Ep. 27 Sexual Assault Awareness Month | Shining Light on Shadows: "The Blue Flower Curtain" by Dawn Helmrich
- Neil Parekh
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Trigger Warning: This episode focuses on Dawn’s story of being violently raped at gunpoint 31 years ago. The incident was and is, of course, very traumatic. More than anything, however, it is also a story of resilience.
Watch the recording on this page or watch and comment on social media:
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We have talked about Dawn Helmrich’s “The Blue Flower Curtain” several times since it was published in September. We will take a deep dive into the book on Ep. 27 of “Shining Light on Shadows: A Candid Conversation About Mental Health.”
Please join us Thursday April 10 at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. PT. If you can’t watch the live show feel free to watch the recording on the same links.
The book is many things, but at its core, it is a story about perseverance. Dawn will share details of her experience, the aftermath, the criminal trials AND her journey from victim to survivor to fierce advocate.
On a personal note, I have always been proud of Down, and have looked up to her for inspiration. My respect for her grew immensely after reading her book.
Programming Note: The show airs the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. I will be the guest on April 24. In advance of Mental Health Awareness Month (May), I'm going to share how hosting this show has made a difference in my life and share an update on my own mental health challenges. I will also be sharing some news I haven't shared publicly yet. I have about two weeks to prepare.
Background
Dawn and I launched this twice a month show (the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month) in order to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Thank you for being part of our community.
We are proud to be in Year 2 of the show. If you are interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who might be interested, please let us know. We’re looking for people who would be willing to share their story, advocates and people who work in the field of mental health.
We hope you can watch the show and share your own thoughts in the comments.
“Shining Light on Shadows: A Candid Conversation About Mental Health” is produced by Digimentors on a pro bono basis.
Resources / Relevant Links
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
800-950-6264 Or text "HelpLine" to 6264; nami.org
Mental Health America Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org; mhanational.org Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673); rainn.org
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