Child Abuse and Mental Health Survivors Information - Issue #104
Sunday is World Suicide Prevention Day
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.
September 10 is day that sticks in my mind every year because it is World Suicide Prevention Day. I’ve talked about it many times over the years and looking back on that writing is kind of healing for me. Rather than spend a lot of newsletter space, let me throw a few links at you, starting with my own story when it comes to suicide.
There’s also the Sept. 10 a few years ago when I appeared on my friend Tiffany’s show to talk about suicide prevention. Tiffany passed away earlier this Summer, so linking back to that video is especially meaningful this year. It reminds me of the good work we were able to do together and that she did in her life, even as I continue to grieve the loss of a friend.
There’s also the post I wrote for 2021, living in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. It has a lot to say about living with trauma, because we were.
If I were to write another post for 2023, it’ll probably focus on getting back to work after being unemployed for four months. Yet more trauma, eh?
After all of that, it serves as a reminder that I’m still here. I still have an opportunity to do what I can for others, to continue my own healing and find the joy in every day, even the difficult ones.
If you are currently having thoughts of suicide, please take this moment to understand that you are not alone. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. For those of you outside the US - find a hotline in your location here.
New from the Blogs
I agree with Sherri, that with all of the contributing factors to our mental and physical health, why do we assume there is one "solution" out there for everyone? And why do we offer flippant responses to people who are struggling to find what helps them? We are all unique beings, so it shouldn't be shocking that we all don't reach wellness the same exact way.
SAMHSA Releases National Recovery Month Toolkit
For any of you wanting more information on recovery for yourself or someone you love, or who just want to share information about recovery on your social media platforms this month they've got you covered.
Linked - How to spot wellbeing washing at work
I'd also point out that it's 2023. Talking one way about well-being and not following through on that talk with action will get talked about in public spaces, and you might find yourself wishing you had simply stayed silent. As I've said before, once you break trust it is hard to earn it back. If you want to talk about how much you care about the mental health of your employees you need to actually care about the mental health of your employees.
Shared from Elsewhere
Since we are already talking about suicide prevention this week, I recommend taking a look at this - What I Wish Everyone Knew About Suicide
Life Kit: Dealing with anxiety - NPR is offering some resources for dealing with anxiety, this is an introduction.
Speaking of anxiety, Debbie Hampton offers up 9 Weird Ways To Reduce Anxiety You Probably Haven't Tried. I’ve heard a few of them before, but a few were new to me. They’re all easy enough to do, so may be worth a try. Is your favorite method to recuse anxiety on the list? If you try any of them, let us know how it goes.
Sometimes the quickest way to create connection with the people in our lives is to ask them for help, as much as we might hate asking for help. - The Art of Asking for Help and Building Connections
What to Talk About in Therapy: Ideas to Get You Started - If you've never been, where do you start? What is expected of you?
From the Archives
Sometimes It Takes a Root Canal
Sometimes, problems need to be dealt with at the root level, and that isn't going to be easy. It's going to require a plan, some help, and probably a little bit of pain in order to get to the end result you want.
That end result? Totally worth it, though.
Reading – Why does it take victims of child sex abuse so long to speak up?
There are so many reasons why it may take a long time for a child abuse victim to tell anyone, let alone come forward publicly. Some never do. As much as we would like any victim to come forward and report a crime, we have to keep in mind that their own well-being is an important factor in the decision to tell, and who to tell. They have to be safe, and ready.
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.