Is This Goodbye?
Don’t worry, we’re only saying goodbye for an end of the year break. We’ll be back January 10th, 2024 after some well deserved down time with friends and family.
This week we’re taking a look back over 2023 and it’s been quite a year. We expanded our topics to include more holistic and homeopathic content. You encouraged us to talk more about mental health and neurodivergence. We explored health homes, intimacy topics and financial wellness. Wow, what a year.
As we put the last edition for 2023 to bed, we want to thank all of you for your ongoing support, feedback and engagement. You are what makes Eve Was Framed so special.
See you in the new year!
- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik
The Tasting Menu
2023 - A Brighter Year for Women’s Health
End of Year Rituals
What Makes a Therapist?
2023 - A Brighter Year for Women’s Health
We started Eve Was Frame in June of 2022. Just a short time later, the Supreme Court turned reproductive rights back by decades. It was a dark time and we’re still fighting to recover. There still isn’t enough funding going into women’s health research as we saw in a stunning set of visuals in Nature. However in 2023 there have been bright spots across women's health. We’re excited to look back and celebrate just a few of them.
In research and investment:
Doctor’s found a single hormone that primarily causes severe morning sickness
The White House launched a new initiative in Women’s Health
The Menopause Research Equity Act of 2023 finally reached Congress. It would require the NIH to convene a team to investigate the status of menopause research and make recommendations
Investment in women’s health by Venture Capital firms increased by over 300% since 2018
There were promising studies in the use of AI and breast health
Researchers found a potential link between a specific bacteria and endometriosis
In new FDA approvals, there were a few things for women’s health including:
A pill for postpartum depression
In legislation:
The PUMP Act expanded protection breastfeeding parents in the workplace
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect creating more opportunities for accommodations at work for birthing parents.
13 States and DC have some form of Paid Family Leave in place or are implementing it soon.
15 states and DC require some form of Paid Sick Leave
End of Year Rituals
Are all your feeds full of end of year lists and notebooks you can buy to get 2024 started off on a new foot?
Good, it's not just us. Psychologists talk about the “fresh start effect”. We are more likely to set new goals and start new things at the turn of a calendar or start of a season. If you’re taking end of the year time off, here are some ideas on how to spend it and get the most of that effect. These ideas offer a mix of reflection, celebration, and creativity to make the end of the year a memorable and meaningful time.
Gratitude Journaling
Start a gratitude journal and write down the things you are thankful for from the past year. It's a positive way to end the year on a high note.
Letter to Your Future Self
Write a letter to your future self outlining your goals, aspirations, and reflections on the past year. Seal it and open it next year to see how much you've grown.
Digital Detox Day
Designate a day to disconnect from digital devices. Spend time with loved ones, read a book, or engage in activities that don't involve screens.
Vision Board Creation
Make a vision board for the upcoming year. Cut out images and words that represent your goals and aspirations. Display it in a prominent place for daily inspiration.
Personal Retreat Day
Take a day off for a personal retreat. Use this time for self-reflection, goal-setting, and planning for the upcoming year. Disconnect from distractions and focus on your personal growth.
Digital Declutter Day
Dedicate a day to organize and declutter your digital life. Clean up your email inbox, organize files, and delete unnecessary apps. A digital refresh can bring a sense of order and clarity.
Family Time Capsule
Create a family time capsule by gathering small items, notes, or drawings that represent each family member. Seal the capsule and decide on a future date to open and reminisce about the contents.
Personal Time Capsule
Put together a personal time capsule with mementos, letters to your future self, and small items that hold significance. Store it in a safe place and open it in the years to come for a trip down memory lane.
Star Gazing Night
Spend the last night of the year under the stars. Whether in your backyard, a park, or a camping site, take in the beauty of the night sky. Reflect on the vastness of the universe and your place in it as you welcome the new year.
What Makes a Therapist?
We are big advocates for therapy and access to mental health support. Therapists play a crucial role in supporting our mental health, providing a safe space for exploration and healing. To ensure the highest standard of care, therapists undergo extensive education, training, and certification processes.
If you’re looking for a therapist, you might be confused by the different qualifications of therapists. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Social work degrees, particularly MSW, emphasize a holistic approach to understanding and addressing individuals' mental health concerns within the context of their social environment.
Training: MSW programs cover diverse areas, including individual and group therapy, community organizing, and social policy. Social workers often engage in case management, advocating for clients' welfare on various fronts
Licensing: Social workers pursue licensure, such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), after completing required supervised clinical hours and passing licensing exams
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology or Counseling Psychology
Ph.D. programs focus on research, clinical practice, and teaching. Those earning a Ph.D. in Psychology often contribute to the field through research advancements and may work in academic or clinical settings.
Training: Doctoral programs include coursework in advanced psychological theories, research methods, and supervised clinical practice. Graduates often conduct original research, contributing to the evolving body of psychological knowledge.
Licensing: Psychologists with a Ph.D. must obtain licensure, which involves completing supervised clinical hours, passing licensing exams, and adhering to ethical standards.
Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Psychiatry Specialization
Medical doctors specializing in psychiatry bring a unique perspective, combining medical knowledge with a focus on mental health. They can prescribe medication and employ a range of therapeutic interventions.
Training: Psychiatrists undergo medical training followed by residency in psychiatry. This includes exposure to various medical fields and specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.
Licensing: Psychiatrists obtain medical licensure and often become board-certified in psychiatry. This involves passing exams and meeting specific requirements for continuing education.
You may also want to consider their specialities. Some may focus on specific populations, such as women, LGBTQ+ or BIPOC populations, while others specialize in certain therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychoanalysis. These specializations allow therapists to tailor their approach to your unique needs.
Medical Term of the Week
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a large amount of power over our health and wellness. They are charged with protecting public health and safety by overseeing medication for people and animals, medical devices and other products. They also oversee the country’s food supply and cosmetics.
As much as knowledge of medical terms is important, so is understanding the institutions that impact our health and wellness and access to new medications and treatment.
The Latest
We’ve come a long way but our ads for women’s health products are still censored. (from Ad Exchanger)
It’s not all prescriptions. Menopause brain fog has some natural remedies (From Women’s World)
The start of the year always causes us to reflect. Can business strategies help you think about your life? Apparently so. (From HBR)