The holiday season is a wonderful time to focus on family, create memories, and connect with loved ones – but at the same time, it can also bring up heightened emotions, busy schedules, and stress for both kids and parents.  

Amidst the festivities and adjusted routines, communication becomes more important than ever. Open and supportive communication is foundational to a healthy parent-child relationship. When kids feel heard and understood, they’re more likely to express themselves honestly, manage their emotions, and feel secure in their connection with you. And when parents communicate openly, they model emotional intelligence, empathy, and problem-solving skills—qualities that kids carry with them into adulthood.  

In a season that often emphasizes gifts and gatherings, focusing on communication can become the most meaningful way to connect. Whether it's through everyday interactions or heartfelt conversations, communicating with care and intention reminds your kids that they ar...

On the heels of this year’s World Mental Health Day theme of “Mental Health at Work,” we’re reminded of the increasing need for employees & employers alike to prioritize mental wellness in the workplace. In today's fast-paced work environments, stress, burnout, and mental exhaustion can feel inevitable. But what if, instead of feeling stuck in overwhelm, we could approach workplace challenges equipped with a mindset and skills geared towards growth and resilience?  

Simply Bee CEO Audrey Grunst, LCSW, developed the Growth & Resiliency Model© to help individuals not just survive but thrive as they navigate the ups and downs of their personal and professional lives. By focusing on the five steps of the model—becoming aware, observing, responding, integrating and growing —you can increase your resilience in the workplace and develop skills to handle stressful moments more effectively. Let’s dive into each step and explore practical ways to apply this model to your work life. 

1.  Bec...

Being a teenager is an emotional rollercoaster – filled with highs and lows that can feel overwhelming as they navigate the pressures of school, social dynamics, and the challenge of figuring out who they are. For some teens, this sense of overwhelm can become so intense that it leads to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.  

Parents and educators are often the first to notice when a teen is struggling, and their support can make all the difference. Research shows that the presence and care of just one attentive adult has a profound impact a teen's life, providing the reassurance and stability they need to navigate their big emotions.  

While discussing suicide can be difficult, it is an essential conversation—especially during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Let’s talk about how we can recognize the signs and step in with the care and resources to support the teens in our lives.  

Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Teens 

What does suicid...

The transition back to school brings with it many emotions – from excitement to anxiety and everything in between. For some students, the excitement of seeing friends and starting a new school year is overshadowed by big feelings of worry or fear, leading to school refusal. If you’ve ever dealt with school refusal in your home or family, then you know it's a challenging experience for both parents and students alike. When kids refuse to attend school, it can be frustrating and stressful - and it's important to remember that they are not being difficult on purpose. They are struggling with something deeper that needs understanding, support, and appropriate intervention. 

Knowing the right steps and options available often feels overwhelming. Let’s dive into the ins and outs of school refusal, explore the levels of care available for mental health support and identify a few strategies for helping your child navigate school refusal. 

Defining School Refusal 

School refusal can be unfam...

Ever wondered what sets professionals apart in today's fast-paced corporate world? For one: it’s their mindset. The concept of a "growth mindset," introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck, is more than just another buzzword—it's a game-changer for individuals and organizations alike. A growth mindset is all about believing that your abilities and intelligence can expand through hard work and dedication. Counter to a fixed mindset, where talents are seen as static and unchangeable. Embracing a growth mindset not only accelerates your professional growth but also acts as a powerful remedy for burnout. Let's explore why embracing this mindset is so important and how to build it in your own life. 

Sailing Through Challenges 

Picture the workplace as a dynamic and ever-changing ocean. In this ocean, a growth mindset is like a sturdy, adaptable ship that can navigate through any waters, whether they are calm or stormy. Just as a well-built ship with a skilled crew can weather any storm and e...

When you think of the stereotypical male character in movies, books and TV shows, it’s likely that characteristics such as independence, competitiveness, assertiveness, bravery or physical strength come to mind. Picture James Bond, the infamous spy known for his confidence, charm, and ability to handle any situation with cool composure. Or Ron Swanson from "Parks and Recreation," the ‘man's man’ who values self-reliance above all else. Or Superman, a symbol of strength and heroism, always ready to swoop in and save the day.  

While these are important qualities, our society’s tendency to place value on only qualities like these has created a culture where many men feel the need to hide their emotions and their overall mental health experience. In June, we recognize Men’s Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to challenging this narrative and raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men that are often hidden in silence and shame. Let’s talk more about this topic an...

 As May unfolds and the world awakens to the warmth of spring, we also welcome Mental Health Awareness Month. This month is a time to illuminate the importance of joining together to break down the barriers that cover mental health in stigma and silence.  

Mental health affects us all, regardless of age, gender, or background – and while we’ve seen significant progress, there remains secrecy and shame around the subject. This stigma not only prevents individuals from seeking help when they need it but also prevents open dialogue about mental health challenges. As we continue through this Mental Health Awareness Month, let's explore why destigmatizing mental health is so crucial and how each of us can play a part in increasing understanding and compassion within our own circles. 

The Truth About Stigma 

Did you know that stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing individuals from seeking help for their mental health? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approx...

Spring is here, and with it comes longer days, more sun and an opportunity to come out of winter hibernation and reconnect. On the heels of a 2023 Surgeon General Advisory on the epidemic of isolation and loneliness, this idea of connection has become more and more of a hot topic. In today's fast-paced world, where screens often dominate our interactions and busy schedules can leave us feeling isolated, prioritizing meaningful connections is more vital than ever.  

In alignment with this push for connection, MTV Entertainment’s 4th annual Mental Health Action Day is centering around just that – empowering people to spend 1 hour connecting with family, friends and community. Simply Bee is proud to be a part of this movement with our family-friendly community walk coming up on May 16th - we invite you to join us! 

As we gear up for this event, let’s take a moment to dive a bit deeper into the theme of connection - focusing on its significant impact on mental health and a new strategy f...

In recent years, we’ve seen world class athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka and Dak Prescott open up about their mental health, sharing the realities of anxiety, depression and burnout that many athletes face. These messages are powerful reminders that being an athlete extends far beyond physical abilities and that the mental side of the game deserves just as much attention.  

For athletes at any level, mental skills and training are a key piece of the puzzle – helping them build a sense of confidence and resilience that they can lean on in competition, and more importantly, in all other areas of their lives as well.

A Personal Journey 

As something Simply Bee CEO Audrey Grunst, LCSW has personal experience with, athlete mental health has been a focus of our work here since the beginning. Her story is one that, unfortunately, many athletes can resonate with.  

Growing up as a competitive volleyball player in a small town, Audrey dedicated a big amount of her time to her sport –...

From a young age, we are filled with ideas about what we ‘should’ look like, what we ‘should’ wear and what we ‘should’ do to achieve these standards. Living in this world of shoulds can quickly make us think and feel pretty negatively about our bodies. For people of all ages, and young people especially, this kind of negative body image can profoundly impact confidence and self-worth. 

The good news? We have the power to rewrite this story, not only for ourselves, but for the young ones in our lives, too! Shifting the narrative starts with building awareness of how societal messages deeply shape body image. With this awareness, we can learn strategies for how to foster positive body image in ourselves, and in turn, empower younger generations to do the same. Let’s dive in! 

Comparison Culture & Its Impact 

We hear all the time that society is filled with unrealistic messages – but have you ever taken the time to consciously be aware of just how often you encounter them?  

Spend a ...