Life moves faster than ever, and with it, the need to prioritize mental health becomes increasingly urgent. This May, as Mental Health Awareness Month calls for reflection and action, all eyes turn to Dr. Tavari Brown, Ph.D., LPC, MPH, CPCS—a nationally recognized health educator and licensed professional counselor. With a rare blend of public health expertise and clinical insight, Dr. Brown is helping bridge the gap between broad wellness strategies and deeply personal mental health care.
Dr. Brown’s impactful career has taken her from the halls of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the front lines of corporate wellness and community education. Her mission is straightforward yet powerful: to provide individuals and organizations with practical tools to manage anxiety, build resilience, and foster environments where mental well-being thrives.
One of Dr. Brown’s simplest yet most effective strategies for managing stress? Step outside. “Getting out in nature,” she says, “helps you get out of your head and reconnect with the world.” This small but intentional act can ground us in the present and offer a reset from the relentless demands of modern life.
Still, stress management is only one part of Dr. Brown’s broader message. A fierce advocate for open and honest conversations about mental health, she emphasizes the healing power of vulnerability. “Shame thrives in darkness,” she says. “When we speak openly, it allows the fears to exit our body and promotes connection with others who have a shared experience.”
Community, she insists, is essential. “We are social beings and require support to navigate through life,” Dr. Brown explains. Whether it’s found in family, friends, or trusted professionals, a support system can be the difference between surviving and thriving.
For those wrestling with anxiety or overwhelm, Dr. Brown offers a grounded and compassionate approach: “My first recommendation is to sit with your anxiety, listen to it—what is it trying to tell you?” She encourages self-awareness followed by self-dialogue, reminding people that they can regain control. And for those needing more support, she stresses that “there are medications available to assist,” underscoring that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
A key part of her work is also rooted in myth-busting. One of the most dangerous misconceptions? That people can simply “snap out” of depression. “Mental health is not about willpower,” she says. “It’s a complex interplay of biology, environment, and experience—and often requires professional care.”
Dr. Brown also challenges organizations to rethink how they support employee well-being. She champions inclusive wellness programs, creative spaces, and opportunities for physical activity—all essential to fostering a healthier, more productive workplace. “Creating a culture that prioritizes mental health benefits everyone,” she notes.
As society becomes more open about mental health, Dr. Brown sees both progress and new challenges. “We have TikTok therapy, the Pixar movie Inside Out, and songs like Doechii’s ‘Anxiety’ helping normalize mental health conversations. But now we’re seeing people over self-diagnosing,” she observes, highlighting the need for balance between awareness and informed care.
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that mental wellness is a lifelong journey. And with compassionate experts like Dr. Tavari Brown guiding the way, that journey feels more supported—and more hopeful—than ever.
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