Child Abuse Survivor - Issue #164

Mental Healthcare in the US is only going to get worse and we need to talk about it.

May 02, 2025

The mental healthcare system in the US needs to change. I don’t think anyone can take an honest look at our current situation and honestly disagree with that statement.

However, what has been happening since January is not an improvement. It is dismantling a system that isn’t working well, and replacing it with nothing.

Let me share a few links with you.

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.

For more information about me and why this newsletter exists, visit the website, Child Abuse Survivor.

This isn’t how a country with a so-called mental health crisis, especially one that is impacting so many children, acts.

You don’t spend this much time talking about the mental health needs of children, veterans, first responders, etc., and then make resources less available and less affordable. That’s not a serious solution.

It will, however, lead to worsening mental health conditions and, likely, more deaths. How can anyone be for that?

If anything, the mental healthcare system needs more resources and better funding to find more effective solutions. The lack of resources is a contributing factor to the current issues.

However, since we’re also cutting health research budgets everywhere, I don’t think we will find those better solutions. I don’t think the people in charge care at all.

We need to discuss this openly and clearly. We need to lift the voices of those in need, and those with lived experience with mental health issues, and the struggle to find treatment.

As we enter Mental Health Month - it’s time to take action.

New from the Blogs

Facing the Suck - A Conversation about Tuberculosis, Stigma, and Death.

I've seen both of those firsthand. I've also seen how powerful it can be when we don't stigmatize someone dealing with illness, including mental health issues, and when they are grieving. It changes everything to know that people are willing to connect with us during the times we need their support the most.

Sharing - Fewer friends, outlets, and direction: Why boys are dying by suicide at an inordinate pace.

We know that connection is a key indicator of mental health, and the number of people, not just men, who lack meaningful connections is increasing. Perhaps instead of telling boys all how they shouldn't connect unless it's in a very short list of acceptable ways, we should embrace all the ways they can connect.

What I've known since I was a child being abused is that boys who are withdrawn and disconnected are easy targets for some evil people. It's dangerous. Stop limiting the ways they can connect; young men need to stop limiting themselves and find healthy connections.

Sharing - Stop Calling It A 'Male Epidemic' – Loneliness Is Everywhere

We have created a culture that makes it challenging to form and sustain meaningful connections. It truly is a cultural problem. Whether it's the lack of third places, our focus on work instead of community, or the fear of reaching out to others, we're growing increasingly isolated.

That isolation might feel like independence, but it does real harm.

Sharing - Here's What a Suicide Survivor Taught Me About Kindness

What would you add to his list of practical ways to show you care?

Shared from Elsewhere

While we are on the topic of connection, Loneliness among seniors: Isolation can lead to serious mental health issues.

Rest is not something you have to earn, it’s a basic human need - The 7 Kinds of Rest You Actually Need.

I will keep screaming about this until we learn the lesson - Jail Doesn’t Treat Mental Illness. Patients Need Care, Not Prison.

tinybuddhaofficial

A post shared by @tinybuddhaofficial

You can’t exercise your way to clean air - Early exposure to air pollution could affect brain development and mental health later in life: new research.

This might be true for all of us to varying degrees - Political news is making me miserable. Is it wrong to tune out?

Last weekend, Cleveland gave us a prime example of this - Mental health experts: Heckling at Guardians game shows why people don't seek help.

See, also - Why the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Matters.

Making a Difference:

From the Archives

Quick Thought #19 - Loneliness and Toxic Positivity

I think the real damage social media has done is to make toxic positivity popular. For every person celebrating their "good vibes only" lifestyle, there are at least 2-3 people who have lost a friend because they've been cut out by someone unwilling to be with them in their pain.

Another Tool in Abuse Prevention - Community

This is where the community comes in. 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 discussed at length the importance of strong relationships with parents as the best preventive measure we have for keeping children safe and supported. I've also discussed, on my other site, the importance of work-life balance and inclusivity in the workplace for parents. That's what being a community that supports families' needs to succeed includes.

Sharing - Positive Childhood Experiences Protect Against Depression in Teens

I have often said the best defense against childhood sexual abuse is raising kids who have open, supportive adults in their lives because they aren't as vulnerable and easily manipulated. It turns out that those same relationships are also improving their mental well-being. Let's do more of that.

What We Wish Parents Understood

The second thing was that so many of the things your kids need when you find out they've been abused are the same things that adult survivors need as well. 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. Those things are a significant part of the healing process, regardless of our age.

Thanks for reading. If you find this newsletter informative and helpful, please share it with others. That’s the best way to express gratitude for my weekly efforts.

Child Abuse Survivor