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  • The Big Shift That Changed My Life

    The year 2020 was one to remember and it’s one that I’ll never forget. The year 2001 was also one of those years between graduating high school, starting college two and a half hours away from the towers that collapsed on my TV screen within the first week of school. But, let’s get back to 2020 and how my mental health wasn’t the greates…read more

    Jamell Crouthers

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    • I love this piece. It is so real. 2020 was so hard for so many. I was in Miami at the time. And the weather was a huge help. Being able to workout outside and go to the beach and just chill was such a privilege. So I totally understand why the move to Arizona made sense for you. You should be so proud of yourself for digging deep and doing…read more

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      • Thanks so much Lauren, that means a lot! I appreciate your kind words. Miami weather is nice from what I hear so I totally get you getting outdoors and soaking in the sun, ocean waves and palm trees!

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  • The Lions Den

    Pain still trapped in my bones, looking up asking God why? He replied “you know those generational curses? Somebody gotta feel it, therefore you need to heal it.”
    The trauma of my bloodline I refuse to allow to penetrate another four generations.

    Spirit guides telling me that all I gotta do is keep sharing my truth and one day the people gon…read more

    Khawk711

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  • A little note reminding that it’s okay to ask for help

    Trembling inside,
    Without fail, my brain is at it again.
    The memories burn a hole right through me.
    My identity has been stolen.
    The person I was has left the scene.

    Losing sense of self just adds to the trauma.
    I can’t ignore the stream of abuse that I unleash on myself.
    I fall into the trap of creating needless drama and
    Feeling helpless c…read more

    Ashley Rivera

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    • Ashley, You are so much stronger than you think. Keep trying to change the narrative in your head towards a positive one. Minute by minute, day by day, you will start to feel better. Your strength is fighting for you! You got this! We are cheering you on. <3 Lauren

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  • a dream about a hospital

    ~getting help is traumatic~

    Wake up in an unfamiliar cold bed
    Warm blanket, back exposed
    Not sure how you got there-
    but you did it to yourself

    Fighting tubes- back to sleep
    You only wanted to apologize
    They will never understand
    And again- you never want to wake up

    Rushed back into full consciousness
    No compress for your bruised arms
    Honesty…read more

    Cnschultz

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    • Sometimes the the things that all us to grow and heal are the most uncomfortable in the moment. But it takes so much courage to do whatever it takes to get better.

      Also, the mention of socks stuck out to me. A girl I went to high school with started GripCity Socks after being admitted twice. I think you might find her story interesting.…read more

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      • It is for sure a “by all means necessary” situation and I am better for it. I think others may commiserate that when looking back on the situations that land you there and the experiences you have there- the loss of autonomy & fishbowl feeling, it’s all a trauma. I’m undecided on whether there’s truly a place for such a thing or if there needs to…read more

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  • How you treat your mind matters

    Dear Healing tribe,
    I have been away from this forum for a while now and I finally feel ready to come back and to explain where I have been. I have been in a dark place lately and I did not feel connected to writing anymore. I think telling my story will help so many people who are exactly where I was in my journey. I was submerged in my mind,…read more

    Telina

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    • Telina <3, We are so happy you are back. I am sorry you have been going through a hard time, but I am glad you are feeling better and learning and growing through your struggles. You are so strong, and I admire you. Keep pushing forward. <3 Lauren

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  • Mental aesthetics

    It never occurred to me that I was considered mentally ill or sick I never thought of myself like that I guess I am I’ve come to terms with that It’s a hard pill to swallow literally taking them everyday to feel normal feel like my life has been taken away from me. It’s like living in someone else’s shoes It’s not really you until it really is I…read more

    Danielle

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  • Sula Bintley shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental Health

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    Beautiful Surprise

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  • Keeping Score

    Narrowing it down to one word: Depleted,
    My OCD gets me so heated.
    I’ve withstood other traumas before,
    But this one just keeps keeping score.

    The agony of repeating the same set of words,
    Cuts deeper than any sharp-edged sword.
    It’s mysterious shadow looms over my head.
    Its hunger is never satisfied, enough said.

    If only I could stay out of the…read more

    Ashley Rivera

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  • Jessica Rivera shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental Health

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    Coping with a breakup

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  • Jessica Rivera shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental Health

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    Time to share

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  • A Musing on Healing & Finding Closure

    What do you say when the apology comes.
    And what they did to you is not ok?
    When forgiveness isn’t so easily given
    What do you say when the apology never comes–
    When you’re the one who gets to write the narrative.
    When you need to dig deep and learn how to write your way from survival to freedom.

    Hannah G.

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    • I think forgiveness is about freeing yourself from hurt and anger, and not so much for the person you are forgiving. You can forgive someone but not invite them back into your life. Forgive them so you can move forward without toxicity. Whether that’s with or without that person is up to you and your best judgment. <3 Lauren

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    • Closure doesn’t always come from others but from ourselves. It’s a way of learning about ourselves. It’s important for us to realize that we must not rely on others for our happiness.

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    • Forgiveness can be a very hard thing to give. But even though it can be difficult to give it does free your mind and yourself as a whole from the pain you’ve been through, and forgiveness is also one of the many steps to improving oneself. Thank you for sharing

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    • Hannah, that was beautifully written. It made me think about my life a little and my experiences. Sometimes we can’t control other people’s actions but we can surely control our narrative and what we allow in our lives. Keep writing these great poems!

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  • Where have the Honeys Gone?

    Dear whomever;

    I became a teacher to shift the paradigm and break the chains of toxic tradition. My childhood education experience paralleled that of Matilda. Most all my teachers were more Trunchbull and less Honey with the exception of 2 up through high school graduation and gaining another 4 up through my masters program. When I decided to…read more

    Kelsey Hartsell

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    • There is a famous quote that says “the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” When you are trying to do something different, or better, or if someone feels their power is threatened there are people who will hold you back and hurt you in effort to stop you Naysayers are almost a sign that you’re doing something right. The world needs…read more

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      • Thank you Lauren, it’s good to know I’m not the only one. You’re right the quote is the perfect image for what I need to think about. I’ve got some meditating and energy work to do. I’m not sure what’s for me at this point, I need to clear out the fog so I can think.

        Thank you <3

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        • My mother used to tell me where there is a will, there is a way. If you want to help and educate children, there is a way for you to do that that is safe and joyful, and non-toxic. Don’t give up. <3 Lauren

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    • Change is a slow process but it is important to know that you are an essential part of the process. Your efforts and dedication are contributing to a gradual transformation. You are the hope and inspiration for your students and so you should keep up the good work and always push yourself to do more good.

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      • Thank you for taking the time to post this! You’re absolutely correct and it’s a much needed reminder. I’ve also had a few reminders given to me from random strangers I have encountered the last few days. It seems the universe is sending you to remind me of my why and push me to keep going. Thank you 🫶🏻

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  • Caged Bird & Rebirth

    I have a mental block when you push me too much.
    Your words really pack a punch.
    My sorrows are hidden deep within me.
    Your emotional capacity is locked up and you threw away the key.

    I feel like a caged bird trying to avoid a sneak attack.
    All it takes is one more straw to break the camel’s back.
    My emotional buttons aren’t meant to take thi…read more

    Ashley Rivera

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    • omg Ashley, this is so good. I love this part:

      I’m a beautiful mess,
      Doesn’t mean I’m counted any less.
      It’s not my place to convince you I have self-worth,
      I am proud of my new rebirth.

      It looks like you have really learned how to take a deep breath and figure out what works best for you so you can live your best live. Keep pushing forward…read more

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    • This reminds me of a game that I used to play called Empires Of The Underground. It’s a game about ants but the reason why I’m mentioning the game is because there’s this mad scientist that is studying ants and he’s putting them through these stressful and seemingly impossible situations, but the ants still prevail and they always beat his…read more

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  • First Breath of Gratitude

    To those who believe they cannot change,

    I have a little trick to set the tone for the day and I do it the moment I wake up.

    Yes some mornings my body aches or I immediately think of my to do list and want to hit snooze, the animals are whimpering to be fed way too early and my largest likes to pounce on me and slap me with her paw. I try…read more

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    • I love the idea of saying one thing I’m grateful for in the morning. I’ll start incorporating that into my morning. Sometimes through tragedy we find ourselves. We tend to be blindsided by our comforts and the second we allow ourselves to be uncomfortable we find ourselves. Our true self. Thank you for sharing.

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      • You are in humanity, you would not be on the unsealed and you wouldn’t have replied to my letter. You are a human, it is your birthright to breathe, take up space and love yourself no matter what. Each day or moment you feel angst or down, think of one thing that you are thankful to have, maybe it is that you are even thinking to be grateful…read more

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    • This is so beautiful yet deep. You’ve gone through a lot and you’ve also changed for the better because you realized that you couldn’t and you shouldn’t live that way anymore and kudos to you for that. Thank you for sharing

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    • Truly remarkable, the honesty about the difficulties you faced and the moments of shame and pain is powerful. Your commitment to living your truth and prioritizing your well-being is inspiring. This story of yours serves as a testament to the power of self-reflection and determination for a better life.

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  • We Are All a Work in Progress

    Dear whoever needs a reminder,

    At this point in time, you’ve probably heard the term “Gratitude Practice” in pop culture. It centers on looking at the things in your life through a lens of appreciation. It requires an ability to shift your focus and play up the parts of life that we often overlook. Gratitude practice for me has been a long…read more

    Alicia Sophia Marie

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    • I’ve never heard of gratitude practice. I’m glad I’m hearing about it now. Changing your perspective on things and shifting your thoughts from stress to gratitude can’t be extremely beneficial. Just like the saying “stop and smell the roses” there’s also “look at the bright side.” Thank you for sharing.

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    • Thanks for sharing Alicia. This is such an important thing to practice and I needed this reminder. It’s sooo important to practice this during the good times too! When you don’t “need” it. Then it becomes habit and when you’re feeling down you have this tool that is so easily tangible. This reminder to practice gratitude was something that I truly…read more

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    • First off, congrats on your bachelor’s in psychology. Reading this shows that you’ve come a long way and that your journey has surely paid off. When you said “It’s hard to see the path forward when your head is down.” is so deep and powerful. If you don’t mind I just might start using this saying. Thank you for sharing.

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    • Thank you for sharing this inspirational story. We all should be grateful for what we have and what we will achieve in life. We should be happy for small things for the things we wake up in the morning and do the things we do.

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  • Dear World, Here is why I am grateful

    Dear World,

    I will admit sometimes I complain. Some days, I am grumpy and exhausted and feel the world’s weight on my shoulders. When I am knee-deep in those moments, I often go for a walk or rollerblade by the beach, where I look around and take a breath, and I am quickly reminded of how lucky I am. There are so many reasons I have to possess…read more

    Lauren

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    • I’m so glad you have such a strong support system. They’re no better feeling in the world than to have the ones you love to also support you and your passion. Thank you for sharing.

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    • You have such a wonderful support system. And the fact that you’re surrounded by people who care about you and aren’t biased and keep it real with you is amazing. Thank you for sharing

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  • It’s not an eating disorder, it’s a digestive tract disorder

    It’s funny how this month started it all as I look back at my old emails. My major is community health, so I find it ironic and helpful as I go through this process. I went for my regular physical appointment, not thinking much about my health or any strong concerns. I’m a pretty healthy twenty-two-year-old woman, so I shouldn’t have anyth…read more

    Danni

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    • Danni, I am so sorry you are going through this. I actually had a lot of stomach problems throughout my whole childhood. For years, I went to doctor after doctor. Endoscopies. Gastric Emptying Tests. Blood tests. Test after test. Nothing conclusive Except for LPR. For me, I realized after I started writing about my assault that my stomach problems…read more

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    • I’m so sorry that you have digestive issues. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for you. I to have recently developed some stomach issues and I’m not sure why I should do about it.

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  • A Letter to my Shame

    It’s about to get personal here. You’ve been with me for way too long. You’ve torn down my self-confidence, you’ve creeped into the narratives that I tell myself, you have kept me grounded and not in a good way, but in a self-isolating way, you’ve even made a place for yourself in my beliefs. You have long outstayed your welcome and you need…read more

    Hannah G.

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    • Aww Hannah, this piece really pulled at my heart strings. I am sorry your classmate was so meaner and I am so sorry your teacher didn’t do what she should have done. But you are so sweet, and you are most certainly lovable. I always say, what people say to you about you says more about who they are than who you are… let go of any shame you feel.…read more

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    • This reminded me of the first time I experienced shame. It was the 2nd grade on the playground and a 5th grader told me to get off the monkey bars and before I could she punched me in the stomach. (Pretty hard too.) I never told anyone about it. I even held back my tears so the teachers wouldn’t ask questions. I’m not sure what I did to des…read more

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      • @mavisjohnson I’m so sorry that that happened to you. You did nothing to deserve that. I know that is easier said than to believe, but it is true. That 5th grader was probably hurting inside and didn’t know how to express the hurt they were feeling so it came out sideways and ended up hurting you in the process.

        I am so proud of the steps…read more

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    • This is wonderful and I’m proud of you. You’ve shaken the chains that bogged you down, albeit not in a quick fashion but after all of the pain and realization came together you’ve gained the ability to tell your shame to go kick rocks. Thank you for sharing

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  • Invisible bruises

    I didn’t think it would be this hard. Accepting the diagnosis of *permanently disabled* The fact is, that I have a brain injury. An invisible injury that no one but myself knows about unless we strike up a conversation. What’s the hardest part? The depression. The untreatable with medication depression. The PTSD and the pains haunt me. When I see…read more

    Shelle Belle

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    • Thank you so much for sharing your inner dialogue. I can’t imagine how difficult your life might be because of what you’ve been through. Being beautifully broken is something I’ve heard before. In china, if fine china is broken it’s mended back together with gold. Showing the beauty in imperfections and that it’s worth is still valuable. You may b…read more

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      • 💜 Thank you so much for your word of encouragement. I appreciate you taking the time to write a little something to me. It feels a bit less lonely knowing that my words can be safe here.

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    • Hello Shelle, I understand the invisible illnesses all to well. The physical and the mental that came from first abuse and then MS. PTSD has calmed down as I work on regulating my nervous system and my physical ailments have changed significantly as I changed my life style. The memories of the abuse are still surfacing and I ride those waves as…read more

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    • This is a very beautiful and emotional letter. you’ve clearly been through hell and back yet you’re still here, besides the depression and PTSD you’re still here to share your story. Thank you for sharing your struggle.

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  • Melinda shared a letter in the Group logo of Mental Health

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    Where do I begin

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