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.”

women

Work Barbie: How the Ideal of "Having it All" Impacts Women's Mental Health and Ways to Combat It

Work Barbie: How the Ideal of "Having it All" Impacts Women's Mental Health and Ways to Combat It

Work Barbie: How the Ideal of "Having it All" Impacts Women's Mental Health and Ways to Combat It

In the pursuit of equality and empowerment, women have been encouraged to embrace the idea of "having it all:" a successfully balanced career, family, and personal life, without compromising any aspect. This concept, often symbolized by the iconic "Work Barbie," and highlighted in the recent Barbie movie, has been ingrained in societal expectations, portraying women as effortlessly managing multiple roles with impeccable grace, ease, and style. However, behind this façade lies a reality that can significantly impact 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

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.

Coping with Financial Anxiety: Tips from an Anxiety therapist in NYC.

Coping with Financial Anxiety: Tips from an Anxiety therapist in NYC.

How to Cope when Everyone’s Talking About a Recession and the Stress of Financial Issues is Overwhelming: Advice from an Anxiety Specialist in NYC

If you’re feeling the impacts of the pay gap and this potentially pending financial stress and unrest in the financial world or are a bit overwhelmed and wondering how this may impact you, you may be experiencing some symptoms of anxiety. Check out the blog to identify your symptoms and some ways to cope right now.

How to Manage Burnout and Take Care of Yourself Better

How to Manage Burnout and Take Care of Yourself Better

THE BURNOUT SERIES

PART 2: HOW TO MANAGE BURNOUT AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BETTER

While burnout is a symptom of a stressor, we often can’t entirely eliminate the stressors present in our life. So, learning how to manage the impact of stress and prioritize our well-being is the best way to manage and reduce burnout. Go to Part 1 to review what burnout is, how to spot it, and what causes it!

What is Burnout, What Does it Look Like, and What Does it Mean?

What is Burnout, What Does it Look Like, and What Does it Mean?

THE BURNOUT SERIES 

PART 1: WHAT IS BURNOUT, WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

By now you’ve probably heard of burnout. In our culture of wellness and self-care trends, we are often told that if we buy this new lotion, pay for a massage or a facial, or attend a retreat we can cure our burnout. And while that may be true, these quick fixes don’t often address the underlying causes of burnout and address the lifestyle changes that can help us reduce and prevent further burnout. 

Maternal Mental Health & The Hidden Side of Motherhood

Maternal Mental Health & The Hidden Side of Motherhood

A few days ago, we celebrated Mother's Day. A day designed to honor and spoil mothers. It sounds nice, right? And it is— for some—like those with a healthy relationship with their mother and those who desired and had children in their ideal situation. But society tends to glamorize motherhood, which can place unbearable pressure on people who struggle with things like the desire to be a mom, the identity shift that occurs in motherhood, how to balance all the responsibilities of life, and the anxiety of the many unknowns that come with raising children

Am I Depressed? How to Recognize & Overcome Depression in Women

Am I Depressed? How to Recognize & Overcome Depression in Women

Let's get right to the point—research is finding 1 in every 3 adults in America is experiencing depression. The statistics are alarming but understandable in light of what has transpired in the world in the past two years. A lack of energy, increased anxiety, sadness, and overwhelm are feelings most of us have experienced since the start of the pandemic. They are also signs of depression. If you aren't feeling like yourself anymore or haven't in a long time, this article is for you.

Can Stress Damage Our Brains? 5 Brain Healthy Activities to Do Daily

Can Stress Damage Our Brains? 5 Brain Healthy Activities to Do Daily

Can stress actually physically change our brains? What really happens to our brains when we're stressed?

We tend to move throughout our day and lives without giving much thought to our brain and brain health. We know it's there, we assume it's working and doing the job it needs to, and we don't think much about it until there is a problem that forces us to. But understanding how our brain works under stress can help us better understand how to manage it and keep it healthy now and in the future.

10 Things You Can Do to Overcome Anxiety in 2022

10 Things You Can Do to Overcome Anxiety in 2022

The past two years have been filled with events and world circumstances that have pushed anxiety levels to the max. On top of that, we're all still facing the common obstacles and life situations that can cause anxiety, such as relationships, careers, and finances. If you're starting to feel like it's all too much and there seems to be no end in sight, we're here for you.

Is Perfectionism The Real Struggle You’re Facing? How to Identify the Symptoms of Perfectionism

Is Perfectionism The Real Struggle You’re Facing? How to Identify the Symptoms of Perfectionism

There are a lot of different reasons why women in NYC decide to reach out to an online therapist. We hear from women regularly who have anxiety at work, struggle with relationships, want to resolve their feelings about their parents, or build stronger coping skills. However, many of the women we work with ultimately come to share similar experiences and the same underlying frustrations.

Preventing Burnout and Staying Sane During the Holidays

Preventing Burnout and Staying Sane During the Holidays

Stress, anxiety, and depression can become amplified during the holidays. Even when all of our demands are things we actually want to do, the sheer number of obligations during the months of November and December can overwhelm even the best planner.The trick to managing the season is not to think you can conquer the stressful events in your life, but rather to create conditions in which those events don't drown you. You can decrease the impact the demands of the holidays have on you while increasing your enjoyment of the season.

The Tragic Reality of Pregnancy and Infant Loss

The Tragic Reality of Pregnancy and Infant Loss

T/W: miscarriage, infant loss

There are a lot of awareness days and months on the calendar that get a lot of attention. Most people know Black History Month is in February and Pride Month is in June. And it's important we continue to build awareness around these. But there are also lesser-known awareness days and months trying to bring attention to issues that many people are struggling with such as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

The Simple Attitude Change that Will Dramatically Increase Your Quality of Life

The Simple Attitude Change that Will Dramatically Increase Your Quality of Life

What if I told you there was one simple technique that could improve every aspect of your life? No, it’s not a green juice, or the newest superfood, or even meditation, though those all have their benefits. It’s a mindset shift called reframing.

Hey, It's Okay

Hey, It's Okay

Public Service Announcement: It’s Okay. Whatever “it” is, it will be fine. You are smart, powerful, and driven. Your life may not be working out the way you envisioned right now, or it may feel like the world has betrayed you and left you untethered, or you may just feel stuck.