Let's Talk About Mental Health
This month, we are highlighting one of those topics that sometimes gets forgotten about in the shuffle and day-to-day of supporting survivors of crime: Mental health. Mental health is critical in all aspects of the work for the wellbeing of survivors, their families, their communities, and their advocates.
We created a complication of recent resources and trainings centered around mental health, including how to talk about it, how to support family members and advocates, and how it is sometimes seen intersecting in our work. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re looking for more!
Advocating at the Intersections of Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Substance Use Coercion
April 2023
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
In addition to using substances to cope with trauma, survivors may also be coerced to use substances, face increased violence if they do not use substances, and have their attempts to engage in treatment and recovery sabotaged by a partner or ex-partner – all tactics of substance use coercion. This session will demonstrate Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma-Informed approach to supporting survivors experiencing trauma and substance use coercion.
How can advocates better support survivors within marginalized communities in addressing their mental health needs?
March 2024
VAWnet
Recommendations and tangible resources to help advocates in the gender-based violence movement better support survivors within marginalized communities in addressing their mental health needs.
Let’s Talk: Confronting Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community
December 2023
National Runaway Safeline
In this episode, National Runaway Safeline discusses the stigma surrounding mental health within the Black community, the emotional toll of code-switching, and the personal journeys of Amea Smith and Antonio Davis-Robinson. Both Amea and Antonio serve as passionate advocates for youth mental health through their roles on the NRS Youth Advisory Board, and through their career choices.
Family Members and Caregivers: Mental Health
National Alliance on Mental Health
This resource collection from NAMI addresses topics relevant to family members and caregivers of those who experience mental illness, including resources around supporting that family member and maintaining the relationship, taking care of yourself, crisis prevention, and additional support.
Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders
March 2023
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association
Family members may be more likely to notice when their loved ones are experiencing changes in mood or behavior. Being able to offer support, family members can connect those in need with treatment, resources, and services to begin and stay on their recovery journey. This resource holds resources for family members around how to start the conversation about mental illness and substance use, including videos, talk sheets, and more.
Vicarious (Secondary) Trauma and Selfcare Resource
2019
Visible
We can’t avoid vicarious trauma in health and social care work, but we can mitigate the risk and minimise the impacts. This handout has several sections to facilitate self-help, including ways to cope, self reflection questions, what organizations can do, and more.
Looking for more resources for mental health?
Looking for more resources for mental health?
Check out last year’s compilation of resources: “Mental Health Always Matters“