16. Mental Health

The last few episodes of Oh Crap! haven’t been as upbeat as Jamie’s usual output, but it’s important to address the more serious side of introducing your children to the world and dealing with the not-as-fun aspects of parenthood. To conclude this series, Jamie is looking at how mental health affects our parenting, specifically focusing on anxiety. We all need to discuss mental health in a serious and proactive way, while still giving one another the love and encouragement we all deserve. In this episode, Jamie discusses the different forms of anxiety, explains how you can begin to treat each kind, and gives you permission to not go to that big event you’ve been dreading.   The Finer Details of This Episode: Looking at how we frame mental health in casual discussion and why it can help to not speak as lightly about it. Why Jamie’s brand of self-care can come off as “brutal.” What are the different types of anxiety and how do they each manifest? The reason cutting out sugar intake can massively and positively improve your general level of calm. Magnesium: not just for electronics anymore! How a little bit of liver (and several B vitamins) can go a long way. Be a happy flower and absorb some sun! Vitamin D is essential to keeping you feeling fresh and energized. You don’t have to go to that big event! If you do, both you and your little ones will feel drained and on edge by the end. It’s okay to taper off hangouts with a friend you know is leaving you feeling worn down. Realize that social media and YouTube algorithms are designed to throw upsetting and misery-inducing content in your face; seek out some happier stories for a change! What Jamie does—and you yourself can do—to get through an anxious episode with your wits intact. Why you shouldn’t be afraid of medication, especially if you need it. Medication doesn’t have to be forever, but they can be a helpful guide for when they’re a necessity. Make your mental health one of the first things you address in your day. Quotes: “For me, self-care is about mental health.” “A lot of what we know is not set in stone, and this goes for nutritional research.” “If you don’t feel good all the time it’s worth doing your own research to figure out why.” “You are not showing up fully as a parent if you are suffering from anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.” “If your family’s toxic, you have every right to cut them off.” “Don’t throw yourself under the bus for someone else.” “Stop looking for the bad; look for the good.” “We have to confront what our anxieties are so we can keep our kids safe.” Links:   Jamie’s homepage - http://www.jamieglowacki.com/  Oh Crap! Potty Training - https://www.amazon.com/Crap-Potty-Training-Everything-Parenting-ebook/dp/B00V3L8YSU Oh Crap! I Have A Toddler [Get my new book] -  https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Oh-Crap!-I-Have-a-Toddler/Jamie-Glowacki/Oh-Crap-Parenting/9781982109738 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices