Blog

Staying Grounded in Turbulent Times

Strong Winds Strong Roots: What Trees Teach Us About Life ...[May 15, 2020] As we are struggling to make sense of all that is wrong with the world, we as survivors can take the opportunity to reflect on what we have overcome in our lives. I personally have survived multiple decades of abuse.  I have also survived many life-changing events including the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City, severe bouts of illness, anxiety and depression, loss of loved ones and so much more. These hardships leave you feeling as if once you are in the midst of recovering from one blow, the world hands you another. At times, you are blindsided and left at a loss. This last international health pandemic has left me reeling, wondering when we will ever recover any semblance of normalcy if ever at all.

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Raising Awareness of PTSD during Mental Health Month

Watercolour Anatomy Art PRINT Flower Brain | Brain art, Flower art ...[May 8, 2020] In honor of Mental Health Month, please take a few minutes to learn about PTSD, a mental health condition that affects many survivors of violence, from a SOAR member:

“After a traumatic experience, the human system of self-preservation seems to go onto permanent alert, as if the danger might return at any moment.” - Judith Lewis Herman, Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror  

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the most common psychological disorder developed in survivors of domestic violence (DV).  In fact, domestic violence may have an impact not only on the mental health of the survivor, but children who witness or experience violence as well. The purpose of this article is to introduce readers to PTSD and empower you with information to support continued research on this topic. Please talk to a health professional if you have concerns.

It is important to understand PTSD. Approximately 8 million adults have PTSD each year, and it is correlated with negative health outcomes such as autoimmune diseases, heart disease, depression, and suicide. Recognizing the signs of PTSD is the first step toward obtaining treatment to minimize the negative impacts of the disorder.

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10 Books That Promote Self-Love for Survivors

Self love books[May 1, 2020] During this difficult time in self quarantine, it is important to practice self-care and self-compassion. One way that you can accomplish this is by educating yourself through trusted resources. Below, you can find a list of the top 10 books that survivors of domestic violence have found helpful along their road to recovery. These books promote self-love, healing, and self-reflection. For free access to some of these resources, be sure to check with your local library.

Finding Life Beyond Trauma: Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Heal from Post-Traumatic Stress and Trauma-Related Problems

Why Does He Do That by Lundy Bancroft

Rising Strong by Brene Brown

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk

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A SOAR Member's Approach to "Changing Tides" on Finances

financial literacy[April 17, 2020] Hello, my name is Laurie and this is my very first blog post! A few facts about me before we get started:

  • I am a middle aged woman
  • I am married but also have experience as a divorcee and a single woman.
  • I am radically inclusive
  • I have children, grandchildren, step children, step grandchildren and those I call children. However, they are all addressed as my kiddos - no distinction between biological children and non-biological children when referenced.
  • I have a strong New England accent but that won’t matter here ?
  • I probably think I’m funnier than I actually am.
  • I am a survivor of domestic violence.

This list could go on and on, but I have information I’d like to share - what I consider important information. My hope is you think so as well. And there is no better time than now. Did you know April is Financial Literacy Month?

So let’s get started!

Today I’d like to discuss debt. And how to begin to overcome it.

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We Care, and We Are Here

[April 3, 2020] WHFY1 Were Here For You RiverIn this time of uncertainty, I want to let you know I care. If you are isolated from others because you are in an unequal and abusive relationship, there are resources available to help you. Social isolation stemming from this COVID-19 pandemic or the other forms of coronavirus going around the world, take on a whole different level of danger for someone who is being controlled by an abusive partner.

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