Inspiring Conversations with Dr. Donovan Fredricksen of Texas Mental Health Resources

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Donovan Fredricksen.

Hi Dr. Donovan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Following completion of my bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1986, my wife and I married in 1988, and our children were born in 1989, 1991 and 1994. Our earlier family years were wonderful, as I completed both a master’s degree and doctorate (Ph.D.) in education and began a 20+-year career in higher education. However, in 2004 our family’s world was rocked when my wife spiraled into her first of many bipolar episodes, landing her in an inpatient facility for weeks at a time for several years.

Over the past 20 years, we have navigated the mental illness world and have found very limited support systems in place, particularly when it comes to financial assistance and support group systems. With my wife moving into a more stable situation as she has gotten older, it has been the perfect timing to start my own mental health support non-profit organization. I am also in the process of writing a book entitled, “Surviving the Storm,” chronicling our own very challenging voyage and providing advice and encouragement for others who are newer to the journey.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our own personal life journey has certainly had its challenges, most of them directly connected to my wife’s Bipolar I Disorder. For many years we tried every medication, every treatment, even going out of the country pursuing experimental procedures. Through the turmoil, heartache, suicide attempts, and setbacks, our family struggled, yet grew stronger. We were fortunate to have strong friendships through school and church, offering the encouragement that kept us grounded.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Texas Mental Health Resources is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2021, holding to a three-prong focus on providing financial help (for mental health doctors, medications, counseling, and treatments), planting MindCare peer-to-peer support groups, and building mental health awareness and advocacy. We have the opportunity to interface with struggling families, offering a glimmer of hope in their otherwise dark world. If I had to identify a product that we produce at TXMHR, that is exactly what it would be: HOPE. Sometimes it’s the only thing that can get us through the worst of our life storms.

Building a support system for struggling families has not been without its challenges. By far the greatest hurdle has been raising the financial support required to serve the critical needs of these hurting families. We very desperately need some significant grant opportunities. Fundraising makes up a large portion of our efforts, and if part of that burden were lifted, it would allow us a much greater opportunity to find ways of supporting those who otherwise see no hope in life.

What makes you happy?
Personally, my “happy place” is spending time with my wife, kids, and grandkids, especially if that time is spent on a cruiseship. A fun thing that our family has latched onto over the years is cruising. In the midst of challenges and heartache, it has given us something to look forward to, plan towards, and find a peace that the open waters provide. I actually have a YouTube channel (Cruise Crazed TV) that provides cruising insights and excitement.

When it comes to Texas Mental Health Resources, the one thing that makes me happy is seeing a life changed. A family renewed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://txmhr.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txmhr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TXMHR
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/76200688/
• Twitter: https://x.com/TXMHR
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TXMHR
• Other: https://amentalmoment.podbean.com/