The month of May recognizes Mental Health Awareness and National Trauma Awareness.

On that note, I'd like to share a few resources that I had the honor of participating with that address trauma, abuse and mental health.

The Brave and Unbroken Podcast is brand new – recorded in March and aired in April. The other two resources are video clips shared at my You Tube Channel.

Please note, I am currently working on my You Tube Channel to share more resources, music and conversation – I have recorded several new videos and hope to have them posted soon. A gentle plug, please consider clicking the Subscribe button and the Bell icon to receive future notifications as new content is posted. At some point I will be hosting interviews with fellow advocates. All of the videos will be sharing Hope, Healing & Help. In the interim, I have create several Playlists of the videos already shared – Having Fun With Music, Podcasts & Interviews, Songs about Life, Love & Loss, Peer Support and Healing Trauma, Abuse & Mental Health.

1] Brave and Unbroken Podcast with Michael Skinner - 20 minutes • Brave And Unbroken Project

Using humor and compassion, Michael takes his listeners on a journey from child victimization through the mental health, legal and medical systems to his current career as a successful musician and award-winning speaker.

Michael offers trauma survivors hope, insight and motivation. He gives professionals a rare opportunity to learn about their system from the inside out, to see what helps trauma survivors and what doesn’t.

2] Michael Skinner - trauma healing with Pat Deegan - YouTube 5:50 minutes -

Please note, this video is part of Pat Deegan's Conspiracy of Hope www.recoverylibrary.com and www.patdeegan.com Please visit her websites to learn more about Pat's incredible work.

3] Michael Skinner - Empowerment, Voice and Choice – YouTube 2:46 minutes

Video clip from, SAMHSA's Trauma-Informed Approach: Key Assumptions and Principles

Training PDF - https://www.nasmhpd.org/sites/...ersManual_6-2-21.pdf

https://store.samhsa.gov/produ...-Approach/SMA14-4884

“The strongest principal of growth lies in human choice.” - George Eliot

Thank you, Michael

“The reason why you need emotional support is because it's important for survivors to be heard. To be understood. To be able to express yourself without fearing criticism or harsh judgment. To be validated for your pain, suffering, and loss. For others to be there for you to encourage you, especially if you're having a bad day or feeling triggered.” - Dana Arcuri, Soul Cry: Releasing & Healing the Wounds of Trauma

“Healing is never complete until we have been truly heard. May the universe send you someone who will sincerely care to listen.” - Anthon St. Maarten