I didn’t really know a lot about community resources after I was raped. I was basically handed a pamphlet and told there was a support group that I could attend if I needed help.
I was sent on my way after spending hours in the hospital getting medical treatment for my injuries and having a rape kit done. Anyone who has ever had to have this done knows that it is incredibly invasive and very difficult, so having no additional support when leaving the hospital was very scary and very lonely.
It was several years until I learned that places like NAMI and the Healing Center existed. I spent a lot of time with unhealthy coping skills and suicidal ideation, barely making my way in this world before truly getting the help I needed to learn how to walk through my journey of healing.
I will discuss these and related issues on a new show that I launched with Neil Parekh, “Shining Light on Shadows: A Candid Conversation About Mental Health” Thursday at 6pm CT / 7pm ET. Dr. Rachelle Kritzer will be our guest on Episode 15.
*We will upload the video to Instagram shortly.
September 10th marked the 31st anniversary of the day I got raped and over the past 31 years I have done a lot of soul searching and healing. Along the way I have been to support groups and therapists and done meditation and mindfulness. I have gained a lot of tools that have shaped who I have become as a person.
I celebrate this time of year, instead of mourning it, because I got to live an extra 31 years. Recovering from a situation that many many people don’t come out of. I lived that day and because of that I have learned to find purpose in my life, purpose in the lives around me and I count all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me.
I try not to think of all the things that would not exist if I did not exist, especially my children because it is very overwhelming to me. Instead I focus on the positive moments in my life and hopefully the impact that I have made on people throughout my journey. I know that my advocacy is important and makes a difference, which helps to drive me to continue to do this work, both from a mental health perspective and from an advocacy perspective.
The biggest take away for me this week is to continue to help inform people of the importance of seeking out help if you are suffering from mental health. To understand that you matter in this world and to know that your life is worth healing no matter the circumstances.
Комментарии