by Kayla Myers, Peer Support coordinator

June 24, 2025

I’m a mom of boys, loud, messy, hilarious, curious, deep-feeling boys.

And if I’m honest, one of my greatest hopes, besides them eventually learning to do their laundry and clean up after themselves, is that they grow into men who feel safe being whole. Not just strong or stoic or successful. But soft when they need to be. Honest. Vulnerable. Supported.

Because here’s the truth, one I’ve heard from every mom of boys and quietly carried myself: the world still struggles to let our sons be fully human.

We tell our kids, “It’s okay to cry,” but somewhere between kindergarten and manhood, that message gets lost. Replaced by phrases like “man up,” “don’t be soft,” and “real men don’t talk about their feelings.” And those words don’t just bounce off; they sink in. They settle deep.

As moms, we see their hearts before the world tells them to hide them. We see the quiet anxiety before the tough-guy mask forms. We know the pressure they carry in silence, the self-doubt buried behind humor, the frustration when they don’t have the words to explain what’s going on inside.

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. And if it reminds me of anything, it’s this:

We don’t just need to raise good men.
We need to raise whole men.

Men who know it's okay to ask for help.
Men who’ve had practice expressing what they feel.
Men who’ve seen someone care about what’s happening beneath the surface.

Here’s what I’m doing, or I should say, what I’m trying, daily:

• I ask them how they’re feeling, and I try not to rush past the silence.
• I talk about therapy like it’s normal, because it is.
• I praise emotional honesty just as much as achievements.
• I work on asking for help myself, because they’re always watching.

In my eyes, no boy should grow up believing his feelings make him weak.

So, whether you're a parent, an aunt, a coach, a teacher, or a friend, be part of the voice that says:

You don’t have to pretend you're okay when you’re not.
You’re not less of a man for needing support.
You’re more of one for knowing when to reach out.

To my sons, and all the boys growing into men:
Your mind matters.
Your emotions matter.
You matter.

Let’s raise them to believe it.

(Edited and Enhanced with ChatGPT)

by Kayla Myers, Peer Support Coordinator

January 28, 2025

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time that holds deep meaning for my family and countless others around the world. My son is almost 9 years old, and he is non-speaking. While he may not use words in the way most people do, he communicates in a hundred other beautiful, meaningful ways. I am always seeking the words for my personal hero, my son.

When I first heard the words “your child is on the autism spectrum,” I felt everything at once: fear, love, confusion, and an overwhelming desire to understand what the future might hold. I imagined the challenges he might face, the misunderstandings, the uphill battles. But what I couldn’t yet see was how much he would teach me. He has taught me valuable lessons about patience, resilience, perspective, and the power of connection that doesn’t require words.

Our days are filled with routines and rhythms that make sense to him. He used to spend hours lining up his toys in a way only he could understand, watching water swirling endlessly down the drain, and listening to the same song over and over again. These are just the things that bring him comfort and joy. They are just a few examples of how he experiences the world. And when I slow down and truly see things through his eyes, I realize how much intention, beauty, and clarity live in the moments that I used to overlook.

He may be non-speaking, but he is never silent. His laughter lights up the room when something speaks his language. His eyes sparkle when he wants to share a moment with me. His hands flap joyfully when he’s proud of himself or when he is excited. And when he’s overwhelmed, I feel his pain in my bones. Even when he doesn’t say, “Mom, I need help,” I know. And I respond with everything I have.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned as a mother is this: communication is so much more than words. It’s gestures, eye contact, presence, energy, and love. In our home, we celebrate every form of expression. Whether it’s pointing, using a communication device, pulling me toward what he needs, or simply placing his hand in mine when he’s seeking comfort. These are his words. And they are valid. They are powerful. And this is when I feel so connected to the idea of connection.

I’ve always been a people person. I may not excel at the things most people do, but I get people. I easily read between the lines, I am very aware of the subtle shifts in body language, the emotion behind a glance, the weight carried in a quiet moment. I’ve come to understand that everyone has a story, and that what we see on the surface is just one layer of many. I know that life can be painful. And I find grace in my ability to hold space for others, not to fix or solve, but simply to sit with them in their pain, to truly see them, and to understand even just a fragment of what they’re carrying.

But it’s my son, my beautiful, non-speaking son — who has helped me take that ability to a deeper level. He has taught me how to truly listen without words, how to tune in to the language of presence, energy, and emotion. In walking alongside him, I’ve learned to support what’s unspoken with more compassion and clarity than I ever thought possible.

Autism Awareness Month is about more than awareness, it’s about acceptance, understanding, and celebration. It’s about recognizing that autistic individuals, whether they speak or not, bring extraordinary strengths, perspectives, and beauty into this world. My son has shown me that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and honored exactly as they are.

So if you’re reading this, I invite you to lean in. Listen. Learn. Unlearn. Listen to parents like me, yes — but more importantly, listen to autistic individuals themselves. Their voices matter most. They are the true experts on their own experience. And often, the very people the world tries to speak for.

Let’s build a world where all kinds of communication are valued, where neurodiversity is not just accepted but embraced, and where being non-speaking never means being unheard.

To my beautiful boy: you are brave, man, you are brave. You are brilliant and I know more brilliant than I could even understand. And you are deeply loved, exactly as you are. I will always be your voice until the world learns how to truly listen. 

Edited and enhanced by ChatGPT

Written by Kayla Myer
Edited and Enhanced by ChatGPT

February 25, 2025

Every year as winter approaches, I start to dread the days ahead. Even before summer or fall has ended, I find myself mourning their passing while still living in those seasons. I know the days will soon grow shorter and the nights longer, and I brace myself for the arrival of the infamous "winter blues." Whether it's the colder weather, the lack of sunlight, or the post-holiday slump, this time of year can be particularly challenging for my mental health. As a peer supporter, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside others through difficult seasons, and I know firsthand how real and heavy these feelings can be. But the good news? We don’t have to face them alone.

The "winter blues" is a common term used to describe the seasonal dip in mood that many people experience. For some, it can manifest as mild sadness, fatigue, or irritability. For others, it may develop into something more severe, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by seasonal changes. While the severity varies, the struggle is real, and acknowledging it is the first step toward finding relief (generated using ChatGPT).

For myself, once I started to understand how the “winter blues” manifested in me, I was able to implement my wellness tools into moments that felt daunting. Over the years, I’ve learned that small, intentional actions can make a big difference. Here are some approaches that have helped both myself and those I support:

1. Embrace the Light

Sunlight plays a crucial role in regulating our mood. If you can, try to get outside during daylight hours, even if it’s just for a short walk. If natural sunlight is scarce, consider using a light therapy lamp, which can help mimic the benefits of natural light and improve mood.

2. Stay Active

Exercise is a powerful mood booster. It doesn’t have to be intense, even gentle movements like yoga, stretching, or a short dance session can help release endorphins and combat sluggishness.

3. Connect with Others

Isolation often worsens the winter blues. Reaching out to my support system helps me stay grounded. Even a simple text, phone call, or video chat can lift my spirits and remind me that I’m not alone.

4. Nourish Your Body and Mind

What we eat can impact how we feel. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into my diet, including vitamins, and whole foods that fuel my body. Equally important, nourish your mind. I practice mindfulness, gratitude, or journaling to process my emotions.

5. Create Comforting Rituals

Small moments of joy can make a huge difference. Whether it’s lighting a scented candle, wrapping up in a warm blanket with a good book or watching a show, or listening to uplifting music, I try to find little ways to bring warmth and comfort into my daily routine.

6. Seek Support When Needed

I don’t take these helpful tips lightly because I know how hard it can be to implement them when my brain feels heavy. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the weight of the winter blues can feel overwhelming. And that’s okay. If your feelings persist or become too difficult to manage, don’t hesitate to seek support. There is strength in asking for help.

One of the most important things I’ve learned as a peer supporter is the power of shared experiences. No matter how isolating the winter blues may feel, you are not alone in this struggle. There is a community of people who understand, care, and are willing to walk this journey with you. So, as we navigate these colder, darker months together, let’s lean on one another, embrace small victories, and remember that brighter days are ahead. Spring always follows winter, and in the meantime, we can find warmth in connection, self-care, and hope. If you’re feeling down this season, reach out. To a friend, a peer supporter, a mental health professional, or whoever is your support system. You deserve support, and you are worth the effort it takes to care for yourself.

by Mandy Nunes, Assistant Director

August 1, 2023

The role of being a parent again, in recovery, has been such a blessing! I missed so much of my kids’ lives due to active addiction and I never thought I would have the opportunity to raise children again. I am so grateful I have a second chance at being a mom, of having the honor to help raise my partner’s now young teenagers. However, parenting teenagers isn’t particularly easy for anyone. Add to that us both being in recovery, my current mental health journey, both of our kids having behavioral health challenges, and us being a lesbian couple, and it makes the dynamics even more complex. As we navigate the path of parenthood and recovery together, it's been crucial that we’ve established open communication, built trust, and continue to foster a supportive environment for our teenagers. I’m going to share some practical strategies and insights that have helped us effectively parent teenagers while maintaining our well-being and recovery.

Embracing Open Communication

Open communication serves as the foundation for any healthy relationship, especially when parenting teenagers. Here are some areas we have focused on:

• Honesty and Transparency: We are honest with our kids about our recovery journey. They have witnessed the destruction of active addiction and are now experiencing stability, security, and growth. It’s important that they know and understand how this transformation happens and how we work to maintain it. I am transparent about my current mental health journey. They have seen me struggle with depression and panic attacks and have also seen me push myself to overcome obstacles and flourish. I’m open about therapy and the fact I take medications. This created a safe space for our daughter to share her mental health struggles and explore therapy as an option for her well-being. We emphasize the importance of self-care and personal growth, for all of us. We encourage them to share their thoughts and concerns openly as well. Sometimes this means discussing their past traumas, which we also encourage. Though it may be painful to be reminded of the hurt we caused in active addiction, it’s important that our children know that their feelings are valid, that we can take accountability, and that they have a safe space now.
• Consistency and Unified Front: We have established consistency in household rules and expectations between both parents, and we are transparent about expectations and consequences. Transparency and consistency are trauma-informed practices. It’s important that our kids know what to expect. Presenting a unified front ensures clarity for our teenagers and fosters a sense of stability. It also prevents arguments.
• Active Listening: We practice active listening to understand our kids' needs, emotions, and experiences. We get to create a safe space where they feel heard and supported.

Building Trust and Connection

Building trust and connection with our kids is essential for their well-being and the strength of our family. Here are some strategies we use to build trust and connection.

• Authenticity and Vulnerability: We share our recovery journeys authentically, emphasizing the positive changes it has brought to our lives. This openness inspires trust and encourages our teenagers to share their own struggles.
• Quality Time: We dedicate quality time to connect with our teenagers individually and as a family. We engage in activities they enjoy and create opportunities for meaningful conversations.
• Respecting Boundaries: We respect our teenagers' boundaries and privacy while maintaining open lines of communication. However, our kids know that if we feel their safety or the safety of someone else may be in jeopardy, we will choose to value safety over privacy. This balance helps build trust and fosters a sense of autonomy.

Supportive Network and Self-Care:

As parents in recovery, it's crucial we prioritize our own well-being while supporting our kids. When we prioritize and model self-care, our kids see the value and start to participate in their own self-care.

• Seek Support: We have both attended recovery support groups and therapy to help us navigate the challenges we face as individuals and as a couple. We surround ourselves with a supportive network of friends and family who understand our journey. Our daughter enjoys attending therapy and our kids feel safe and comfortable discussing struggles with their close friends and with ours.
• Time for Yourselves: We carve out individual and couple time to prioritize self-care. We engage in activities that bring us joy, promote relaxation, and contribute to our overall well-being. We play softball, go on date nights, and tackle home projects together.
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: We incorporate mindfulness techniques and stress reduction practices into our daily routine. This includes meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies that quiet the mind and promote relaxation. My favorite activity to quiet my mind and be creative is cross-stitching. Our kids see me do this often, especially when I am anxious, and are learning to find stress-reducing activities that work for them.

Addressing Unique Challenges

Being lesbians and parenting teenagers has presented unique challenges. Some of the strategies we utilize with these unique challenges are below.   

• Navigating Identity and Acceptance: We understand our teenagers will explore their own identities and know they may face challenges related to acceptance. We have worked to create a safe and loving environment where they feel supported and empowered to embrace their true selves. We have open conversations about what that looks like and feels like at school and with their friends.
• Educating and Advocating: We are proactive in educating ourselves and our teenagers about LGBTQ+ issues, understanding resources, and encouraging open conversations. This knowledge fosters understanding, acceptance, and resilience.
• Dealing with External Judgment: We have encountered external judgment and prejudice. We face political and religious adversity. Our kids have already faced judgement because they have 2 moms. We have prepared ourselves as a couple and we openly discuss strategies for handling such situations while prioritizing the well-being of our family.

Parenting teenagers in recovery requires strength, resilience, and dedication. By embracing open communication, building trust and connection, prioritizing self-care, and addressing unique challenges, we are creating a loving and supportive environment for our teenagers to thrive. We lean on our support network, seek professional guidance when needed, and celebrate the milestones and growth along the way. With love, authenticity, and a commitment to personal and family well-being, we can navigate this beautiful journey of parenting while in recovery, and so can you!