Child Abuse and Mental Health Survivors Information - Issue #62
Welcome to the new Substack Newsletter.
Last week I wrote about keeping an eye on what was happening with Twitter, and later that day someone sent me a news story about their plans to close up the Revue Newsletter tool by the end of the year. So, easy decision. Plus Substack made it even easier by having a tool to import all of the archives. I’m looking forward to seeing what new things we can do with the new tool, but for now here’s this week’s newsletter!
New Stuff From the Blogs
Sharing – Belief Is Key to Healing — But Not How You Might Think
“I know I can overcome the bad days because I have before, and I have before because I believed enough in myself to keep going.
As many have said, you have survived 100% of your worst days. Every single one of them. Use that knowledge to believe in your ability to continue to survive and to heal.”
Some Conversations Are Easier Online
“I have understood this for a long time. I can write here and don't have to see anyone react immediately when they read it. I can see their reaction when I tell someone about being abused in person. I can watch their facial expressions and body language. I can see every bit of their discomfort, and their signs of dismissal cut me. If you don't think telling someone in person that you need their help isn't scary, I can only assume that is because you've never done it.
So when you see someone share something on social media about their mental health, and your response is to wonder why they didn't just talk to you about it, remember how much harder that is. Maybe they aren't ready yet, or you just haven't done enough to earn that trust. Consider how many people in your life may be dealing with very difficult things they just haven't told anyone about yet.”
Sharing – Child sexual abuse: 4 ways to prevent it and warning signs of grooming
“Kids with solid family relationships, who openly communicate with parents and other safe adults, and parents who are involved with their kids will be tougher to groom.
That is more effective than any anti-grooming law is going to be.”
Shared from Elsewhere
Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health
“It’s important to make sure your own emotional needs are taken care of as well. No matter what you’re experiencing and feeling, you are not alone, and you too deserve support.
Read more about self-care and coping strategies, and how to find additional help if you need it.”
Being Sad All the Time Is Too Much of a Burden
“Know that you will get through this”
"Whatever you’re going through, remember this: The best way to face uncertain times is with gentleness. With yourself, with your loved ones, and with others."
Common mental health inequalities across racialised groups: the gaps are getting bigger
Childhood traumas strongly impact both mental and physical health
Do You Always Need Background Noise? There's A Psychological Reason Why
From the Archives
Sharing - Other People Don't Think You're a Mess
“We are 100% worth the same compassion we feel for others. It is well past time to see that about yourself.”
The Many Ways We Invalidate Someone’s Story
“We could also talk about abuse here too, and all the ways our stories all invalidated. How many of these have you heard from folks who find out about the abuse you dealt with as a child, or even as an adult:
“You were young, you’ll get over it” (Or you don’t remember it that well)
“Are you sure it was abuse?”
“I can’t imagine (abuser) doing that”
“Why didn’t you just leave?”
“How could you have let that happen?””
The Statistics Are Real People
So yes, chances are you know someone who was either a victim of sexual abuse, or sexual assault/harassment as an adult. Chances are you also know, or look up to, someone who has committed those acts. Don’t let yourself be blinded by someone’s popularity or talent. That doesn’t have anything to do with whether they are also dangerous.