While she does shine, she is still abusing herself emotionally, professionally, and spiritually. She is at the beginning of her journey of self-growth, and through connection, warmth, and optimism, she’s the light of people’s hearts. But this is only the beginning, as she is discovering who she wants to be.
Look closely at the next crowd you encounter. What you see isn't just a collection of strangers; it's a dense forest of individual worlds, each one hiding a lifetime's worth of battles and secrets. Though the faces may seem similar, each journey is different. Each carries the burdens of life. From professionals to caregivers, to people-pleasers, these are the faces of Smiling Depression.
For Survivors of abuse, Equine-Assisted Therapy can offer deep emotional healing in a safe, unbiased, and accepting environment. Where abuse and trauma can cause a mistrust of the world around, a herd animal, like horses that are attuned to non-verbal cues and emotions, can provide calming and non-biased feedback, helping Survivors find a safe place to confide and heal.
By: Amanda Hildreth Abuse and Mental Health: The Common Connection Abuse is common in relationships but isn’t only limited to romantic relationships. It can also come in the form of relationships with family, friendships, or interactions with strangers. The common assumption is that abuse is caused by a mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety,...
By: Amanda Hildreth The LGBTQ+ Community and Religious Abuse: Trauma Unseen Religious organizations vary in their attitudes towards members of the LGBTQ+ community both in and outside their community. When a member of their religious community comes out, the response can range from full acceptance to total ostracization. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community find...
By: Hannah Jagiri Recognizing Emotional Abuse in Children Emotional Abuse in children is a deeply concerning issue that often goes unnoticed, leaving lasting scars on the child’s mental and emotional well-being. Unlike Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse is more challenging to recognize, making it imperative for caregivers, parents, educators, and society to identify its signs. This...
By: Hannah Jagiri Financial Abuse is a form of domestic violence that often goes unnoticed yet leaves lasting scars on Victims’ lives. It occurs when one partner controls the other’s financial resources, leading to dependency and power imbalances. Recognizing the signs of Financial Abuse is crucial for breaking the cycle and supporting those affected. Understanding...
By: Mandie Schreck Growing up in a narcissistic household can affect a child’s development from adolescence to adulthood. Many people who grew up in narcissistic homes struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Narcissistic parents often lack empathy, encouragement, and even a desire to see their children succeed in life. Even if the individual cuts...
By: Eileen Shea We’re entering into a new year, but the global health crisis that has been at the forefront of all our minds continues — now for the third calendar year. 2022 is the start of both a new year and a new normal. ARO is now hosting our first online event of 2022...
By: Mandie Schreck Verbal Abuse can be difficult to overcome and even harder to set boundaries around. Establishing parameters for yourself can be a struggle when confronted with Verbal Abuse. How can you create a safe space for yourself where you have an open flow of healthy communication? Recognize Unhealthy Communication Habits The first step...
