W elcome Back, Beloved. I think this month’s cover may have given it away, but in case you didn’t notice - this month is Mental Health Awareness Month. What does that have to do with DV (domestic violence) and SA (sexual assault)? Once the direct incident is - or the string of incidents are over - as long as nothing physically is lingering you’re gonna be just fine, right? Unfortunately Beloved, that is absolutely wrong. The International Journal of Public Health says DV’s mental health effects can be severe and long-lasting, including suicidal behaviors1 , substance abuse2 , depression3, and PTSD4 (post-traumatic stress disorder)5 . We’ve heard of depression and even PTSD coming from these, but Beloved we are losing some of our survivors to suicide from trying to escape the PTSD and flashbacks6 from it. Losing some to substance abuse of trying to self-medicate away the pain and shame from these life-altering circumstances. The deaths from these staggering victimizations don’t always look like murder from the perpetrator. So what can we do? We can get help. Culturally-relevant help in many forms is here: 1. Black trauma-informed therapists in DSM recommended by this LLC7 2. Black therapists in Iowa8 3. Black therapists in the United States9 4. Black inclusive therapists in the United States, choose from several combinations of culture, focus, spirituality, etc.10 5. Black community-based programs for women and their children to receive direct services and support, like our sister program, Courageous Access, with Empowerment through the Arts™11 Relationships™12 and Youth Health 6. An entire Black-researched and constructed program to help provide information on mental health supports throughout Iowa that focuses on different age groups and demographics, including youth, their parents, male adults, and female adults. We’re even building an LGBTQ resource that is centered around how that intersects with being Black in Iowa #BacktheBlack (learn more at IowaHealthiestState.com13 and search for Back the Black if this link isn’t live yet: iowahealthieststate.com/ backtheblack) We can gather. What, just gathering can lead to better mental health? Yes, Beloved. GATHERING. A national organization dedicated to health equity called Prevention Institute says this, “Building thriving communities helps foster mental health and wellbeing for everyone. When community members feel connected and have safe places to gather, and when they have access to affordable housing and good jobs, they experience less stress and anxiety.”14 We, Courageous Fire, LLC, have led a statewide project for a culturally-based version of Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s campaign Make It OK for the Black Iowan community called Back the Black because we know when we help remove barriers for all of Black Iowa, we help create a community that fosters a safer space for all of us, including the Black women whose cause our mission champions daily. Our sister organization, Courageous Access, has received funding for more gatherings. Yes, Beloved; gatherings. Because we know the more environments that we can gather, the more places we will create for natural fellowship, community, bonding, support, and therefore healing. Look out for the announcement of these gatherings, Beloved. They will be free for you to attend. And we will gather. And those of you who come will feel better. And that’s the whole point Beloved; I want us to feel better. Blessings, By Courageous Fire Owner & Social Entrepreneur of Courageous Fire, LLC Founding Executive Director of Courageous Access What’s Happening: 1. I am available to engage in consulting work with organizations who realize they are Centers of Trust and want to make sure they are equipped to help our sisters during and after DV. I am also available to engage in consulting work with organizations who realize they should be serving Black women but aren’t OR should be serving Black women better related to DV or other crises. Click here and choose “Book Courageous Trainings”. 25
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