Reclaiming Health: Addressing Domestic Abuse Trauma with Nutrition

By Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACS

Navigating post separation abuse can leave us with barely a moment to catch our breath, let alone address the profound effects of how the abuse has completely derailed our mental and physical health. Imagine discovering an approach that encourages us to pause, evaluate, and strategically alter our paths towards a more aligned sense of wellbeing.
 
That's precisely what we learned during a recent discussion with Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Stephanie Small on The Rising Beyond Podcast. Stephanie shares her deep understanding of the interplay between nutrition, mental health, and systemic societal issues.
 
Now, between the hustle and bustle of single mom life, you might be thinking, “I need this information but when do I actually have a moment to listen?”
 
I’ve got you! I’ve grabbed the top three lessons that can help recalibrate your approach to health and happiness from the episode. And if this resonates and you want a deeper dive, I hope you can make the time for yourself to listen to the full episode. You deserve it.

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1.  Embrace the Power of Gut Health for Mental Wellbeing
The gut isn't dubbed the “second brain” for nothing. Stephanie emphasizes the critical role of your digestive system as the gateway to overall health. Whether it be nutrient absorption, neurotransmitter production, or inflammation, your gut health wields immense power over your mental state. Ignoring digestive issues can derail your health train before it even leaves the station. And this isn't about quick fixes. Stephanie urges a return to basics, advising us to listen to our body’s cues and opt for a diet that fuels not just our physical form but our psychological resilience as well.
 
2.   Blood Sugar Balance: The Unsung Hero of Emotional Equilibrium
Have you ever considered that your mood swings might not be just emotional reactions, but also biochemical responses to your diet? Stephanie illuminates how our consumption – especially of carbohydrates – creates peaks and valleys in our blood sugar levels, mimicking and sometimes triggering symptoms of anxiety and depression. By embracing consistent and balanced eating habits, complemented by adequate protein intake and mindful eating practices, we can stabilize these fluctuations, leading to improved mood, enhanced focus, and fewer cravings.
 
3. A New Way to Improve Health and Get Help: The Collective Journey
In the aftermath of the isolation you have been subjected to during the abuse, Stephanie and Sybil stress the necessity of returning to mutual aid and communal support systems. Solo journeys through the nuances of health and nutrition prove daunting and ineffective. Embracing a collectivist mindset, one that looks beyond the surface and seeks to support and bolster the group, can revolutionize the way we tackle mental health and societal disconnect.
 
As you reflect on your own life, which of these paradigms needs attention? Are you nurturing your gut as the foundational pillar of health? Do you understand the patterns of your blood sugar throughout the day? And when was the last time you truly felt supported by and integrated within a community?

The Rising Beyond Podcast is not merely a place for passive listening; it's a call to action, an invitation to rethink, reinvent, and realign with practices that echo through your entire existence. So tell us, how will these lessons reshape your journey to well-being?

Listen below or watch the episode on our YouTube channel.

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