Are We OK? Emotional Whiplash, Self-Diagnoses & Sweet Wins

In this episode of our Are We OK? series, Lauren and Lauren dive into the emotional whiplash of living in America right now—covering everything from the administration's immigration tactics to the hope sparked by the No Kings protests. They explore how activism and community help ease feelings of helplessness, especially when current events feel overwhelming.The conversation also takes a personal turn, with candid reflections on mental health, parenting struggles (hello, summer chaos), and the surprising impact of social media on health awareness. Lauren P shares her journey of possibly having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome after seeing relatable TikToks and opens up about how baking brings her both creativity and joy. Meanwhile, Lauren B discusses her own “wait, do I have ADHD?” moment, and a parenting strategy that’s helping her respond to her kids with more kindness during stressful moments.It’s messy, real, and filled with heart—just like life.Helpful LinksClimbing the Walls Podcasthttps://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/climbing-the-wallsThe Ehlers-Danlos Societyhttps://www.ehlers-danlos.com/Together Risinghttps://togetherrising.org/Keywordsmental health, current events, activism, parenting, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, emotional well-being, social issues, community support, kindness, personal growth, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, health awareness, social media, ADHD, healthcare challenges, cake baking, creativity, women's health, autoimmune disorders, diagnosisTakeawaysIt's important to check in on our mental health regularly.Current events can significantly impact our emotional well-being.Finding ways to take action can help combat feelings of paralysis.Activism can provide a sense of community and hope.Parenting during challenging times requires balance and self-care.Summer can bring unique challenges for parents and children alike.Practicing kindness towards our children can improve relationships.Understanding personal health issues can lead to better self-care.It's okay to seek help and support from others.Finding joy in small moments can help counterbalance negativity. Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can provide context for various health issues.Social media platforms like TikTok can raise awareness about health conditions.Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging, especially for women.Adult ADHD is often underdiagnosed, particularly in women.Baking cakes has become a fulfilling creative outlet for Lauren.Feedback from customers can boost confidence in creative endeavors.It's important to seek a diagnosis for health concerns to understand them better.The joy of creating something tangible can be incredibly rewarding.Finding a supportive primary care doctor is crucial for health management.Exploring new hobbies can lead to unexpected opportunities and income.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Episode 20: Mental Health Check-In03:28 Current Events: Discussing Mental Health and Societal Issues06:31 Taking Action: Finding Ways to Help and Support09:27 The Fear of Current Events: Navigating Safety and Community09:46 Finding Community in Chaos11:48 The Need for Leadership and Organization13:37 Normalization of Troubling Times15:39 The Impact of Kindness Amidst Turmoil16:40 Taking Action in Difficult Times17:31 Navigating Parenting Challenges23:33 Creating a Positive Home Environment26:56 Navigating Daily Frustrations28:32 Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome34:12 The Impact of Social Media on Health Awareness41:15 Exploring ADHD in Adults44:47 Understanding ADHD in Women52:39 The Journey of Cake Making01:01:29 Reflections and Future Challenges