ABOUT ME
I'm Dr. Ena Ceres, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and I'm thrilled to bring over three decades of hands-on experience in psychiatric mental health care to my practice.
My Background:
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I've delved deep into understanding the intricacies of mental health conditions, especially when it comes to working with young adults and individuals grappling with opioid addiction and suicidal ideation. With a solid nursing background, I've fine-tuned my knack for providing compassionate and evidence-based care across a variety of healthcare settings.
My recent dive into researching "Opioid Addiction in Rural Middle Tennessee" isn't just a project—it's a testament to my unwavering dedication to tackling one of the most urgent public health issues we face. Throughout my career, I've remained steadfast in my commitment to guiding individuals through their mental health journeys. I blend therapies like psychotherapy and medication management with holistic approaches, all tailored to suit each patient's unique needs. My heart is truly in empowering young adults and those battling opioid addiction to find their way to fulfilling lives, navigating the twists and turns of mental illness with resilience and strength.
Personal Story:
Losing my only child, my brilliant daughter, to the relentless grip of chemical imbalance in her brain that led to her self-medicating/addiction was a heart-wrenching journey that shattered my world. She struggled silently, battling against the chemical imbalances in her brain that drove her to self-medicate. From nicotine to alcohol, and eventually to street drugs like marijuana, she tried to numb the pain that gnawed at her soul. I watched helplessly as her grades plummeted, her job slipped through her fingers, and her once vibrant health deteriorated before my eyes.
As a mother, I was blind to the turmoil brewing within her for far too long. She shielded her struggles from me, masking the pain until it was too late. The shock of her passing left me reeling, drowning in a sea of grief and unanswered questions. For years, I grappled with the overwhelming loss, seeking solace in the quiet moments with myself and with God.
But amidst the darkness, a flicker of purpose emerged. I knew that I couldn't bring my daughter back, but I could channel my pain into something meaningful. Drawing from my background as a clinical specialist, I immersed myself in understanding the complexities of mental health and addiction, particularly among young adults. I delved deep into research, seeking to unravel the warning signs and nuances of chemical imbalances, determined to prevent other families from enduring the same anguish.
Through this journey of loss and healing, I found a renewed sense of purpose—to advocate for those silently struggling, to shed light on the shadows of addiction, and to offer hope to those who feel lost in the darkness. My daughter's memory lives on in the work I do every day, guiding me to reach out a hand to others who are navigating the tumultuous waters of mental illness and addiction. Though her physical presence may be gone, her spirit fuels my determination to make a difference, one life at a time.
My Mission Statement:
My mission is to deliver exceptional mental health care to the most vulnerable members of our community, encompassing teenagers, parents of teenagers, young adults facing suicidal thoughts or actions, and individuals grappling with opioid addiction. I strive to empower these individuals by facilitating a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, guiding them toward resilience and well-being. Through compassionate collaboration, I aim to cultivate awareness, foster meaningful connections, and nurture personal growth, ultimately enabling individuals to embrace a fulfilling and authentic life.
