Child Abuse and Mental Health Survivors Information - Issue #94
Time for a birthday break and a birthday fundraiser
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.
First, the announcement. I’m taking next week off from the blogs for the most part, spending some time in nature with my wife leading up to my birthday on July 4th. (Yes, a birthday on a holiday is a pretty fantastic thing.) There won’t be a newsletter next Friday. No fear, I’ll be back after the July 4th holiday and we’ll catch up.
Secondly, I wanted to share the Facebook fundraiser that I do every year for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/830578018659526/
As many of you know, I am a survivor of a suicide attempt and an advocate for mental health, and I use my birthday every year to help raise funds for AFSP. This year, I'm especially concerned for the lives of so many different groups that have seen the risks increase in the last few years. LGBTQ folks, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, tech workers who've been laid off, like me, etc.
I can't fix all of that but I'm doing what I can by trying to raise money and awareness of what small steps we can all take to help in our little circles and communities. Funding programs and research is part of that, and I hope you'll consider helping me celebrate my birthday by donating.
If you’re not a Facebook user, I understand. If you still want to participate, feel free to find a suicide prevention resource near you, donate, and then simply let me know so I can say thank you. If you’d like to add to my personal fundraiser but don’t want to login to Facebook to do it, you can also Venmo me (Michael-McBride-190) and I’ll make the donation for you.
Now on to this week’s newsletter!
New From the Blogs
Anxiety and Depression as Evolutionary Response to Adversity
We evolved to feel depression and anxiety in response to difficult experiences because it serves a purpose. We've also evolved to depend on each other as a community. One without the other is going to go poorly for us, and I fear that is exactly where we are now.
What is Sextortion and Why Are Kids Getting Caught Up in This?
We know where the story goes from there, but if you have kids who spend any time online, you may want to give it a read and dig deeper into some of the linked resources they've created for parents. There's some good information about what to look for and how to teach kids to be more aware.
Sharing - Why Complex Trauma Survivors Can’t Just ‘Get Over It’
You don't decide to get over that. It's not impossible to heal from it but it's going to require quite a bit more than just deciding to get over it. So maybe you'd do a lot more good supporting people through that process instead of demanding they get over it so you can feel more comfortable.
Shared from Elsewhere
I want to start this section with a link to David Susman’s blog where he has a story of hope - Allow Yourself to Be Human: An Interview with Mahayla Robarge
This is an important viewpoint - What It's Like Teaching Through a Youth Mental Health Crisis
Here’s something interesting to consider, Ben suggests we won’t make the difference we seek to make until mental health is a consideration everywhere, like it’s in the water:
Some research for you to consider - Mental health services for sexual minorities: experiences of discrimination, barriers to services and priorities for improvement
Something I wrote awhile ago and have now republished on The Mighty - I’d love for you to go over and give it some love on their site:
Men Need Friendship for Their Mental Health, Too
From the Archives
Career Advice That Is Relevant to Healing as Well
So, fellow survivors, start hanging on to cards, notes and emails thanking you for something. Then on the rough days, go back through the stack and remind yourself of all the good you have done, and continue to do, all the worth you have and all the value you bring to others. Also, make sure you’re letting people know the value they have, so they can start building their own file!
As survivors we are fine tuned to sense any kind of danger that may be waiting for us. How much of the danger that we sense is really just our confirmation bias?
Kate Bowler: “Everything happens for a reason” — and other lies I’ve loved
A really deep and thoughtful Ted Talk.
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.