Who is jenny tennille?
We can do this.
Hello, I'm Jen, the Mental Mommy. However, a Mental Mommy is any mom (or dad, or primary caregiver) that strives to be the best parent possible while also dealing with mental illness. These two things together can be a recipe for disaster, right? I know they were in my childhood. But, I strive to be better - do better for my kids. And I'm sure you do too.
My personal cocktail of "mental illness" includes generalized anxiety, bouts of depression and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with some elements of OCD. I am also a nihilist, which is someone who believes that life has no inherent meaning (this makes everyday life a struggle in and of itself). We all have our own unique combinations that make it more difficult for us to be good parents. That's why I'm here, and that's why I want to share my daily and lifelong struggles....so that you know you aren't alone in this.
Here are a few things about me you may want to know before moving forward:
My name is Jen. I struggle with anxiety, bouts of depression, CPTSD and OCD.
I am a nihilist and often have existential crises.
I am not a therapist or doctor. I am simply a stay-at-home-mom that struggles with the day-to-day of being a good parent while dealing with mental illness. Everything I say here is my own experience, and I am not able to give personal recommendations.
I say bad words sometimes. Sometimes it just warrants a bad word.
I am here because 1.) I didn't want to feel alone in my struggle anymore, and 2.) I would like to be able to help others feel that they are not alone. 3.) It’s cathartic to get it all out (sorry).
I use the term "mommy". I'm a mom. You may be a dad or other caregiver. That's cool. Anyone dealing with mental illness, existential crises, and parenting (or knows someone who is) is welcome in this community. It's a place of acceptance and understanding.
I use the term "mental" as almost a term of endearment. I do not mean anything offensive by using it. I use it to describe the huge array of psychological disorders that any of us may be struggling with at any given time.
I'm an introvert. Classic introvert. This is a place where I feel like I will be able to geek out a bit. Extroverts and introverts and anyone in between -- all welcome! But I may disappear occasionally when I get burnt out.
I’m not here to fix anything. I’m just here to share and get more insight on this thing called life. I get dumber every day and realize I know nothing.
I really, really love coffee. I had to quit about 2 years ago due to too much caffeine and heart palpitations (thanks anxiety), but I still do decaf. So join me with your choice of warm beverage and let's go.
If you're anything like me, you've gone on for years wondering why parenting is so goddamn hard. Well, it just is, and no one said it wouldn't be. But, when you are also dealing with anxiety, or PTSD or depression, or whatever it may be, it can make it nearly impossible some days. I'm not here to try and fix it, I'm here to share my experience and journey so that someone, anyone, may benefit -- whether that is helping you feel that you are not alone or giving you tips on how to deal with the struggle just a little bit better -- that is my only wish and hope for this community.
By being better parents, our kids will become the best people they can be, and perhaps we can break some of the generational habits that lie heavy in our souls. We may always have to deal with our mental illness, and every day may still be somewhat of a struggle, but if we enter each moment with a more present and open heart, then I believe we can live a more fulfilling life and also give our children the start in life that they deserve. Let us stop putting the weight of our illness on them. They deserve better. We deserve better.
I welcome you with open arms to this safe space. Please provide a safe environment for others by listening, being open and treating others how you would like to be treated. The Golden Rule always applies.
Peace.