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Mental Health Resources for Trauma Survivors

Updated: Jul 30


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Our mental health is a real thing. If we aren't mentally healthy then I can guarantee we are suffering emotionally, spiritually, & physically. This post is a collection of resources to help you cope if you don't have access to a therapist or trained mental health professional. I will add to this as I gather & use more resources to make sure that I direct you to helpful resources.


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Need Help with What's Going On Inside You? Keep Reading.


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Check with your employer about allowances for mental health services. Some provide a

certain number of free sessions per year. Use them if needed. There are also therapists who offer pro-bono or sliding scale pricing to assist with financial hardships. I have met many therapists who have this worked into the structure of their practice so that they can help those who cannot afford therapy. The key is to ask! You won't know unless you ask. A lot of therapists are in the field because of their own experiences with trauma & have a level of compassion that is only gained by experience. You may be pleasantly surprised.


Get Immediate Help in a Crisis

Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988; Llame al 988 (para ayuda en español) Use Lifeline Chat on the web (English only) The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Veterans Crisis Line Use Veterans Crisis Chat on the web The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans and those who support them, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare.


Free or Nominal Fee Mental Health Resources for Young Adults


International Resources:

https://www.hftd.org/find-help


Online Resources

- CPTSD Foundation

- Psychology Today

- Healthline

- Out of the Storm

- Rainn

- Beyond the Guru Coaching

- Open Path Collective



Books

All books are in my Store

  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van Der Kolk

  • Complex PTSD by Pete Walker

  • The Tao of Fully Feeling by Pete Walker

  • Grounded Spirituality by Jeff Brown (For Those Traumatized by Religious Abuse)

  • Healing Your Attachment Wounds by Diane Poole Heller

  • The Rescued Soul by Christina Enevoldsen (For Those Traumatized by Incest)

  • Healing From Hidden Abuse by Shannon Thomas (For Those Traumatized by Narcissistic Abusers)

  • The Empath's Survival Guide by Judith Orloff MD

  • What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry (Less Clinical than the Body Keeps the Score)

  • Reconciliation by Thich Nhat Hanh (Inner Child Healing)

  • How Can I Forgive You by Janice Abrahms Spring PH.D

  • The Trauma Survivors' Field Guide to Life by Evangela Haley

LGBTQIA+ Resources

LGBTQIA Organizations: Many organizations focus specifically on LGBTQIA rights, support, and advocacy. Examples include:

  • The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQIA youth.

  • GLAAD: Advocates for fair representation and acceptance of LGBTQIA individuals in media and society.

  • Human Rights Campaign: Works to achieve LGBTQIA equality through education, advocacy, and political action.

  • PFLAG: Offers support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQIA individuals, their families, and allies.

  • National Center for Transgender Equality: Advocates for transgender rights and provides resources and support.


LGBTQIA Community Centers: Local community centers often provide a range of services and resources, including support groups, counseling, social events, and educational programs. Search for LGBTQIA community centers in your area to find resources tailored to local needs.


Online Support Communities: Online platforms offer spaces where LGBTQIA individuals can connect, seek support, and share experiences. Some popular online communities include:

  • It Gets Better Project: Provides online resources and a supportive community for LGBTQIA youth.

  • Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico: Offers online resources, support groups, and advocacy for transgender individuals.

  • r/LGBT and r/actuallesbians: Reddit communities that provide a platform for discussions, support, and advice.

  • LGBT Chat & Forums: Online forums where individuals can engage in conversations, seek advice, and share experiences.


LGBTQIA-Inclusive Mental Health Services: It is crucial for LGBTQIA individuals to have access to affirming mental health support. Look for therapists, counselors, or psychologists who have experience working with LGBTQIA clients and are knowledgeable about LGBTQIA issues and identities.


LGBTQIA Books, Films, and Media: There is a wealth of literature, films, and media that explore LGBTQIA themes, experiences, and identities. These resources can provide validation, representation, and education. Some notable works include:

  • Books: "Stone Butch Blues" by Leslie Feinberg, "Giovanni's Room" by James Baldwin, "Redefining Realness" by Janet Mock.

  • Films: "Moonlight," "Carol," "Paris is Burning," "The Danish Girl," "Pride."

  • Podcasts: "Queery" with Cameron Esposito, "Nancy" by WNYC Studios, "The Read" with Kid Fury and Crissle West.


Remember that the availability of resources may vary based on your location and access to specific services. Local LGBTQIA organizations, community centers, or online directories can provide more region-specific resources and recommendations.


BIPOC Resources


Blogs


Podcasts

Resources for Eating Disorders:

Healing after binge eating by Ascension Wellness


Social Media Groups- There are groups on Facebook that are private & require screening to ensure you are protected & safe. If you search with keywords specific to what you are experiencing these will come up & you can request to join. Be sure to inform moderators/admins if someone acts inappropriately toward you in the group so that they can remove that person discreetly without exposing you. Your safety is what's most important.

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