Love Shouldn’t Hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Tuesday, 18 June 2024 07:31

Do I Have to Forgive?
by Teresia Smith

After someone has been hurt, at some point they come across the F-word. Forgiveness. After experiencing a trauma, it is very difficult to think of forgiving the person who harmed you – Especially if they never acknowledged what they did or if they never suffered consequences for their actions. Survivors tend to hold tight to their anger, as if in some way, they are punishing the perpetrator with it. The problem, of course, is that their anger harms the survivor much more than it will ever harm the abuser. Perhaps as we examine just what is meant by forgiveness, we should instead think of it more as letting go.

Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Tuesday, 11 June 2024 06:29

Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Tuesday, 04 June 2024 07:17

Domestic Violence, Mental Health and Substance Abuse
by Rebecca Hieronymi

Domestic violence can have devastating effects on a person’s mental health and those effects can be amplified when the victim also struggles with substance use. When an individual is experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use disorder, they are at greater risk of being controlled by an abusive partner. Abusive partners may try to undermine a victim’s mental health or substance use disorder treatment and recovery by preventing or discouraging them from getting help or taking prescriptions. These abuse tactics can increase a victim’s depression, PTSD symptoms, substance use, and suicidality.

Love shouldn’t hurt-ever

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Wednesday, 29 May 2024 07:43

Connection and Loneliness
by Teresia Smith

Recently someone who was going through a stressful time mentioned to me that they didn’t have anyone in which they truly could confide. I asked about the friends they socialize with and about the many social media contacts they have and they just shrugged and said no. There have been many people over the years who have expressed loneliness to me, even though they appear to be well connected online. Social media has made us feel linked with the world but in reality, those are not true relationships. Our world seems very connected, though in reality, more than ever before, we are further isolated. So, what exactly is loneliness and how did we get here?

Love shouldn’t hurt-ever

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Wednesday, 22 May 2024 06:44

After Effects of Abuse
by Teresia Smith

We have all heard the old saying, “time heals all wounds”. Unfortunately, that is just not true for many survivors of domestic abuse. After experiencing abuse at the hands of a person who declared they loved you, moving on can be especially difficult. Fear and stress are natural after-effects of abuse, and the stress from abuse can increase your risk for health problems as much as 90 percent down the road.