Be Your Own Advocate

It’s just a short post this week.  It’s been a rough week personally, as there have been some mental health challenges in my family. 

I was trying to be chronological in my own recovery and healing from my past, so that I could encourage you in the journey.  But I feel this weeks post applies to both my current struggles and to the past, beyond the fallout.  It is so important to be your own advocate.  I know that in the midst of our greatest struggles, it is hard to even know what to advocate for and that’s okay.  Truthfully, I didn’t know where to start either, I listened to the victim services worker that the court and the RCMP provided.  She was awesome at giving me a list of resources and places to go to for help. Be willing to listen to others for good places to go.  If you have access to the internet, search for reputable places that provide support and help after abuse in your community. 

I found amazing support through an agency called SAIF,  Stop Abuse In Families.  They put on a program for the whole family called New Directions.  It helped me to see the cycles of behaviour we had as a result of the abuse, and how to break those coping mechanisms to find healthier ways to behave and live as a family.  They also provided one on one counselling. 

There are so many great supports.  I can only speak to the ones in my area, province, and country.  My point is, that it would be all too easy to stay home and struggle on our own.  However, I knew that would not be in the best interest of my children or myself.  We deserved and needed to find a way to live healthy lives and what that means.  I want to encourage you to search and seek help, to be your own advocate and fight for yourself and your family.  If you need help, contact victim services, they are a good resource. 

I know it is hard and it is a long journey. Personally, a journey that has not ended for me yet.  Every year there is something new that I have not healed from or a family member is still struggling with.  It is a step by step process and you have to be in it for the long-haul.  Be aware and understand that it takes time to walk through it, a little at a time; too much too soon can be too hard. Healing is a process that takes time and it is so worth the effort. 

I have learned so much through the years and I will share it with you, as you continue to read the blogs.  Please take the step towards healing and your own emotional and mental health.  Be your own advocate and fight for what you need in the middle of your pain.

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