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The physical effects of violence don't end when abuse stops. Research shows that women who experience violence are: - 70% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease - 3 times more likely to develop chronic pain conditions - 2.5 times more likely to develop fibromyalgia - 60% more likely to develop autoimmune conditions The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence remind us that every day a woman lives with violence is another day her health faces lasting impact. Trauma fundamentally changes how our bodies function. When exposed to prolonged violence, the body's stress response system remains in constant "fight or flight" mode, leading to: - Elevated stress hormones that damage the cardiovascular system - Compromised immune function - Chronic inflammation - Disrupted sleep patterns that affect healing - Altered pain processing in the nervous system Violence can create lasting changes in the brain and body. A groundbreaking study in The Lancet showed that women who experienced violence had measurable differences in brain structure, particularly in areas controlling stress response and emotional regulation. This makes trauma-informed healthcare essential. Yet only 25% of healthcare providers report receiving adequate training in trauma-informed care. During these #16Days of Activism, we’re calling attention to this critical gap in women's healthcare. Every healthcare setting must become a safe space where: - Providers understand trauma's physical impacts - Women's pain and symptoms are taken seriously - Treatment plans consider trauma history - Staff are trained to recognize abuse indicators - Referral networks for comprehensive support exist Healing requires both addressing immediate safety AND providing trauma-informed medical care. Only then can we break the cycle of violence's health impacts. Resources: National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health: /https://lnkd.in/eeznWaEY Office on Women's Health - Violence Against Women Health Effects: https://lnkd.in/dgFgw77v CDC's Violence Prevention - Health Impact Resources: https://lnkd.in/es4_8mxp SAMHSA's Trauma-Informed Care Resources: https://lnkd.in/dZYxNrhZ World Health Organization's Violence Against Women Health Impact Data: https://lnkd.in/eFikncF Trauma-Informed Healthcare Provider Directory: https://lnkd.in/ebaurg5S National Domestic Violence Hotline: www.thehotline.org, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Academy on Violence and Abuse - Health Effects Research: https://lnkd.in/e_j-pqzz #TraumaInformedCare #WomensHealth #SurvivorHealth #HealthcareAccess #TraumaAwareness #ChronicIllness #WomensSafety

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced a $1.5 million grant to study MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder among veterans, the first department-funded research on psychedelic benefits in more than five decades. https://lnkd.in/egZeh4Fb #psychedelics #investing

It's the end of April. April is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (#PMDD) awareness month. PMDD affects between 5-8% of women in the UK. PMDD is often misdiagnosed, and glossed over even by medical professionals as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). But it's much more serious than that. International Association For Premenstrual Disorders research reveals that 34% of the people who have been diagnosed (and there are many more who haven't) have attempted suicide. So why don't we hear about it more? Where are the pitchforks, people up in arms about this condition? Some are. Evelyn Health Jared Williams are leading the charge to bring PMDD into the spotlight, to educate, support and help women manage their hormones. We need research and funding to better understand this condition, in order to adequately support women who are experiencing it. As a female-led agency, women's health is at the top of our agenda, and we hope to put it at the top of yours. tessa laws Colleen Armstrong Grace Tucker #PMDDAwarenessMonth #FemTech #HormonalHealth #WomensHealth

In 2024, over 22 million Americans with serious brain disorders were failed by a system that continues to criminalize illness instead of treating it. But the National Shattering Silence Coalition proved that when families unite, we can create pathways to dignity, treatment, and hope. This year, we transformed advocacy from whispers to a thundering call for change: • Launched state advocacy teams across 16 states, building a powerful grassroots movement • Released the groundbreaking "Guide to Psychosis and Psychotic Illnesses" - written by someone who lives with the experience, not just studies it • Established support networks for caregivers and peers fighting isolation • Collaborated with AwareNow Media to amplify stories that challenge stigma • Pushed critical Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) law discussions in Massachusetts and Connecticut Our most powerful moments captured the urgent need for systemic change: 1. "Guide to Psychosis and Psychotic Illnesses: A Peer's Perspective" Proving that understanding comes from lived experience, not just academic research. https://lnkd.in/ekmkX82u 2. Matt Stick's Recovery Story A raw, honest look at how early intervention can transform lives. https://lnkd.in/eCstZJ5A 3. Massachusetts Treatment Access Advocacy Challenging a system that criminalizes mental illness instead of treating it. https://lnkd.in/e_9GA9ni In 2025, we're not just expanding - we're accelerating. Our state advocacy teams will push for policy reforms that recognize serious brain disorders as the medical conditions they are. We'll continue shattering the silence, one family, one story at a time. To every family fighting for their loved one, to every advocate who refuses to be silenced: your voices are our greatest weapon for change. #ShatteringSilence #InspiringChange #MentalHealthJustice #right2treatment #LinkedInRewind #Coauthor #2024wrapped

Brain-based = Neuro-develop-mental Conditions have biologically-mediated, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental physiological determinants of life long vulnerabilities to adaptive functioning issues, neurocognitive problems, autonomic arousal, and faulty social communication. A leading preventable cause of these conditions is preconception and prenatal alcohol exposure (1 in 20 American births are affected by #FASD #NDPAE, with up to 94+% of affected individuals having mental health issues). Stop 🛑 the STIGMA. Stop 🛑 the silence. Choose humanity and dignity.

Another publication emerging from the Peer-led Overdose Research funded by Queensland Mental Health Commission, representing an excellent collab between Griffith University & QuIVAA. This latest study -led by a stellar team (Emma Kill, Dominique De Andrade, Jacinta H., Kairi Kõlves) - demonstrates the devastating impact of stigma, healthcare disparities, and structural barriers faced by people who use drugs in regional Queensland. These systemic issues are fueling cycles of harm, making it harder for people who use drugs to access the support they need. Regional communities, already underserved, are being disproportionately affected. The message is clear: we must address these barriers and invest in accessible, community-led services to prevent further loss and create an environment where people feel empowered to seek help. https://lnkd.in/genG29hV

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials announced a $1.5 million grant to study MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use disorder among veterans, the first department-funded research on psychedelic benefits in more than five decades. https://lnkd.in/ehGg84Jj #psychedelics #investing

SHARE THIS REEL TO HELP SPREAD AWARENESS. An extremely alarming number of people - 34% - with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) have attempted suicide to escape the debilitating symptoms. This is NOT OK. This number does not account for missed or misdiagnosis nor women or AFAB individuals whose ovulatory cycle is suppressed by hormonal, chemical, or surgical means. 🦋💕💫 Today is the SECOND-EVER PMDD AWARENESS DAY in the state of Missouri. #PMDDAwarenessDay #PMDDAwarenessDay2024 #secondannual The observance was created in memory of Christina Elizabeth Bohn, who lost her battle with PMDD. This past Saturday was the in-person portion of our IGNITE YOUR FIGHT RACE SERIES: The Christina Elizabeth Bohn Memorial 5K for PMDD Awareness. Among those in attendance were Christina's college roommates, all dressed in teal. The girls came in from Texas, Utah, North Carolina, and Nevada to honor their friend and spread the word about PMDD. We can't let this disorder take any more lives. There's still time to join the fight! Registration has been extended for our virtual 5K. You choose the date! Register at iapmd.org/events. Together, we can make a difference for those who suffer from Premenstrual Disorders! YOU ARE NOT ALONE. iapmd.org/peer-support iapmd.org/pmdd-v-pme iapmd.org/toolkit https://lnkd.in/ebDMCBvn 💙 #modhss #pmddpeeps #secondever #pms #suicideprevention #advocacy #missouri #mycycle #myperiod #youarenotalone #networkforgood #mentalhealth #premenstrual #notpms #menstrual #togetherwecanmakeadifference #premenstrualhealth  #youvegotthis #networkforgood #suicidepreventionmonth #inmemory #makingchange #historic #makinghistory #pmddawarenessissuicideprevention #WomensHealth @healthylivingmo

The health consequences of intimate partner violence are vast, ranging from reproductive health problems to asthma and cardiovascular disease – in addition to the enormous psychological trauma. A big financial cost too. US health care costs in the 12 months after intimate violence were estimated at nearly $7.0 billion in 2008. That figure is surely much higher now.  #womenshealth #stopdomesticabuse https://lnkd.in/gUGaeUuW

Dive into the harrowing truth: Domestic violence is now recognized as a leading cause of traumatic brain injury, with 1 in 3 women experiencing severe physical violence from an intimate partner. While traumatic brain injuries in contact sports like football have received significant attention, those resulting from domestic violence have remained largely invisible. However, researchers are now exploring the unique signatures of brain injuries caused by domestic abuse, marking a crucial shift in understanding and addressing this critical issue. To learn more about traumatic brain injuries and domestic violence, check out the full NPR article: https://lnkd.in/eQwxfYj3 #DomesticViolence #TraumaticBrainInjury #ResearchAwareness Brain Injury Association of America; Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado