Poddin' My Noggin E6 -Lighting Hope: Andrea McGrath's Journey & Mission with Out of Darkness Candles

Trigger Warning: Sensitive Talk on Suicide Website outofdarknesscandle.com Instagram outofdarknesscandle_co Summary Andrea McGrath shares her journey as a mother of a child with mental health struggles and her decision to create a business that advocates for mental health. She discusses the challenges of finding resources and affordable help, as well as the importance of supporting children without forcing them to change. Andrea emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in parenting and encourages parents to listen to their children's needs. She also highlights the importance of starting small and seeking help for mental health issues, even in cultures where mental health is stigmatized. Andrea's business, Out of Lovely, combines her love for making candles with her mission to spread messages of hope and support for mental health. In this conversation, Andrea, the founder of Out of Darkness Candles, discusses the story behind her candles and how they support mental health. She also shares the challenges and successes of running her business. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting mental health and the power of connection. Takeaways Supporting children with mental health struggles requires empathy, understanding, and a balance between pushing them out of their comfort zones and respecting their boundaries. Early signs of mental health issues in children can include intense emotional reactions, physical manifestations of discomfort, and excessive worry about illness or health. Transitioning from a hobby to a business that advocates for mental health involves finding ways to tie scents and messages together to create a meaningful product. Parents should prioritize their own mental health and seek help when needed, even in cultures where mental health is stigmatized. Creating a supportive and accepting environment for children with mental health struggles can have a profound impact on their well-being and future success. Out of Darkness Candles are not just beautifully scented and packaged, but they also support mental health. Running a small business can be challenging, especially with supply chain issues. Purchasing Out of Darkness Candles helps support Mental Health America. Candles can serve as flickers of hope in difficult times. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:18 Journey with Mental Health 03:07 Struggles with Resources and Help 05:04 Finding Therapeutic Relief 08:14 Creating a Business to Advocate for Mental Health 12:27 Daughter's Diagnosis and Treatment 17:28 Personal Experience with Bipolar Disorder 20:19 Managing Anxiety and Resiliency 21:58 Early Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children 25:45 Balancing Pushing and Supporting Children 27:19 Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Help 30:58 Navigating Mental Health in Culturally Conservative Backgrounds 36:20 Supportive Parenting and Embracing Mental Health 44:55 Transitioning from Hobby to Business 47:27 The Story Behind the Candles 48:22 Challenges and Successes 49:16 Supporting Mental Health 50:23 Candles as Flickers of Hope 51:19 The Power of Connection 52:09 Supportive Networks for Children