Jenny Maenpaa
Supporting Yourself and Loved Ones Through ...

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the significance of mental health and the support systems needed for those of us who are grappling with negative aspects of it. Mental health struggles can be isolating, overwhelming, intensely confusing, and often invisible to the naked eye. Yet, amidst the darkness, there can be light in the form of empathy, understanding, and unwavering support from loved ones. When we speak about mental health, we often only highlight the down sides of mental health struggles, and forget to mention the incredibly positive impact taking care of and supporting our mental health can have. 

Supporting Yourself and Loved Ones Through Mental Health Challenges: A Guide for Mental Health Awareness Month
Jenny Maenpaa
Navigating Climate Anxiety: Acknowledging Fear ...

Navigating Climate Anxiety: Acknowledging Fear and Taking Action

In recent years, a new term has entered our collective vocabulary: climate anxiety. This phenomenon reflects the growing concern and fear many people feel about the current and future state of our planet. As the consequences of climate change become increasingly apparent, more of us are experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and despair. The sense of impending doom can be overwhelming, so we’ve gathered some info and tips on how to acknowledge these feelings, support yourself through them, and find ways to cope and take action.

Navigating Climate Anxiety: Acknowledging Fear and Taking Action
Jenny Maenpaa
Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding ...

Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence in ADHD and Autism

April 2nd is World Autism Day, and since we work with many adults with diverse diagnoses, we wanted to shed some light on neurodivergent conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and how they’re commonly misunderstood. You probably know plenty of neurodivergent people and don’t even realize it, or maybe you’ll see some of your own traits in this blog! The term neurodivergent is an umbrella term that describes people who have different neurological abilities from those who are considered “typical” (though we don’t love that terminology since everyone’s brains are wildly different from one another!), which includes both ADHD and ASD. These conditions, though widely recognized, are often surrounded by misconceptions that can lead to stigma and alienation. 

Unraveling the Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence in ADHD and Autism
Jenny Maenpaa
“We get it, you’re afraid of women. You should ...

Here’s my 5-step beginner’s plan for dismantling the patriarchy.

“We get it, you’re afraid of women. You should be.”

parenting

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

The Invisible Burden: Exploring the Disparities of Mental Load and its Impact on Women's Mental Health

As we celebrate Women's History Month, it's crucial to shine a light on issues that continue to affect women globally. One such issue, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful, is the mental load women bear within households. Often described as the “invisible work” of managing a household and family, the mental load encompasses everything from organizing schedules and finances to remembering birthdays and doctor appointments. While both partners in heterosexual couples may contribute to household tasks, studies consistently show that women disproportionately shoulder the mental burden.

Home for the Holidays? 3 Tips to Use if You Have a Toxic Parent Relationship

Home for the Holidays? 3 Tips to Use if You Have a Toxic Parent Relationship

Signs Your Parent Made A Toxic Environment For You Growing Up and How to Heal

We don’t have to relive the habits of our childhood on loop forever. We can rewrite those stories and reparent ourselves in adulthood to create healthier habits and boundaries with others.

How to Be There For a Friend Facing Losing Everything

How to Be There For a Friend Facing Losing Everything

How to Be There For a Friend Facing Losing Everything

The most important priority when talking to a friend facing losing everything is to validate their emotions. Right now they are feeling a jumble, likely ranging from fear, panic, and sadness to anger, resentment, and bitterness. They might blame themselves, their boss, the government, or any number of other factors that you might find unreasonable. The primary way to be there for them is to be supportive. No one wants unsolicited advice, and they definitely don’t want you to tell them it will all be okay when you can’t know that. Once they have experienced their emotions enough to feel like they can see a bit more clearly, or if they ask you specifically for advice, here are some ways to support them.

What Unexpected Gifts Did Quarantine Give Parents and Caregivers?

What Unexpected Gifts Did Quarantine Give Parents and Caregivers?

What Unexpected Gifts did Quarantine Give Parents and Caregivers?

Even though it wasn’t by design and during a tremendously difficult period, slowing down, spending more time with family, and doing projects benefitted families unexpectedly during quarantine.

Managing Your Children's Reactions to Unexpected Disappointments

Managing Your Children's Reactions to Unexpected Disappointments

Managing Your Children's Reactions to Unexpected Disappointments

Covid-19 has given all parents and caregivers a crash course in challenging conversations. Some of us feel that they weathered the storm better than others, but all parents and caregivers can agree that it never hurts to have more tools in the toolbox to deal with their children’s emotions.