Roxanne R.: Healing from Trauma and Finding Strength in Community
I want to take that intimacy, that healing, you know, by taking it out of the textbook and out of the academia and out of the therapist's office, and get that peer to peer, laughter, sometimes crying together, and the awkwardness, you know, I like the awkwardness the best.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to heal from a deeply traumatic past? In this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', host Paul Gilmartin sits down with Roxanne R., a 57-year-old survivor of incest, to discuss her journey through trauma, repressed memories, and the complex struggle with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Growing up in a family where being born female was seen as a moral failure, Roxanne faced immense challenges that shaped her sense of self-worth and safety.
She opens up about the painful process of uncovering buried memories and the impact it had on her mental health. Yet, amidst the darkness, Roxanne's resilience shines brightly. She shares how peer support groups and challenging societal norms on gender have played a crucial role in her healing process. Roxanne’s story is not just about survival; it’s about finding hope and strength in community.
As she puts it, "I want to take that intimacy, that healing, you know, by taking it out of the textbook and out of the academia and out of the therapist's office, and get that peer to peer, laughter, sometimes crying together, and the awkwardness, you know, I like the awkwardness the best". This episode is a heartfelt testament to the power of sharing stories and finding solace in community.
Tune in to hear Roxanne's inspiring journey and discover the importance of connection in overcoming trauma.