Child Abuse and Mental Health Survivors Information - Issue #69
New Year's resolution? How about just being glad you are still here?
This weekend the calendar will switch from 2022 to 2023. It’s a convenient time to start something new, make a change, start a new habit, etc. Or, that might all seem totally overwhelming right now. Given “all of this” from the past few years, I can certainly understand that.
How about, we simply celebrate the fact that we are still here in the midst of it all instead?
Be proud of yourself for that. I’m proud of us.
New From the Blogs
Having a Safety Plan Decreases the Risk of Suicide?
We know that people who are aware of the signs early, remain connected to others, and have some level of self-determination are less likely to be lost to suicide. Making and sharing a safety plan accomplishes many of those same things and provides you with a plan of action to take in the event of danger. It is a no-lose situation.
Childhood Trauma and ACE Scores in the News Again
This is consistent with previous studies. What I want to know about, though, are the 45% who don’t have depression, the 49% who don’t have anxiety, the 75% without PTSD, and the 80% with no substance abuse issues. What was different for them? What kind of help or support was available for them as children compared to the others who did suffer from these issues? What kind of trauma were they dealing with? What kind of community did they live in? What resources were made available for them?
Shared from Elsewhere
Why It’s Not a Sign of Weakness to Ask for Help
Asking for help doesn’t mean that you are dependent on anyone. Instead, it shows a willingness to grow and learn as you gain knowledge from those who know more about it than you do. There are many benefits to asking for help, proving that it’s not a sign of weakness.
How To Really Support A Loved One With Mental Health Issues, According To An Expert
Advice from Kelley Hartman, LMFT
Reach Out And Listen: How To Help Someone At Risk Of Suicide
Most Americans recently surveyed say that they understand that suicide is preventable and that they would act to help someone they know who is at risk.
Yet many of us are afraid to do the wrong thing. In fact, you don't have to be a trained professional to help, says Doreen Marshall, a psychologist and vice president of programs at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
For reference:
The Top 21 Psychology Books of 2022
Researchers explore the relationship between childhood trauma, gray matter, and social anhedonia
11 of the best books about depression in 2023
Study Reveals Barriers to Mental Health Support for Black, Latina Women
That’s quite a few year-end book lists. What’s one book from 2022 that you recommend to survivors?
From the Archives
Quick Thought Number 6 - The Perfect is the Enemy of Showing Up
Afraid of being less than perfect, we become nothing. We forget one of the great rules of life, that half of it is “just showing up”. While we try to read and research and find the perfect thing to say and/or do, we’re leaving our friend suffering alone.
The Extreme Things Toxic Positivity Forces You To Believe
If your belief system requires you to look at the victim of child abuse or other forms of violence and say, "This will help you..." your belief system sucks.