To HELP…to CHANGE…to LEARN…to EDUCATE…to SUPPORT…to ENCOURAGE…to KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
I grew up in an environment that told me not to tell anyone about my experiences. I was forbidden to talk of them, I was silenced, isolated, denied mental health assistance, stigmatized, labeled, and forced to believe honesty would result in punishment, brutality, cruelty, or forced hospitalization.
The VOICES of Trauma Survivors and Thrivers are needed now more than ever. Let us never forget that MENTAL HEALTH is HEALTH. Let us fight the stigma and the fear our society or abusers have crushed us with. Let us not be silent. Let us not be appropriate. Let us be real. Let us be honest.
I hope a community can grow here and that readers enjoy the quotes, the music, the personal writings or drawings my system and I created – and that I continue to create. Integration is a choice. Understanding our diagnosis is a choice. The way in which we approach our own therapy or research is also a choice. Recognizing the unity we share with others despite different diagnoses is a choice. May this be a place of solace, acceptance, and validation.
“He [She/They] who would fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.”
~ Friederich Nietzshe
In addition, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is not the only mental health diagnosis I have struggled with or still face. We are all connected on the spectrum of mental, physical, emotional responses to trauma, and the impact it has left on our bodies, minds, souls, and hearts. No one disorder is greater or less than another. Let us not compare traumas or diagnoses, but rather express the emotional and physical experiences we uniquely have that society silences. Let us not accept secrecy and shame.
Integration is personal choice for each multiple and one that is not for others to judge. You(s) are accepted however you(s) wish to be, but so am I. Please know that my choices were mine and my system’s, your choices may be different. We may share similarly in the experience and aftermath of our traumas (in all their forms), but the path of healing is personal; it is to be treated with respect and be within our personal control. Many things have not been, making our journeys’ path one of our own choosing paramount to its success. How, when, if we heal is our choice. My experiences shared are not designed to shame or judge anyone – nor will it be tolerated in comments to me or others.
Integration was always my goal because I wanted MY CHOICES back. I was tired of apologizing for what others said or did, or didn’t do. I worked hard to create a beautiful and loving home – and I wanted to enjoy it.
Integrating does not solve all the problems survivors must face, or anyone with a mental health issue. There are many facets and options available and I hope to share them with you(s), and you(s) with me.
Encourage yourself and know I am always encouraging you(s). Here without judgment or accusation, to share and educate patients, their families, and even professionals.