May 1st, 2008
Amananta’s talking…
…about sexist bias in the mental health classification system, the pervasiveness of woman and child abuse in this culture, and what a struggle it is when the two come together in the person of one hurting woman. For what it’s worth, I too struggle with everything she talks about, even though I was just a “little bit” abused — randomly smacked around and dominated/terrorized verbally by my dad. Amananta’s post reminds me that the results of this and the subsequent abuse and humiliation that he set me up for, habits, behaviors and traits I often consider personal shortcomings, really aren’t my fault–though they are, however unfairly, mine to cope with, and I do my best, just like every other ordinary woman wandering around struggling with the effects of the damage this world has heaped upon her.
So this morning I offer anyone who’s reading a big deep breath and a step back from the self-blame and self-hate that’s all too easy to feel, and instead, if you want, grab a few minutes with the feeling of being held in the arms of someone you trust. Even if the only arms that qualify are your own.
