
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 Links
Climbing the Walls Podcast
https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/climbing-the-walls
The Ehlers-Danlos Society
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/
Together Rising
Keywords
mental 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, diagnosis
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Episode 20: Mental Health Check-In
03:28 Current Events: Discussing Mental Health and Societal Issues
06:31 Taking Action: Finding Ways to Help and Support
09:27 The Fear of Current Events: Navigating Safety and Community
09:46 Finding Community in Chaos
11:48 The Need for Leadership and Organization
13:37 Normalization of Troubling Times
15:39 The Impact of Kindness Amidst Turmoil
16:40 Taking Action in Difficult Times
17:31 Navigating Parenting Challenges
23:33 Creating a Positive Home Environment
26:56 Navigating Daily Frustrations
28:32 Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
34:12 The Impact of Social Media on Health Awareness
41:15 Exploring ADHD in Adults
44:47 Understanding ADHD in Women
52:39 The Journey of Cake Making
01:01:29 Reflections and Future Challenges