Child Abuse Survivor - Issue #191
How can we provide certainty during these uncertain times?
A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of leading a conversation about stress and anxiety at work, specifically in the legal industry.
I was asked about AI, technological change, the uncertainty surrounding us at work these days, and how to deal with it.
Part of my answer concerned being a leader and how to help your team.
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.
My advice to leaders was simple: You have to provide as much certainty as you can. That means communicating, setting clear expectations and priorities, and generally creating certainty about your team’s role and their work wherever you can.
Which also made me think about our relationships outside of work. The world is full of uncertainty. If you really want to have a positive impact on the lives of the people you care about, provide certainty. Leave them no doubt about how much they mean to you, be dependable, be the source of certainty. It might make all the difference.
How could we provide certainty for everyone facing so much uncertainty elsewhere in their lives?
New from the Blogs
Sharing - Starting the conversation
How often do we wait until we have the answers, or jump into problem-solving mode when someone admits to struggling, when all they need is to know you care? In my opinion, we'd do each other a huge favor if instead of trying to learn how to solve someone's struggles, we spent more time learning how to care for one another.
Sharing - Not Just Social Isolation: Loneliness Comes in Many Forms
It is true that people with plenty of social skills and social contacts can still be lonely. As a survivor, I recognize this in things like the small number of people we can talk to comfortably about our abuse, our healing, etc. At various times in my life, I've had a lot of friends and was very social. I was still lonely. Because no one saw all of me. No one sat with me in my pain. I kept it hidden from everyone. That's lonely.
Sharing - What does it actually mean to be safe?
The logical part of my brain knows that I'm safe. The part that learned how to be hyperalert is busy making sure I stay that way. It never stopped looking for danger. I doubt it ever will. I don't consider that something wrong with me, but it is something I have had to learn to live with.
And this is the core. Mental Health awareness is great, but the political will to solve some of the core issues that lead to increased mental health difficulty doesn't exist. There is ample evidence that poverty, domestic abuse, bigotry, harassment, etc., lead to higher numbers of people struggling with their mental health, and we do nothing to prevent that.
Shared from Elsewhere
The evidence seems to indicate that this is a yes. - Can stronger social connections really help reduce depression?
But, also, even small social interactions help - The mental health benefit of striking up conversations with strangers
One of the hardest things to do is be alone with your own mind when you have anxiety - Time Alone | How to Deepen Self-Discovery with Solitude
Some recommendations:
8 Books That Break the Silence Around Suicide for Mental Health Awareness Month
BOOKMARKS: Journey into the mind with reading suggestions for Mental Health Awareness Month
This is key - To improve children’s mental health, start by supporting their parents
Making a Difference:
Former police officer shares mental health journey to help others
South Louisiana parents turn tragedy into mental health mission after son’s suicide
Girl Scouts install free little libraries with books on mental health to educate, support community
‘The Bridges Project’ symbolizes hope for those struggling with mental health
Plattsburgh art exhibit uses photography to explore mental health journeys
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.