Child Abuse and Mental Health Survivors Information - Issue #87
The World is a Vampire....
Thank you for reading the Child Abuse and Mental Health Survivors newsletter. Each week I share new blog posts and other resources that aim to help survivors of childhood abuse and those who are struggling with mental health issues feel less alone as we discuss the issues surrounding our issues. If you’ve tried to follow the resources I share on social media and find that the algorithm has decided for you to not show you the things we post, this is the best way to get caught up each week.
For more information about me and why this newsletter exists visit the website - Child Abuse Survivor.
With all due acknowledgment of the Smashing Pumpkins song Bullet with Butterfly Wings that our headline is taken from this week, this week has had that feeling. The world can be a draining place. Life is hard for so many people, and there are people trying to make it worse for them. Watching the news? Ugh. Taking a peek at social media? More bad news, more outrage. That’s not even including the individual struggles that many of us are having personally or watching people we care about deal with.
It’s exhausting. We need to find ways to take care of ourselves and each other. This month is a good time to start getting in the habit of doing just that, so we can continue to do so even after it’s not Mental Health Awareness Month.
Even if it’s just having a good cry.
New From the Blogs
There's a New Form of Stigma Around Mental Health and It's Extremely Dangerous
Yes, the very mention of providing mental health care for children is met with a suggestion that it is a place for grooming. Because, of course, anyone who encourages kids to talk about their mental health is out to groom them for sexual abuse.
This is a dangerous path that we are on.
Another Tool in Abuse Prevention - Community
Kids with strong connections to safe adults are less likely to be targeted and more likely to tell if they are. LGBTQ kids are less likely to struggle with suicidal ideation when they have adults who accept them as they are. Kids dealing with anxiety and depression have better outcomes when they have safe adults to talk through their emotions with, who can support them through difficult times. I've talked endlessly about the need for strong relationships with parents as the best preventive medicine we have for keeping children safe and supported. I've also talked, on my other site, about the importance of work-life balance and inclusivity when it comes to the workplace for parents. That's what being the community that families need to succeed includes.
Sharing - Boundaries: Your Secret Weapon For A Stronger, Happier, And Healthier Mind
Robert has a long post complete with references on his website. If boundaries are new to you, this is a good place to start.
Shared From Elsewhere
Teen girls crisis: It's beyond social media - blaming social media lets too many other people off the hook for the sexual harassment, societal pressure, political threats and everything else teenage girls have to deal with.
Beyond PTSD: The Many Faces of Trauma - good resource to learn about trauma and PTSD
It’s May and that means it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s also a good time to remember this - Mental Health Awareness Month is a Time for Self-Care
America has a loneliness epidemic. Here are 6 steps to address it
There is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States and lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General.
Finally, for those of you grieving…
5 Moving Books on Living Life After Loss
From the Archives
What We Wish Parents Understood
We need to be believed, we need to feel safe, we need to know that we are worthy of protection, and we need to be heard. All of those things are a big part of healing, no matter how old we are now. If you have a loved one of any age, who is trying to heal from sexual abuse, these are good things to remember
Have We Overlooked Men When Talking About Body Shaming?
We make jokes about dad bods and assume it’s no big deal because it’s men, and they don’t have the same problems, and hang ups, but we do. There are far more people in the world struggling with their body, and disordered eating, who aren’t included in the conversation because we assume it’s a young women’s issue.
Sharing – I Write About Mental Illness Because People Tell Me I Shouldn’t
I don’t want to lie to you. These things can happen, and I encourage anyone to think about that before being public.
On the other hand, if no one talked about it, how would anyone know they aren’t alone? In my humble opinion, that’s worse. People who feel alone should absolutely hear us “shouting” that they are not.
Thanks for reading. If you find this newsletter informative and helpful to you, spread the word. That’s the best way you can say thank you for the effort I put in each week.