Thoughts to share – “A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.” Nelson Mandela
I have long felt that Nelson Mandela was one of those special people who has a way of bringing so many together – even those with differing viewpoints and beliefs…because if we aren’t talking to one another, how can we resolve the differences amongst us? We can “agree to disagree” and still find some common ground to talk with one another.
His thoughts on “making the world the better place” are one of many reasons why I choose to speak out on the issues of trauma, abuse and mental health challenges. I cannot go back in time and erase the pain and suffering that I have experienced at the hands of others – both as a child and as an adult. But if sharing my story of triumph over tragedy can help one other person – then I am truly grateful. And if it helps to get others to re-think or ponder the long term effects of child abuse and the debilitating impact of stigma and discrimination associated with “mental illness”, then I have found some peace in my sharing, even when it causes old wounds to re-open.
Helping others does indeed help us in our own healing journey – I would not be where I am today if I did not hold out my hand and support to others – I give, but I get so much back in return…
This weekend I will be sharing parts of my life story via two radio show interviews on Friday and Sunday night – all of the info is posted in the Event Calendar, so please do “tune in”…and I would love to hear from you via a call to the show, the chat room or an e-mail to me – Thank you. The hosts of these two radio shows are doing an incredible service to the community at large by their respective works and advocacy – kudos to them!! Friday night finds me reading my book chapter, “The Silence of Suicide” from the powerful book, “Our Encounters With Suicide” and Sunday night I will be sharing why this victim, survivor and now thriver speaks out. Sharing is caring…..
On a related note regarding stigma and discrimination, please read this article and help to end the shameful work of Representative Tim Murphy of PA who wants to send us back to the ‘dark ages’ of how we treat those impacted by mental health challenges – many of whom are healing from child abuse that was left untreated.
Mental Health Advocates Blast Rep. Tim Murphy’s Bill as a Costly Step Backward, to the Days When a Mental Illness Diagnosis Was a Life Sentence US Newswire; 12/12/13
Thank you & take care, Michael Skinner
