issues, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and anxiety.
PTSD, while different, can also develop after traumatic exposure and affects how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, safety, and threat. These conditions can occur separately or together—and both deserve recognition and care.
Awareness matters. Help

12/23/2025

The holidays can bring joy—and stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember it’s okay to slow down, set boundaries, and take care of yourself. You don’t have to do everything or be everything for everyone this season. Small moments of rest matter.

12/21/2025

A little holiday fun......

12/21/2025

If the holidays activate memories or emotions tied to trauma, grounding techniques can help: slow breathing, sensory awareness, and giving yourself permission to step away when needed.

12/20/2025

A gentle reminder this season: rest is productive, boundaries are healthy, and asking for help is strength.

12/03/2025

Mental health is so much more than the absence of struggle.
It’s the ongoing ability to connect, create, cope, grow, and participate meaningfully in the world around us.

The illustration above highlights some of the everyday components that support emotional well-being—building relationships, managing stress, contributing to community, nurturing creativity, and having strategies to navigate distress.

No one maintains all of these areas perfectly, all the time.
But noticing where you feel strong—and where you may need support—is a powerful place to begin.

If you’re wanting to strengthen any part of your mental wellness, you’re not alone. Support is available, and growth is absolutely possible.

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17PE7oNNXX/

11/03/2025

Our emotions are often messengers — not enemies.
They’re trying to tell us what we need.

💧 Sadness — maybe it’s time to let the tears flow.
🤝 Loneliness — might be asking for connection.
💗 Shame — could be needing self-compassion.
💨 Anxiety — is often a cue to pause and breathe.
🔥 Anger — might mean your boundaries need attention.
🎨 Emptiness — may be nudging you to create.
💬 Resentment — sometimes means forgiveness is needed.
⏳ Stress — reminds you to take it one step at a time.

Feelings aren’t facts — but they are information. Listen closely; they just might be guiding you back to balance.

10/28/2025

🚒🚓🚑 Thank You to All Our First Responders!

Today and every day, we honor the brave men and women who run toward danger when others run away.

Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, EMTs—you show courage, compassion, and selflessness in every call you answer.

Your service saves lives, protects families, and keeps our communities strong. We appreciate you more than words can express.