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Link – What it feels like: An abuse survivor’s tale
This is one powerful victim statement to the court. I think many survivors can identify with it, even as it may be difficult to read. Australia’s most notorious paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale will spend at least another three years behind bars after admitting to sexually abusing more children. The 83-year-old man now has 161 convictions…
Sharing – What Not to Do: Seven Things to Keep in Mind When Helping Someone with a Mental Health Challenge
I think the entire list of seven things provided by Mental Health First Aid below, is good, but this one, in particular, is something I think we all need to keep in mind:
“Do not be hostile or sarcastic when the person attempts to be responsive, but instead accept their responses as the best the person has to offer at that time.”
I think it’s fair to say that right now, most of us are dealing with some challenges. If ever there was a time to accept that replying to your text, or responding to a question you have might not be the foremost thing on someone’s mind, it’s now.
Between dealing with kids going back to school, and whatever that looks like, protests and violence, constant pandemic concerns around illness or loss of loved ones, and massive employment insecurity, there’s a lot going on that we are all trying to deal with as best as we can. I’d argue that we are all dealing with some pretty huge mental health challenges right now, so if you have people trying to stay in contact with you, to check in, or support you, give them a little grace. The fact that they are even trying right now should say a lot, and I hope we can all appreciate the imperfect efforts anyone puts in.
Link – It’s Not Just Chris Cornell: Suicide Rates Highest Among Middle-Aged Men
“The news that 52-year-old Seattle grunge rock icon Chris Cornell had killed himself after a concert in Detroit shocked and saddened fans of the Soundgarden frontman. But perhaps even more shocking is the fact that Cornell was one of scores of middle-aged American men who took their own lives on Wednesday: 121 Americans die by…
Link – It’s Time to See People Who Use Drugs and Alcohol as Trauma Survivors
I’d agree with this article. I’ve known a few people who’ve had addiction issues over the years, and I don’t know anyone who was perfectly emotionally healthy and then just started using and became addicted. That’s not the path of addiction. That describes quite a few people who maybe experimented during their college years and…
Link – ‘It’s nothing like a broken leg’: why I’m done with the mental health conversation
In one way, we want it to be seen as something we can talk about as easily as a broken leg. But there’s more to it. “The truth is: enough awareness has been raised. We – the public, the health professionals, the politicians – need to make our words and actions count for more.” Broken…
Link – Never Be Ashamed of Seeking Help
I love this description of therapy because this is what it really is – If it wasn’t for a close friend of mine that encouraged the idea of therapy. I would have never developed the courage and self-awareness to enter therapy. Therapy gave me the tools and techniques to live a more confident and emotionally…
