This headline kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?
Depression, Loneliness, and Memory Problems Are Worse In Middle Age, But Only in America
Arizona State University psychologist Frank Infurna has been researching this topic extensively and explains the uniquely American societal forces that are contributing to us being generally more miserable. It’s a lot of things beyond an individuals’ control: unstable job market, expensive health insurance tied to those unstable jobs, out of control housing and childcare costs, as well as current middle-agers being part of a sandwich generation. They often have to manage and fund expensive and complex eldercare for their parents while also helping their children make their way in a challenging world. Frank offers thoughts on what we can and cannot do about all this.
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 them.
For more information about me and why this newsletter exists, visit the website, Child Abuse Survivor.
It’s an interesting conversation, and it harkens back to things I’ve shared many times. We can’t talk about mental health without talking about the societal and economic factors that impact it.
It’s not helpful to tell someone to exercise when they’re anxious about not being able to afford rent or feed their families.
When only one country has an increasing rate of mental health issues in middle age, it’s time to start looking at what we’re doing wrong instead of making it something for an individual to solve for themselves.
New from the Blogs
When we fail to protect people from predators
At the end of the day, if we can’t keep the separated spouse of a person under investigation for sexually assaulting and grooming an underage girl safe, what chance do most victims have?
And, maybe more importantly, why should anyone trust any adult with their kids, or themselves? There’s no one coming to save you if things turn violent. Our system is woefully incompetent at that.
Sharing - Why Young People are Using AI for Emotional Support
It turns out that young people aren't just being silly when they use AI to help with their mental health. They get real benefits from it, despite all the risks that come along with those benefits.
Sharing - Trauma survivors process angry expressions differently on a subconscious level
This doesn’t surprise me. Growing up in an abusive situation taught me to be on the lookout for danger, and nothing was more dangerous than people on the verge of being angry. It’s only natural that I’ve spent the rest of my life highly attuned to anger and trying to find ways to diffuse it before they hurt me or someone else.
Now we can show that it’s not just a learned behavior, but it’s hard-coded into our brains.
Sharing - New research challenges the idea that memories of childhood maltreatment can’t be trusted
The takeaway, of course, is that we should believe survivors when they talk about their trauma; they do know what they are talking about. Secondly, maybe we should stop trying to convince ourselves that young children will move past it and likely not even remember it when they’re an adult.
That’s not how trauma works.
Shared from Elsewhere
Healing is possible but not simple - Healing After Suffering: Find Yourself After Loss or Trauma
Do you color for your mental health? - Coloring’s Impact on Mental Health and Well-Being
Also, this - Arts Engagement in Trauma Recovery Can Benefit Mental Health
I remember having a conversation with my therapist about my parents years ago. Her answer was to remind me that I could make my own decision about what I owed them and what kind of relationship I wanted to have with them going forward. I didn’t cut them off completely, but we were never close, and that was my choice.
I think many people who blame therapists don’t understand how many people have never been given permission to decide that for themselves, and when they finally give themselves permission, they find that their family isn’t worth being involved with.
That’s not the therapist’s fault:
When mental healthcare is unavailable, it’s more dangerous for everyone - How Community Safety is Grounded in Access to Mental Healthcare
Making a Difference:
Asheville BBQ event sparks mental health talks in food and beverage industry
Flames’ Matt Coronato Joins NHL Stars for Shoulder Check Mental Health
Baton Rouge fraternity connects dozens to mental health resources at ‘Wine Down Wednesday’ event
Ariana Grande launches mental health initiative to support music industry
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.