Child Abuse and Mental Health Survivors Information - Issue #105
Another Week - Still here
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.
I talk a bit in one of the blog posts this week about the anxiety around change, even good change like starting a new job. A new situation creates a ton of things we simply can’t know. That can trigger anxiety, but that’s OK. Everyone would feel anxious in that situation, it’s an expected response.
Of course when you already struggle with anxiety due to trauma, the additional anxiety can get overwhelming. That’s when I like to remind myself of all of the anxiety inducing situations that I’ve experienced over the years, including quite a few new jobs, and fall back on my mantra.
I’m still here.
Yes, I’ve experienced trauma in many ways. Yes, my mind will spin itself into puddles of anxiety on any given day for any given reason, some valid, some not. Yes, events have made me question my abilities and made me feel like the ground has been emotionally yanked out from underneath me.
I made it through all of that - I’m still here.
I’ll make it through this too.
What do you do to remind yourself that you’re stronger than you might feel in the current moment?
New from the Blogs
Do You Struggle to Accept Compliments?
My favorite thing to consider from her list - Do you compliment yourself? Why or why not?
Growth Shouldn't Mean Only Improving Your Weaknesses
As I mentioned, this reminded me of work. Having only one week in at a new job, there are a ton of things I don't know. There are a ton of things that I'm going to have to ask for help with. It takes a toll on my anxiety. It kickstarts my brain into negative self-talk. After all, look at all of the things I can't do without help. When I'm dealing with this, do you know what feels really great? Finding the things I do really well and sharing some of the knowledge I have. It's an immediate boost to my sense of self and the sense that I contribute to the team. Sean refers to it as "intrinsic value". It also acts as a reminder that once upon a time, I was learning how to do those things, so I am capable of learning and developing new skills.
Another Possible Reason for the Rise in Youth Mental Health Issues
Ben points out that the Child Tax Credit was expanded to assist poor families with pandemic-related economic hardships in 2021.
The rate of childhood poverty dropped to historic lows.
Then it went away. And, well, what else would you expect?
Shared from Elsewhere
A few links related to last Sunday being Suicide Prevention Day:
World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2023): Creating Hope Through Action
Statistics to Know During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month 2023
NPR took a look at Mental health at colleges
A nice story, and maybe a resource for someone you know - High school tennis player from New Jersey starts website to help other teen athletes overcome depression
How do we solve the loneliness problem? Maybe one friendship at a time? - Fostering friendship to chip away at the 'epidemic of loneliness'
Speaking of youth mental health, schools are on the front line in that situation - Building bridges between schools and mental health services
From the Archives
Steps to Healing My Knee, The Same As Trauma
1. Be gentle, and patient, with myself.
2. Use therapy, friendships, etc. to provide extra support when needed.
3. Take medications to keep down any further complications.
I think it’s invaluable to not only offer support, and be there for someone dealing with depression or whatever, but to also encourage the person to build a support system beyond just you. None of us can be the entire source of support for another person. It’s a sure way to burn out, and lose yourself.
Quick Thought #15 – Do what you can, it’s good for you.
What random act of kindness can you make today? Who around you needs some help? What causes can you make a contribution to? What good news can you share with your network?
It matters, and it beats the heck out of sharing fake outrage all day every day.
That’s about as good of a thought that I can leave you with this week.
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.