This is part 2 of my interview with Ms. Courageous Fire. A woman in our community who is making a difference. Psychological abuse increases the trauma of physical and sexual abuse and a number of studies have demonstrated psychological abuse independently causes long term damage whether he hits you or not. Long term damage includes depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others. Subtle psychological abuse is more harmful than either overt psychological abuse or direct aggression. 7 out of 10 Psychologically abused women have symptoms of PTSD and/or depression1 . 1 Abuse” 2 Abuse” 3 Abuse” Women who experience psychological abuse are more likely to report poor physical and mental health and have more than 5 clinical visits in the last year2 Psychological abuse is an indicator of PTSD3 . . We wonder why individuals in the Black community are committing suicide? Why so many Black women diagnosed Fibromyalgia? Chronic asthma issues that are severe? We keep saying this stuff happens at birth, that doesn’t account for those who are perfectly healthy and suddenly diagnosed in their 20’s, 30’s and beyond. We forget that psychological abuse impacts us physiologically and now Black women are dealing with this evil which initially attacked their spirit but has manifested in their entire body. She didn’t dodge the bullet; she is carrying it around and it’s going all over her body. That’s the reason why many Black women are in poor health; not recognizing they have been or still are currently in psychological abuse. They end up getting worse and don’t know why because that bullet is still bouncing around completely undetected. People talk about cancer and what causes it. Why are so many Black women dealing with this diagnosis? All that I’ve read states that cancer cells are in everyone’s body. The healthy person has an immunity that can fight it and keep it in check. What happens when a person’s psychological and physical health start to become depleted? Their ability to fight off other things is compromised so now she isn’t just dealing with cancer, but other things as well. Last year we lost Connie Simmons to DV (domestic violence). I didn’t know her name before last year, but her story broke my heart. How do we not see these things? How do we not provide a safe space for a woman to learn about safety planning and get the help she needs? There are two places Black women can get help within the state of Iowa. From National Coalition Against Domestic Violence article: “Facts about Domestic Violence and Psychological From National Coalition Against Domestic Violence article: “Facts about Domestic Violence and Psychological From National Coalition Against Domestic Violence article: “Facts about Domestic Violence and Psychological
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