#MeToo: The Movement and What it Means in Mental Health

When we call it what it is, it loses its power. For example, when we state aloud that
we are feeling angry or anxious, the intensity of those feelings often decreases.
When we label abuse as abuse, exploitation as exploitation, and mistreatment as
such, we take the unspoken power and chaos away from it. With clarity of labels
and thought, nebulous things lose their power over us.
Whether you are for it or against it, the #MeToo movement is a hot topic at the
moment. It is a movement that started in Hollywood that has seeped into
conversations throughout the nation. People are telling their stories of being
survivors of sexual abuse, mistreatment, and exploitation so that those who are in
power and are predatory towards others lose some of their power simply by sharing
the truth of their actions and character. Although there may be a small percentage
of false accusations, the majority of people are making verifiable accusations as they
share their experiences. So what does it all mean?

1. This movement is about not keeping secrets for the abuser. Abusers often
threaten the survivor after an attack. They tell lies that they will be exposed
for being a slut, whore, etc. They threaten to use their power to harm the
survivors themselves or the survivors’ career. There is nothing more
important than your physical and emotional safety. If you were forced to do
or witness things against your will, you are not alone. You made all the right
choices in the moment. How do you I know, you ask? Because YOU
SURVIVED. Had you done something different, it could have ended in your
death. You made all of the right choices to survive.

2. This movement is about not making excuses for others when they behave
badly. Adults, regardless of sex or gender, need to take responsibility when
they hurt others. Even when hurting others was not the intent, it is not ok.
This is changing the conversation and consciousness of the nation. If you or
someone you know has been struggling since being raped, assaulted, or
otherwise exploited, counseling can be very helpful in the healing process.
Take action today. You don’t have to suffer any longer.

3. This movement is about bringing awareness to how people misuse and
abuse their power. There are many people in positions of power who are
respectful of others and work hard to make sure they take responsibility for
themselves. They genuinely care about those whom they serve and
supervise. This movement isn’t about them. This is about the silence being
broken around abuses of power and position that result in harm to others.
All people deserve respect and the ability to excel in their careers without
having to witness or participate in sexual acts in an effort to garner
professional opportunities. If you find yourself or someone you know in a
position like this, reach out for help. Call a counselor as soon as possible.

4. This movement is about recognizing and taking back personal power—the
very definition of empowerment. Personal autonomy is a key facet to the
American Dream. Being assaulted, raped, or exploited were out of your
control, but talking about it is your choice. You don’t owe it to anyone to
keep your mouth shut, to not talk about your experiences, or to remain in
mental and emotional chaos and confusion. Your power lies in speaking the
truth about your experiences.

5. This movement means that you are not alone. Whether you’ve experienced
abuse or not, you can heal and help others heal from these very likely
traumatic experiences. This movement gives voice to the typically silenced
survivors of abuse. Abuse thrives in chaos, in secrecy, and in confusion. This
movement is about removing that chaos, secrecy, and confusion so that the
abuse and the abusers are exposed. You are not alone. Help is here. Call for
a free consultation today.

Most abusers abuse multiple people. That is, abusers do not typically have a lapse in
judgment one time and express deep and genuine remorse. Most abusers use and
manipulate people in most of the relationships they have with others. Abuse can
come in the form of forcing themselves on people sexually, controlling the actions of
others, isolating their partners from having deep relationships with others, being
secretive, being financially controlling, threatening to hit, kick, kill, etc., intimidating
others with their size, power or with the volume of their voice. If you suspect that
you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, get help now. Seek out a
shelter for survivors of abuse, get to the hospital, or call Clear Life Counseling &
Testing for your free consultation today.