9220 Bonita Beach Road

11/22/2025

Mental illness is not a choice. 🌹

No one wakes up and decides to struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, OCD, or any other condition.
No one chooses to battle thoughts they can’t control or emotions that overwhelm them without warning.

If mental illness were a choice, people would simply “snap out of it.”
They would choose calm over panic attacks, clarity over intrusive thoughts, motivation over depression, and peace over trauma.
But it doesn’t work like that.
And that’s why empathy matters.

Behind every mental health struggle is a person trying their best:
A person who still shows up even when their mind is heavy.
A person who fights silent battles while pretending to be okay.
A person who wants to feel normal again but doesn’t know how.

Mental illness is not a weakness.
It’s not attention-seeking.
It’s not a character flaw.
It’s a real, painful, exhausting experience that affects thoughts, emotions, sleep, appetite, energy, relationships, and self-worth.

What people need is not judgment—they need understanding, kindness, support, and a reminder that they are not broken or alone.

So instead of telling people to “get over it,”
say:
“I’m here for you.”
“Your feelings are valid.”
“You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Let’s build a world where mental illness is met with compassion, not criticism.
Where people can speak without shame.
Where healing is supported, not silenced.

Because the truth remains:
Mental illness is not a choice—but kindness is.

09/10/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Month: Turning Awareness Into Action
Every September, we pause to reflect on one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time: su***de.
Nearly 50,000 Americans died by su***de in 2023—and no age group is untouched. From preteens to older adults, the impact spans generations. Each loss represents not just a statistic, but a story, a family, and a community left grieving.
As a psychologist, I know that awareness can save lives. By understanding the scope of the problem, the risks, and the pathways to prevention, we can all play a role in bringing hope to those who are struggling.
Su***de in the U.S.: Key Facts
Su***de is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults.
Among preteens (8–12 years), su***de rates have tripled in the past decade—especially among young girls.
Men over 75 have the highest su***de rates of any age group.
Women in midlife (45–64) also face increased risk.
No age group is immune. Su***de touches every stage of life.
Risk Factors
Su***de is complex and never caused by a single reason. Common risk factors include:
Depression, anxiety, substance use
History of trauma or abuse
Isolation and loneliness
Access to lethal means (such as fi****ms)
Stressors like financial hardship, legal issues, or chronic pain
Discrimination and stigma, particularly among marginalized groups
Protective Factors
The presence of protective factors can buffer against su***de risk:
Strong social and family connections
Access to quality healthcare and therapy
Coping and problem-solving skills
A sense of belonging and cultural identity
Safe environments with reduced access to lethal means
Prevention & Treatment
We know what works. Evidence-based strategies include:
Expanding access to mental health care and crisis services
Strengthening economic and housing supports
Promoting community connection and peer support programs
Teaching coping and resilience skills
Encouraging safe media portrayals of su***de and recovery
For those in immediate distress, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7—free, confidential, and just a call or text away.
My Commitment
This work is deeply personal and professional for me. In my practice, I provide compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals and families facing emotional pain, trauma, and suicidal thoughts.
If you or someone you know is struggling, I invite you to connect with me at drphylliswalters.com.
And if you or a loved one is in immediate danger, please call 988 or 911.

Dr. Walters is a licensee and nationally certified school psychologist serving patients in Florida. Phyllis Walters, Ph.D., LLC

12/31/2024

ChatGPT
🌟 Set Meaningful Goals for the New Year 🌟

As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters and how we can make progress toward our dreams. Here's how to create meaningful goals that are not only inspiring but also attainable and measurable:

Be Specific: Instead of vague goals like "get healthy," aim for something clear and actionable, such as "exercise 30 minutes, 4 times a week" or "eat more vegetables every day."
Make It Measurable: Track your progress. Whether it’s tracking hours, steps, or a specific outcome (like reading 12 books in a year), measuring progress will keep you motivated and on track.
Set Realistic Milestones: Break down big goals into smaller, achievable steps. This will prevent overwhelm and give you a sense of accomplishment along the way.
Align with Your Values: Ensure your goals reflect what truly matters to you, whether it’s family, health, personal growth, or career. This alignment will fuel your passion to stay committed.
Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable. If you need to adjust your goals along the way, don’t be afraid to pivot. Flexibility keeps you moving forward, even when circumstances change.
Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate small victories. This will boost your motivation and remind you that every step forward counts.
Let’s make 2025 the year of intentional, meaningful growth. ✨ What goals are you setting for yourself this year? Let’s inspire each other to dream big and achieve even bigger!

04/05/2024

09/16/2023

September is ! Join experts from NIA, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and CDC's Million Hearts for a YouTube Live event taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 4:30 p.m. ET. Experts will discuss heart health and aging, the connection between brain health and , and more.

Find more details on the event here: https://go.nia.nih.gov/3QQ50Zb

09/16/2023

Su***de is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for su***de and how to get help can save lives. Learn about behaviors that may be a sign that someone is thinking about su***de. Learn more: https://go.nih.gov/rBKiLzk ***deprevention

09/16/2023

In 2020, su***de was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of over 45,000 people. Su***de doesn't discriminate—it impacts people of different ages, races, and genders. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Arielle Sheftall, an associate professor in the Department of...

09/16/2023

Do you need help with your mental health? If you don't know where to start, this infographic may help guide you. https://go.nih.gov/yAJ1yxb ***deprevention

02/02/2021

01/18/2021

Anyone 65 or older or a licensed health care provider with direct contact with patients and is interested in getting the Covid vaccine, you may register online at exactly 9:00 AM today. You must do so through eventbrite. The vaccine is being given this Wednasday and Friday at the North Collier Soccer Field off of Livingston road. Please see the picture below that also provides the link. http://CollierCountyCOVIDVaccines.Eventbrite.com

12/31/2020

Before closing the books on 2020, let's reflect on some of psychology's most important teachings.