p. rosenkahn's guide to life

Year of Yes, Shonda Rhimes

Can we talk about how Shonda is just fearlessly laying down the truth and not censoring the awful truth? And before anyone stupid jumps in, Shonda is not saying Motherhood shouldn’t be praised, she’s saying we shouldn’t be praising women for erasing themselves.

but you do need to learn how to carry it with you so it doesn’t tether you down. i’m talking like i’ve figured this out - trust me, i haven’t - but i do know that it’s something that must be done because to do anything otherwise is such a great disservice to ourselves. we deserve peace.

we don’t have to “get over” anything, we don’t have to forget. we certainly are not obligated to forgive. make a place for your trauma and your pain and maybe it fits in your pocket, maybe you have to pull it behind you on a chain. whatever you gotta do to make sure you keep looking ahead.

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About LETS: We work with individuals every day who can’t seek treatment due to insurance or lack thereof, financial limitations, family issues, stigma, geographic location, inaccessibility, cultural differences, and many other barriers. In addition, we also work with individuals who can access treatment, but who may have found it unsuccessful/prefer not to seek professional treatment for a variety of reasons. Low-income individuals are not the only people with mental illness who do not seek professional help. Some people’s disorders make them too paranoid to talk to a professional. Some people are scared of the possibility of abuse from a professional. Some people have or believe they have disorders that are horribly stigmatized. Being able to talk to other mentally ill people is essential in management and recovery, as we are social creatures. 

Lots of people think that therapy is the solution, but here are some common phrases we hear regularly from the individuals we work with:

My parents just think I’m not trying hard enough. They don’t believe in therapy.

I have insurance but it doesn’t cover eating disorders. Or my benzos.

I don’t have any insurance.

I have been traumatized by oppressive systems of power in the past, and am uncomfortable with seeking professional help.

I cannot afford therapy.

I cannot find a good POC therapist.

My culture doesn’t take mental health seriously.

My therapist told me not to tell anyone I was sick

Your Counselor has been extensively trained in Peer Support, Trauma-Informed Care, Suicide Prevention, Cultural Sensitivity Crisis Management, and Mental Health Wellness/Education.

dont be rude to people who choose to quit school in order to get a job

not everyone is capable to handle both at the same time

Binary gendered language is one of those things that often goes unnoticed even at churches that are trying to be LGBTQ inclusive. Breaking the binary is a simple change that can make a difference.

How might you incorporate this language into your prayers, sermons, and church activities?