Dr. Mignon Online

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 05:08:29 -0700

September is National Suicide Awareness Month. The need to talk about suicide awareness is more poignant now than ever. Increasing isolation and anxiety can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions and suicidal thoughts. There is more help now for those in need with the advent of our first nationwide system for mental health, suicide crisis and substance abuse crisis by going to 988lifeline.org or texting at 998 one can get help immediately.

Forty-six percent (46%) of the people who die by suicide are diagnosed with a mental health condition but studies show that ninety (90%) have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

It’s important for those affected by suicidal thoughts or their support networks to know that
mental health conditions are treatable with proper therapy with a professional.

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States and the
second leading cause of death among people age 10 to 14 and the third cause of
death among people 15 to 24. The annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide by US demographic group are the following: · 4.9% of all adults

· 11.3% of all young adults aged 18 to 25

· 18.8% of high school students

· 45% of LGBTQ youth.

The highest rates of suicide or among American Indian andAlaskan natives followed by non-Hispanic whites. Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4 x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth, transgender adults are nearly 9 x more likely to attempt suicide than the...Read More

The Power of the Pause: Healing, Growth, and the Midlife Revolution

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:12:45 -0700

Life has a way of reminding us that we are human.

We make plans. We build businesses. We care for our families. We set ambitious goals. We promise ourselves that this will be the year we accomplish everything we have dreamed of. And then, sometimes unexpectedly, life asks us to pause.

Recently, I had knee replacement surgery. As a physician, entrepreneur, and someone who has always believed in pushing forward, slowing down is not something that comes naturally to me. Like many people in midlife, I am juggling many roles. I run a medical practice, care deeply about my patients, and continue working on one of the most meaningful projects of my life—my upcoming book, The Midlife Revolution.

Yet healing requires something that many of us struggle with: stillness.

For many of us, midlife is the first time our bodies ask us to listen more closely. It may come through fatigue, injury, stress, or simply the natural changes that accompany time. Our instinct is often to push through it. We keep going, keep working, keep caring for everyone around us.

But sometimes the greatest strength is allowing ourselves to slow down long enough to heal.

Midlife Is Not a Crisis—It Is a Turning Point

For decades we hear the phrase “midlife crisis.” The implication is that something has gone wrong—that we have somehow reached a moment of instability or loss.

I see something very different.

Midlife is a revolution.

It is a time when we begin to ask deeper questions. We begin to examine the paths we have taken, the responsibilities we have carried, and the dreams we may have postponed. Many of us have spent years focusing on others—our children, our careers, our communities. We have shown up for...Read More

After the Ribbon Is Cut

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:00:03 -0800

The ribbon has been cut.
The doors are open.
The lights are on.

And now, the real work begins.

On February 13th, we celebrated the grand reopening of Health + Wellness and MedSpa by Dr. Mignon — a moment filled with joy, connection, and deep gratitude. What many people don’t see is what it took to get there. Moving out of a building I had occupied for more than 20 years was not just a logistical shift — it was emotional. That space held memories, patients, lessons, growth, and chapters of my own becoming.

Relocating a medical practice is no small thing. Relocating a MedSpa alongside it takes even more trust, vision, and courage. And doing both at once requires energy — not just physical energy, but emotional and spiritual resilience.

February is often called the month of love. We think of hearts, flowers, and celebrations. But love, in its truest form, is not just about celebration. It’s about commitment. It’s about showing up after the excitement fades. It’s about continuing to care — for our patients, our teams, our communities, and ourselves.

This season has reminded me how much love lives in teamwork. I am deeply grateful for the people who stood beside me during this transition — those who believed in the vision even when the work was heavy. Together, we built something meaningful. Together, we held each other steady. Together, we created a space rooted in care, trust, and possibility.

I am also reminded that leadership requires self-trust. There comes a moment in life — often in midlife — when we realize that inspiration is no longer enough. Vision must be matched with discipline. Dreams must be supported by action. And love must include care for ourselves, not just for everyone else.

The second month of the year is quieter than January. The confetti has settled. The intentions we set now require effort. February asks us:
Will you stay the...Read More

After the Resolution Rush: How Real Change Actually Happens

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:20 -0800

January is often the longest month of the year—not because of the calendar, but because the excitement of the new year fades quickly. The energy of resolutions, fresh starts, and bold promises gives way to routine, responsibility, and real life.
If you’re feeling less motivated right now, let’s be clear:
You’re not failing. You’re entering the phase where real change begins.
When the New Year Noise Fades
The start of the year is loud. Everywhere we look, we’re encouraged to transform—fast and visibly. But meaningful personal growth doesn’t happen in noise. It happens in quiet, consistent moments.
Late January is where progress becomes private.
No applause. No announcements. Just daily choices.
This is the part of change that actually lasts.
Why Motivation Isn’t the Answer
One of the biggest myths about self-improvement is that success requires constant motivation. It doesn’t.
Motivation fluctuates. Identity endures.
Instead of asking:
What should I do this year?
Try asking:
Who am I becoming?
When behavior aligns with identity, change becomes sustainable—especially in midlife, when we’ve learned that quick fixes rarely work.
The Power of Small, Sustainable Habits
January invites us to slow down and get honest about what truly supports our health and well-being.
Real progress often looks like:
Choosing rest over perfection
Nourishing your body instead of punishing it
Setting one meaningful boundary
Showing up imperfectly—but consistently
These choices may seem small, but they build resilient physical health, emotional stability, and long-term well-being.
Redefining...Read More

Midlife Renewal at the Close of 2025

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:00:07 -0800

After a pause that began in 2022, I return to this space with intention, reflection, and excitement. December 2025 marks not only the close of a year, but the end of the first quarter of a new century — a milestone that feels both personal and profound.
So much has happened in these years. We have aged. We have grown. We have endured, healed, and evolved. And now, standing at the threshold of 2026, we are offered something powerful: the opportunity to renew ourselves — especially in midlife.
This moment matters.
Midlife in a New Age: Renewal, Reinvention, Rediscovery
We are living in a new time. A new age. One that invites midlifers to step forward rather than step aside.
For too long, midlife has been framed as decline or loss. But that narrative no longer fits who we are or what we’ve lived through. This stage of life is not about fading out — it is about waking up.
Midlife is the season where we finally have the wisdom, clarity, and courage to:
Renew our sense of self
Reinvent how we live, work, and love
Rediscover what truly matters to us
We have been riding the wave of life — sometimes gracefully, sometimes just holding on — and through it all, we have learned one undeniable truth:
We are resilient.
This Is Not the Way Out — This Is the Way Up
This is a time to be courageous.
We are not on our way out.
We are on our way up.
Midlife is an invitation to reinvigorate:
Our physical health
Our emotional well-being
Our creativity and curiosity
Our purpose and sense of possibility
This is the moment to stop shrinking and start expanding — to take up space in our own lives...Read More

Living in the NOW. Don’t miss your Blessings.

Sat, 19 Feb 2022 19:20:53 -0800

Living in the Now. Living life today on today’s terms. Living in the present is a recognized and evidence-backed lifestyle that is important for everyone particularly those struggling with anxiety and stress in their day-to-day life.
Being in the present moment or the“here and now,” means that we are aware and mindful of what is happening at this very moment. We only live in the present moment and everything happens in the present moment.
So often I see people living in the past, reliving the past. Perseverating on the past, talking about certain life events as if the occurred just yesterday or last week when it was really several years ago. Being stuck in the past, wanting to do things differently or not being able to move beyond that period of time. “If only I had done this or that …. things could have been different.” This type of thinking can increase anxiety and depression. All we can do is learn from the past, savor the good times and learn from the bad ones, but don’t get stuck in the past. Getting stuck will only slow you down or keep you there alone. Besides we can’t change the past. We can try to understand past and through understanding it will give us wisdom and life perspective. One way to get focused on living in the now is to quiet the mind through, exercise, meditation, journaling, or doing the things that bring you happiness and connection with your inner self like music, dancing, art, yardwork, interacting with nature, pets or friendship.
Don’t put off enjoying or appreciating today, because you are going to get to the “good part” of living in the future. I submit that you can work towards your future today, while also enjoying life today. The daily grind is the part of the preparation. Think of it as training and conditioning for the future. It’s a part of the process and it makes us stronger. The grind can be very...Read More

We Welcome 2022!!

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 19:50:47 -0800

The New Year brings an opportunity to push the reset button, to start new again.
It brings excitement every year, but this year I noticed an exceptional level of excitement. I see people are showing gratitude, being present, recognizing their meaningful relationships with others, and appreciating the importance of connection and community. In this day and age, where we can feel so separate and distant from one another, community and relationships are essential.
I want to share that “I see you. I am here”. To acknowledge and validate another person is influential. When we see and recognize another individual, friend, co-worker, or acquaintance, we see the commonality of humanity, and we feel a connection. We tap into our humanity, and we are validated. We realize how much we are alike and need each other and the community.
At the onset of this New Year, this feels most appropriate and best for my soul and spirit. The Zulu word Sawubona means I see you; I am here. When we fully see someone and acknowledge another’s presence, we get closer, and the world gets smaller. We recognize that we are not alone and are all in this together.
Sawubona.
Read More

Unapologetically Happy

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:56:09 -0700

Now is the time. The time to fully embrace happiness and greatness.
We are what stars are made of. Star Dust.
Although I have been happy and there are many things to make me happy, looking at me from the outside one would never know that there is a reservation that comes from within. Many times, I suppress my happiness or outward expression of my happiness.
I will release this reservation and let go of that restrained position. I will be free to be me. I will not be embarrassed or “shy” to be seen fully and feel free to shine.
It is as if one is not worthy of being completely happy or allowing themselves to be completely happy. Not worthy? This is a self-imposed feeling, maybe it was a learned behavior? Maybe our society tells us, especially women that they cannot or should not be their complete selves.
It is not that I do not have burdens or challenges. I do and they feel heavy. It is almost as if one wants the world to know just how difficult your life is and that dulls our shine. Can we do both? Can we embrace the struggle and strain and at the same time embrace the success, the ability to be strong, endure, to be resilient and successful and at the same time not afraid to shine and be happy? The answer is a very loud YES!
I am setting this intention to be all of me. To let my limitations go, those limitations are my hesitancies and I am ready to let them go and live in a new space. I’m so excited. I encourage you to do the same.
With a grin on my face...
Yours truly,
Dr. Mignon
Read More

Pride is Everywhere

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:29:17 -0700

Happy Pride Month! This year, it seems that the media has really picked up this term and run with it. But hey, when a door opens, you grab everyone around you and sprint through it. This month, I have taken time to reflect on the strong relationships that I have with many of my friends in the LGBTQ. Relationships that have withstood time, hardship, change, and suffering. The past fifteen years have brought some of the happiest times in my life, but without a doubt, I had to endure periods of time more terrible that I could ever imagine. During my darkest days when I wondered if I would even make it, my closest friends (in the LGBTQ community) where right by my side, telling me I would survive. Just the other week, it was my close friend who drove me to my surgery, nursing me back to health. Who takes care of the doctor when the doctor needs care is a running joke in my field, but the truthful answer to that question in my experience are the very few friends that I hold dear to my heart, many of whom are in the LGBTQ community,
During my hardest times, I questioned how they could be so sure that I would survive.   I now realize that most of them had their own major challenges. It has only become socially acceptable to be “proud” and loud about your sexuality in the recent decades. I can only imagine what it must have been like for my dear friends to grow up in this community in the south, having to hide, endure shame, wait for a brighter day. Some of my closest friends were exiled from their families forced to flee their homes. In many countries, homophobia even goes as far to force people to leave their countries to be with who they love.
All this is to say that members of the LQBTQ community are some of the toughest and most resilient people I know. I feel so honored to have had many of them spread that resilience onto me when I needed it most, and I will always be an ally of the community.
Although the month is coming to a...Read More

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mon, 31 May 2021 08:58:25 -0700

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end it is importaant that we all continue to fight the stigma of mental illness. I always say that we all have mental health, the question is what is the state of your mental health?
This year’s NAMI is promoting No One is Alone. Just last week one of my patients who met all of the criteria for depression, clearly told me that she did not want that diagnosis. That she felt that she should be able to handle and deal with her issues herself and she did not anyone to know that she was being prescribed an antidepressant.
No one should feel alone and it is so important for everyone to have access to proper treatment. I encourage my patients to get help when needed. To know that their treatment is confidential. Everyone needs a therapist that they can feel connected to, trust and comfort is very important.
Read More

Dr. Mignon Online

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

The Power of the Pause: Healing, Growth, and the Midlife Revolution

Midlife Is Not a Crisis—It Is a Turning Point

After the Ribbon Is Cut

After the Resolution Rush: How Real Change Actually Happens

The start of the year is loud. Everywhere we look, we’re encouraged to transform—fast and visibly. But meaningful personal growth doesn’t happen in noise. It happens in quiet, consistent moments.

One of the biggest myths about self-improvement is that success requires constant motivation. It doesn’t.

January invites us to slow down and get honest about what truly supports our health and well-being.

Midlife Renewal at the Close of 2025

We are living in a new time. A new age. One that invites midlifers to step forward rather than step aside.

This is a time to be courageous.

Living in the NOW. Don’t miss your Blessings.

We Welcome 2022!!

Unapologetically Happy

Pride is Everywhere

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month