How are y'all doing?

Nicole Fillion-Robin

LAc, MAcOM, Dipl. OM

Humans are not meant to isolate themselves for over a year.

We are by nature social creatures, many of whom receive love in the form of touch and hugs from friends and family.

It’s no surprise that mental health practitioners are at an all time high demand! Last year between January and September, Mental Health America reported that “more than half a million people have reported signs of anxiety and/or depression. Anxiety screens were up by 634% from January and depression screens were up 873%.” Mental health tools have especially not been made accessible for BIPOC. Some good news in the taking responsibility world - this week, the American Psychiatry Association just released an apology to BIPOC for their “contributions to the structural racism in our nation and pledges to enact corresponding anti-racist practices.” I’m hoping to see more professional health organizations make similar statements.

If you are struggling, You are not alone.

If you’re struggling with mental health this year for the first year, I find that it helps clients to know

1. You’re not alone and..
   
2. I mean, it makes sense, right? You’re under a huge amount of stress just by being alive in these times.

You are likely not seeing your regular support group in person and/or going to hot yoga twice a week. And we’re running out of cute cat videos to watch on the internet. I’m glad to see people realize that health includes both body and soul this year, and am glad to be of service.

Need support?? AYAA has your back

In the meantime, if you need some support, I have a new offering for those who may not be able to access acupuncture at the full price. Accessible and affordable care has always been near and dear to my heart. Thirty minute sessions are now available for $49, designed so that you can afford to make this a weekly or biweekly ritual. No bodywork is included in these like they are in my one hour sessions, but the magic and mechanisms of acupuncture speak for themselves.

Qi flows through a circuit in the body in 15-20 minute increments so these sessions are made to be long enough to modulate the body and soul’s response to stress and soothe both any aches and pains in that beautiful earthly vessel you’ve got.

Acupuncture has been found to moderate levels of serotonin, dopamine, GABA,  and norepinephrine in the body which leads to better mood, quality of sleep, better focus, sex and overall less grouchiness / panic attacks even when integrated into more standard treatments like talk therapy and SSRIs. 

Masks are required in clinic for all, as well as a temperature and O2 check at the door. You will still have your own room for this service.

Book your 30-minute session here

If you need sliding-scale therapy in Austin, some of my favorite organizations are:

• Sol Healing and Wellness Center (North Austin) 
• YWCA of Greater Austin (sliding scale teletherapy, and no cost support groups available!) 
• Integral Care (South Austin)
• If you make under $1,000 a month and you live in Travis County, you qualify for the Medical Assistance Program and have access to CommUnity Care social workers. 
• As always if you are in crisis, you can call or text any of these hotlines 24/7: 
  • Travis County: 512-472-4357 (Integral Care)
  • Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Williamson Counties: 1-800-841-1255 (Bluebonnet Trail Community Services)
  • Hays County: 1-877-466-0660 (Hill Country MHDD Centers)
  • Spanish Language Hotline: 1-888-628-9454
  • National Crisis Text Line: Text NAMI to 741741

As always, yours in health,

Nicole