Mezzo Solutions

09/24/2025

Hello friends,

We’re creating a set of postcards to celebrate Helpers - the educators, health workers, advocates, neighbors, and community partners who keep showing up for others.

Each postcard carries a short note of thanks, written to be supportive, uplifting, and real.

These cards will be available for anyone in our community to send anonymously to a Helper of their choice, as a simple way of saying “you are seen and appreciated.”

We’ve drafted several options, and now we’d love your input. Please use the Google Form link below to vote on the messages that resonate most with you. The top four will be printed and shared in this project.

https://forms.gle/ekyDo3U4riQuCkpp9

Thank you for helping us choose words that will lift up the Helpers in our community. Once we have feedback these postcards will be available for order on our website.

With gratitude, The Mezzo Solutions Team

09/24/2025

Our team has put together a few word searches on Burnout, Self-Care, and Stress.

A fresh stack is heading to a conference this week, but you can have them too.

These simple tools are designed to spark reflection, connection, and a moment of calm.

Partners, grab your copy through the Helper’s Field Guide: mezzosolutions.com/hfg

09/22/2025

🍂 Happy First Day of Fall! 🍂

As the seasons change, so do our opportunities to care for ourselves and one another. Fall reminds us to slow down, savor simple joys, and create routines that nurture mental wellness.

09/17/2025

Caring for others shouldn’t come with a side of trauma. Yet research shows that burnout and compassion fatigue often walk hand-in-hand in the helping professions.

Burnout develops gradually from chronic workplace stressors, these include long hours, high demands, and lack of support. It shows up as emotional exhaustion, reduced effectiveness, and a sense of detachment.

Compassion fatigue, on the other hand, can set in quickly after repeated exposure to others’ suffering. It’s been described as the “cost of caring", leading to reduced empathy and increased stress symptoms.

Together, these forces create a dangerous cycle: burnout lowers resilience, making helpers more vulnerable to compassion fatigue; compassion fatigue accelerates exhaustion, making burnout more likely.

The evidence is clear, without intentional prevention, Helpers may pay a high personal price for their care. That’s why we equip professionals with research-based strategies to recognize early signs, strengthen protective factors like values alignment and self-care, and build communities of support.

Because showing up to help should never mean losing yourself in the process.

09/16/2025

We had the honor of joining the Indiana Association for Addiction Professionals - IAAP Fall Conference to support the Helpers who keep showing up.

In the morning, Patrick Ripberger, MPH, MCHES, led High Insights: Unraveling the Potency Puzzle of Marijuana—a session exploring the history, health effects, and community challenges of today’s high-potency cannabis.

In the afternoon, Patrick and Megan Ripberger, MSW, LCSW, facilitated Burnout Prevention & Recovery: Tools for Helpers Who Keep Showing Up.

Together, we introduced reflective education and the Helping Circle, giving space for participants to connect, share strategies, and build resilience.

Because when helpers are supported, communities are stronger.

09/15/2025

The Helper Circle is making its way across Indiana, giving helpers a place to pause, reflect, and connect.

Built for those who give so much of themselves, each Circle creates space to share stories, exchange tools, and strengthen community care.

Because when Helpers are supported, entire communities thrive.

09/12/2025

This past Monday, 35 nonprofit professionals from 25 organizations across our region came together to strengthen each other as part of United Way of Whitewater Valley's quarterly lunch and learn (sponsored by RP&L Parallax Systems).

Attendees participated in a Helper Circle guided by Patrick Ripberger of Mezzo Solutions. The Helper Circle gave participants a space to reflect, connect, and build community. One participant said the event was "refreshing, uplifting and a good way to begin new relationships." Another said, "Thank you for all that you do to create a safe, informative space for agencies in our community."

Damar Services and Meijer (Chester Blvd) also shared updates.

We are grateful to all those who joined us, to Downtown Deli / Smileys for providing lunch, and to Morrison-Reeves Library for hosting our lunch and learn event.

09/11/2025

Workshop and conference season is keeping the Helping Academy busy and on the move.

If you are planning a gathering this Fall reach out soon!

09/11/2025

That voice in your head can feel so convincing.

“I’m not worthy.”
“I do everything wrong.”
“No one cares.”

But here’s the truth: your thoughts are not facts.

At Mezzo Solutions, we help people pause, notice those patterns, and replace self-criticism with clarity and compassion. Whether it’s through therapy at the Thinking Feeling Center or workshops with The Helping Academy, we’re here to remind you - mental wellness doesn’t have to be complicated.

09/10/2025

We talk a lot about showing up for others. But real sustainability starts with how we show up for ourselves.

Helpers often give until they’re running on empty. The truth is, rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a responsibility.

Taking time to recover, reset, and care for yourself means you can continue to serve with clarity, compassion, and strength.

At Mezzo Solutions, we exist at the intersection of care and wisdom. Through the Thinking Feeling Center and The Helping Academy, we provide both the support and the tools to help you navigate the challenges of mental wellness and professional life with confidence.

Because when Helpers show up refreshed, not depleted, they’re able to heal, grow, and lead communities forward.

09/09/2025

Helping work is meaningful but hazardous, and self-care is an ethical obligation for every helper. This guide explores the risks of burnout, the role of vitality, and practical ways to sustain yourself so you can keep showing up well.

Helping work is meaningful but hazardous, and self-care is an ethical obligation for every helper. This guide explores the risks of burnout, the role of vitality, and practical ways to sustain yourself so you can keep showing up well.

09/08/2025