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Is it possible to juggle creative dreams with the realities of mental health challenges and self-employment? Join me, Lauren, as I unravel my current journey through a rocky start to 2025, marked by illness and depression, and how it's shaping my artistic and professional life. I lay bare the struggles and triumphs of managing bipolar disorder while keeping my creative passions, like music and podcasting, alive. As I gear up to re-enter the structured world of a day job, I share my hopes for how it might help harmonize my personal projects, offering structure without stifling creativity.

I open up about the tightrope walk of balancing depressive lows with bursts of creativity, and the constant battle to avoid past patterns of self-sabotage. Together, we explore the potential for rebranding and expanding the Mostly Mental Mom podcast, weaving in insights from friends and my supportive online community. I also discuss my intention to evolve my online presence without losing the essence of who I am. This episode is not just a personal update; it's a heartfelt invitation to witness the journey of balancing creativity with stability, celebrating small victories, and advocating for mental health.

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Lauren | The Mostly Mental Mom

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Ever felt swamped by the relentless societal pressure to start the new year with grand resolutions, only to find them slipping away amid life's chaos? You're in the right place. Kicking off season two of the Mostly Mental Mom podcast, I, Lauren, am here to share my take on embracing 2025 with a fresh mindset. Instead of falling for the usual new year's hype, I reveal five practical goals designed to support your mental health journey. From practicing self-compassion to setting micro goals, let's explore how these small, intentional steps can create clarity and progress in the unpredictable dance of life.

In this episode, we tackle the everyday hurdles of mental health, like insomnia and loneliness, and how to build stability through small, positive actions. Together, we'll uncover the power of having a consistent wake-up routine and the calming effects of meditation as a mindfulness tool. I also discuss the often tricky path of reaching out for support and the surprising ways social media can help maintain connections during isolating times. As we wrap up, the focus is on the profound impact of micro goals, reinforcing that even the smallest steps forward can lead to significant transformations in our mental well-being. Join me as we reshape our approach to the new year with realistic, achievable goals that matter.

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Lauren | The Mostly Mental Mom

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This episode acknowledges the emotional challenges that many face during the holiday season, especially for those who are grieving or struggling.

• Acknowledging holiday struggles and loneliness
• Encouragement for those experiencing grief this season
• Sneak peek into next episode's goals for the New Year
• Importance of cultivating self-compassion
• Creating a routine of small positive actions
• Developing healthy coping strategies
• Seeking and accepting support from others
• Setting micro goals for clarity and progress

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Lauren | The Mostly Mental Mom

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I literally start this episode by saying, "I don't want to be recording this episode." So please join me for a candid conversation about this holiday season, the overstimulation, the feelings of burdening others and how living with bipolar disorder often feels all-consuming.

• Discussing holiday overstimulation and personal challenges
• Emphasizing the feeling of being a burden due to mental health
• Exploring the search for acceptance in relationships
• Examining the importance of vulnerability in conversations
• Reflecting on the silent battles faced during the festive season
• Encouraging listeners to advocate for their needs
• Highlighting the significance of community and connection

Thank you for listening to Mostly Mental Mom! If this episode resonates with you, please share your thoughts with on social media. And don't forget to share, like and subscribe!

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Lauren | The Mostly Mental Mom

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What happens when your mental health challenges become the lens through which you view your entire existence? Join me, Lauren, as I share my deeply personal journey through the hurdles and unexpected turns of living with bipolar disorder. From striving to meet societal and familial expectations during my college years at Louisiana Tech to grappling with the tension between external pressures and my authentic self, this episode exposes the complex interplay between mental health and identity. Through my stories and reflections, I aim to reveal how mental health can often feel like it controls the narrative of our lives, leaving us passengers in our own stories.

My journey has been marked by a search for self amidst shifting career paths and personal relationships. The struggle between following a path dictated by others and discovering my true desires has been a recurring theme in my life, from my time as a mechanical engineering student to my ventures into the field of dermatology. Along the way, significant life changes, like moving across states, have both hindered and propelled my growth. These experiences highlight the challenges of achieving stability and fulfillment when mental health conditions influence every decision and relationship. Yet, through these trials, I have learned the crucial lesson of prioritizing authenticity over meeting traditional expectations.

In exploring the power of authenticity, I recount moments of personal triumph and realization. A poignant video brought me to tears of pride, reaffirming my commitment to mental health advocacy and the importance of embracing who I truly am. My hope is to inspire others to pursue their genuine selves, even in the face of mental health obstacles. With gratitude for the unwavering support from my listeners, I invite you to join me in continuing this journey toward personal growth and authenticity, as we navigate the complexities of mental health together.

TMMM --

Lauren
www.themostlymentalmom.com

References in the Podcast:
My Interview with Michael VanZetta | PiZette Media: Content with a Cause
Buzzsprout | Referral Link

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Lauren | The Mostly Mental Mom

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Ever felt like the holiday season is a pressure cooker ready to explode? As someone who has navigated the tumultuous waters of mental health challenges during this supposedly joyous time, I’m here to share my own journey and insights. Join me on the Mostly Mental Mom podcast as we pull back the festive curtain to reveal the hidden struggles faced by mental health survivors amid the holiday chaos. From the unrealistic expectation to be perpetually cheerful, to financial stress, and the all-too-common feelings of isolation, we explore why this time of year can be particularly daunting. Let's challenge the traditional six-week holiday sprint and instead embrace a year-round celebration of our loved ones.

In our candid conversation, we also tackle the daunting task of setting boundaries when holiday commitments threaten to overwhelm. I open up about the exhaustion social obligations can bring and the courage it takes to say no, even when it might upset others. Prioritizing self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. We’ll explore practical strategies like mindfulness and grounding techniques to help manage anxiety and maintain mental well-being during the holiday hustle. Remember, those who truly care will respect our choices and boundaries. Tune in for a heartfelt and empowering discussion on finding balance and preserving peace of mind through the holiday season.

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Lauren | The Mostly Mental Mom

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After spending a decade navigating the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, I had the opportunity to share a platform with fellow mental health advocate Michael Vanzetta on the PiZetta Media Content with a Cause podcast. This conversation sparked deep reflections on the unrealistic expectations I've set for myself and how they have impacted my mental well-being. In the latest episode of the Mostly Mental Mom podcast, I open up about these personal battles, emphasizing the importance of shifting towards a more realistic perspective to better manage the emotional rollercoaster that comes with bipolar disorder. By sharing my journey, I hope to connect with others who might find solace in knowing they're not alone.

Living with bipolar disorder often feels like a silent battle, where reaching out for support is daunting yet crucial. I candidly discuss the challenges of facing these internal struggles, the fear of letting others down, and the liberation that comes with embracing vulnerability. My message to you is clear: you don't have to fight alone. Whether it's finding comfort in the presence of loved ones or joining communities of supportive strangers, there's always someone willing to listen and help.

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Lauren | The Mostly Mental Mom

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What if embracing authenticity and vulnerability could transform your mental health journey and MORE?

Join me, Lauren, on the Mostly Mental Mom podcast as we navigate the profound impact of openness and vulnerability, inspired by honest conversations with mental health advocates like Gabe Howard and Dr. Nicole Washington from "Inside Bipolar." This episode shines a light on the remarkable power of sharing personal experiences to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. By diving into real stories from individuals living with bipolar disorder, we explore how these narratives help foster a community where everyone feels understood and supported.

Together, we reflect on the courage it takes to open up about one's mental health challenges, especially amidst societal pressures to appear perfect. By featuring stories from platforms like PiZetta Media, we underscore the importance of empathy and the need for supportive dialogues in our communities. Whether you're personally affected or seeking to better understand and support those who are, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of the resilience found in vulnerability and the strength in shared experiences. Tune in and be inspired by those who choose to bravely share their journey, paving the way for a more accepting and compassionate world.

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Referenced in Podcast:
PiZetta Media: Content with a Purpose with Michael Vanzetta with guest Gabe Howard
Webador Website Builder & Host
Buzzsprout | Podcast Hosting Site
Presonus Recording Equipment & Software

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Lauren | The Mostly Mental Mom