Explore every episode of the podcast Mental Health Rewritten
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| Mental Margins: A Brief History of Pornography | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:05:29 | |
In this bonus episode of Mental Health Rewritten, host Dominic Lawson takes listeners on a captivating journey through the history of pornography, exploring how desire has been depicted, suppressed, and preserved across centuries. From ancient Egyptian satire to the digital age’s pornographic explosion we uncover the cultural, technological, and political forces that shaped the evolution of explicit imagery. Source List
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| Mental Margins: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:06:17 | |
In this introspective and educational Mental Margin segment, we explore how trauma isn't always loud. Sometimes it whispers through our adult decisions, shaped quietly and powerfully by Adverse Childhood Experiences—ACEs. With the expertise of Dr. Justin Dodson, we trace how witnessing violence, enduring emotional wounds, and growing up without safety all carve paths into who we become. 🧠 Key Themes
This episode underscores a key point: ACEs shape much of what clinicians see in real life. That makes understanding them even more essential. 🧾 Take the ACEs QuizCurious about your own ACE score? “Understanding our past helps us rewrite our future.” 📌 For more narrative tools and healing resources, visit: MentalHealthRewrittenPodcast.com
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| Rewriting the Conversation Around Pornography | 30 May 2025 | 01:17:39 | |
**POST CREDIT CONTENT ALERT** Welcome to Episode 2 of Mental Health Rewritten — “Pornography: Rewiring Reality” In this powerful follow-up to our season premiere, we confront one of the most polarizing issues in modern mental health: pornography. Through the dual narratives of Gio and Maddie, we navigate secrecy, shame, and compulsion — we dive into the psychological impact of porn consumption on young minds, relationships, and emotional development. We illustrate how digital intimacy can morph into emotional avoidance. Featuring reflections inspired by Susan Sontag’s The Pornographic Imagination, data trends around economic stress and porn usage, and voices from clinical research, we explore: How pornography functions as both escape and expression Why compulsive consumption often begins in adolescence The blurred boundaries between fantasy, shame, and mental distress Economic stressors and their link to increased digital escapism The humanity behind the industry — including the performers and producers Societal silence around youth exposure and emotional education From the Reagan-era Meese Commission to modern neuroscience, we examine the narratives, research, and myths shaping how we see pornography today — not to shame or glorify, but to understand it. We share an unflinching yet compassionate exploration that reframes addiction, adolescence, and the hidden effects of unspoken behaviors. This is not just about screens — it's about the stories behind them. Listen now and subscribe for upcoming episodes on suicide, race, and intergenerational trauma. Reminder: Mental health struggles are real — and often silent. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to a mental health professional. Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with The Ummah Collective Group, is hosted, written, and produced by Dominic Lawson. Executive Producers: Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Some music was provided by DJ Krate Digga of The Mighty Sound Champz Crew This week's disclaimer provided by Al Pete, Founder of The MPN Network Supporting Sources: Sontag, Susan (1967). “The Pornographic Imagination.” – Analysis of pornography as reflective of cultural fears and desires johnshaplin.blogspot.comjohnshaplin.blogspot.com. Dworkin, Andrea (1981). Pornography: Men Possessing Women. – Argues pornography is a form of violence/oppression against women researchgate.net. Meese Commission Report on Pornography (1986) – Conclusions of harm; later criticism by academics for lack of rigorous evidence politico.compolitico.com. Politico Magazine – Tim Alberta (2018), on Meese Commission’s flawed use of research and findings being unsupported politico.com. CDC-Kaiser ACE Study – Findings on how ≥4 childhood adversities correlates with higher risk of substance use, mental illness, and sexual risk behaviors in adulthood mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.orgmydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org. CDC – Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (2023) on ACEs: associations with early sexual initiation, teen pregnancy, etc. cdc.gov. VA National Center for PTSD – DSM-5 PTSD Criterion A definition of trauma (death, serious injury, sexual violence exposure)ptsd.va.gov. ICD-11 – WHO’s diagnostic criteria: trauma defined as extremely threatening or horrific events cambridge.org. Pornhub Traffic Data (2020) – Documented 11–24% global increase in usage during COVID-19 lockdowns pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Financial Stress & Porn Study (2020) – Found porn site visits decreased when economic stress rose, suggesting not all downturns boost porn use pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Reuters – “Pornhub owner MindGeek sold to Canada’s ECP” (Mar 16, 2023) – Announcement of Ethical Capital Partners (Solomon Friedman) acquiring MindGeek reuters.comreuters.com. New York Times – “The Children of Pornhub” (N. Kristof, Dec 2020) – Investigative piece exposing underage/non-consensual content monetized on Pornhub papers.ssrn.com. Rolling Stone – “Racism in Porn Industry Under Scrutiny” (June 2020) – Report that Black performers are paid and hired less, citing Ana Foxxx, Lotus Lain, etc. instagram.comibtimes.com. International Business Times – “Black Performers Reveal They’re Paid and Hired Less in Porn” (June 12, 2020) ibtimes.comibtimes.com. Blavity News – “Adult Film Has Been No Exception (to Racism)” (June 24, 2020) – Overview of racist tropes and pay disparities in porn, with input from Black actresses blavity.comblavity.com. Dazed Digital – “Porn actresses are dying – why?” (Feb 2018) – Discusses rash of young female performer deaths, highlighting lack of support, stigma, and financial insecurity in the industry dazeddigital.comdazeddigital.com.
Referenced Articles & Resources The Tragic Story of Olivia Nova The Children of Pornhub – New York Times Racial Pay Disparities in Porn – Rolling Stone Feature Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Quiz Your Brain on Porn
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| Mental Margins: Betrayal Trauma & Infidelity | 21 May 2025 | 00:09:22 | |
About Mental Margins Mental Margins is a short-form segment from full Mental Health Rewritten episodes—designed to be a more accessible entry point into the show’s deeply emotional, cinematic approach to mental health. These snippets, usually under 15 minutes, distill powerful moments from the full-length episodes to create quick, impactful, and meaningful listening experiences. So if you're new to the podcast, Mental Margins gives you something valuable to reflect on without the emotional overwhelm of a full length episode. This Week's Focus: Why Betrayal Trauma Cuts So DeepIn this episode, we step into the emotional wreckage caused by betrayal trauma—a psychological rupture that often accompanies the discovery of sex addiction or compulsive sexual behavior in intimate relationships. Dr. Alexandra Katehakis, a pioneer in the treatment of sex health and betrayal trauma, explains how the revelation of a partner’s secret double life—sometimes spanning decades—can feel like an emotional earthquake. The trauma isn't just about infidelity; it's about the annihilation of a shared reality. “It’s like a massive internal earthquake where what they thought was solid ground is no longer solid.” – Dr. Alexandra Katehakis This betrayal often causes symptoms similar to PTSD, but with the additional complexity of continued contact with the person responsible for the trauma—something that makes healing both urgent and elusive. Defining Betrayal: Not All Infidelity Looks the SameDr. Justin Dodson breaks down how betrayal isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. In some relationships, pornography or flirtation may cross emotional boundaries just as much as physical affairs. Each partner carries their own blueprint of what constitutes “cheating,” often rooted in personal trauma, fear, or unmet emotional needs. “People want to be wanted. And anything that threatens that sense of security can feel like betrayal.” – Dr. Justin Dodson This episode challenges us to re-examine our relationship expectations, boundary-setting, and the subtle emotional ruptures that can spiral into long-term disconnection. | |||
| Rewriting the Conversation Around Sex Addiction | 14 May 2025 | 01:00:52 | |
Welcome to Episode 1 of Mental Health Rewritten! In our season-opening episode, we confront one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized topics in mental health: sex addiction. Through the story of Daniel — a man whose professional success masks a deep internal struggle — we explore how compulsive sexual behavior impacts relationships, careers, and personal identity. Along the way, we challenge misconceptions about sex addiction, examine its clinical roots, and highlight the hidden pain it causes across gender lines and around the world. Featuring clinical insights from Havi Kang, Dr. Justin Dodson, and Dr. Alexandra Katehakis, alongside research from Mayo Clinic and YouGov, we uncover: What defines sex addiction and compulsive sexual behavior Why shame and secrecy make healing harder How societal stigma silences both men and women The global scope of this often-taboo disorder Rooted in research from the DSM-5 and ICD-11, and grounded in real-world stories, Mental Health Rewritten opens conversations where silence once reigned. Tune in to hear how Daniel’s journey toward healing begins — and how, together, we can start to rewrite the narrative about addiction, identity, and hope.
Listen now and subscribe for upcoming episodes exploring suicide, racial trauma, and more. Reminder: Mental health challenges are as real — and as serious — as physical ones.
Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with The Ummah Collective Group, is hosted, written, and produced by Dominic Lawson. Executive Producers: Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Some music was provided by DJ Krate Digga of The Mighty Sound Champz Crew Referenced & Supporting Sources Does Society Have a Sex Addiction Problem? Is Sex Addiction a Real Disorder? Majority of Americans Believe It Is Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in ICD-11 Why Sex Addiction Was Not Included in DSM-5 AASECT Position on Sex Addiction Brain Activity in Sex Addiction Mirrors That of Drug Addiction Is Sexual Addiction the Real Deal? Sex Addiction and Childhood Trauma in Men Infidelity Statistics (U.S. Marriages) Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Culture – A Clinical View Assessment and Treatment of CSBD: A Sexual Medicine Perspective Sex Addiction in the UK: Rebecca Barker’s Story Understanding Denial in Sexual Offending and Addictive Behavior CDC Historical Divorce Statistics – U.S. Marriage Trends Referenced Articles & Research Majority of Americans Believe Sex Addiction is Real – Newsweek Does Society Have a Sex Addiction Problem? – Mayo Clinic Health System UK Woman Shares Experience with Sex Addiction – BBC News National Center for Health Statistics on Suicide Trends – CDC Study Links Childhood Trauma to Sex Addiction in Men – University of Georgia College of Education Infidelity and Relationship Statistics (2024) – M. Cooper Law Sex Offender Policy & Research: Compulsive Sexual Behavior – Washington State SOPB Conference | |||
| What is the DSM-5 and ICD-11? | 07 May 2025 | 00:02:38 | |
🎙️ Mental health conversations often involve a lot of terms, diagnoses, and classifications — but where do they come from, and why do they matter? I'm Dominic Lawson, creator of Mental Health Rewritten. Throughout this show, we'll be referencing two major diagnostic tools that shape our understanding of mental and behavioral health: 🔹 DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) 🔹 ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision) On Mental Health Rewritten, we incorporate both tools to provide a well-rounded, accessible understanding of mental health. Because mental health isn't just about definitions — it’s about the people behind them. 🎧 Season 1 launches May 14, 2025. Subscribe today and join us for real stories, real understanding, and real change. 🔗 Apple Podcasts, Spotify with exclusive content on Instagram (@mentalhealthrewrittenpodcast).
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| Welcome To Mental Health Rewritten | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:02:57 | |
🎙️ Welcome to Mental Health Rewritten — hosted by multi-award-winning podcaster and mental health advocate Dominic Lawson. In a world flooded with conversations about mental health, not all information is helpful — and some can even cause harm. The most important battles often begin in silence, hidden by stigma and shame. But it’s time for that to change. Mental Health Rewritten is a bold, narrative-driven podcast where we confront the difficult, the uncomfortable, and the necessary. Each season follows a 3-Track, 12-Episode format, taking listeners on an emotional and educational journey across intersecting topics: 🔸 Track 1: Sex 🔸 Track 2: Suicide 🔸 Track 3: Race Rooted in clinical insights from the DSM-5 and ICD-11, and guided by authentic, lived experiences, Mental Health Rewritten is more than a podcast — it’s a movement to rewrite the way we understand mental wellness. 🎧 Season 1 premieres May 14, 2025. 🔗 Apple Podcasts, Spotify with exclusive content on Instagram (@mentalhealthrewrittenpodcast).
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| Mental Margins: Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder | 14 Jun 2025 | 00:10:09 | |
In this excerpt from Episode 101: Rewriting the Conversation Around Sex Addiction, Havi Kang joins host Dominic Lawson to explore the evolving understanding of compulsive sexual behavior. The episode introduces CSBD (Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder) as recognized by the ICD-11, highlighting its absence from the DSM-5 and what that reveals about ongoing clinical hesitation. Havi breaks down the shift from the “classic sex addict” to today’s screen-based, often younger “contemporary sex addict,” shaped by easy access to sexual content and changing cultural norms. The episode invites listeners into a deeper debate: Is sexual compulsivity an addiction, a trauma response, or something else? Havi’s insights offer both clarity and compassion, especially as the show challenges stigma and misinformation. To hear more from Havi Kang and dive into this nuanced, culturally critical conversation, be sure to check out the full episode of Mental Health Rewritten: Rewriting the Conversation Around Sex Addiction. | |||
| Rewriting the Conversation Around Sexual Assault | 17 Jun 2025 | 01:12:22 | |
In this powerful and necessary episode of Mental Health Rewritten, we open with a deceptively simple question: “Is this sexual assault?” From that moment forward, we begin a journey that challenges long-held beliefs about consent, trauma, and silence, especially when the abuse doesn’t look the way we expect it to. At the heart of this episode is Maria, a fictional composite of real stories. We explore the types of harm that don’t come through force, but through the absence of consent, emotional pressure, or the quiet rewriting of boundaries inside long-term relationships. But Maria’s story is just the beginning. We’re also joined by Ashley-Lauren Elrod, a survivor whose candid testimony spans over a decade of sexual abuse, much of it at the hands of family members. Her story is raw and revealing of how trauma fragments memory, distorts identity, and leaves lingering questions like: Who am I outside of what happened to me? How do I tell the truth when the people who hurt me are the ones who raised me? Together with expert voices—therapists Havi Kang, Dr. Justin Dodson, Dr. Alex Katehakis, and Dan Woerheide—we examine: Why sexual assault in marriage is still so often denied or minimized How dissociation becomes the mind’s defense when the body can’t escape What gaslighting looks like in everyday language—and how it erodes self-trust The difference between love and entitlement, and how one can masquerade as the other What real trauma-informed healing requires—from clinicians, partners, and communities We also confront institutional betrayal through the lens of the Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics case, using it as a sobering parallel: If world-class athletes weren’t believed, what does that say about the everyday survivor sitting silently at your dinner table? This episode is a call to rethink what sexual harm looks like—not just in headlines, but in homes. It’s about naming what happened, even when the world tells you it wasn’t “bad enough.” And it’s about rewriting what healing looks like, starting with truth. Mental Health Rewritten, created by the OWLS Education Company, in collaboration with The Ummah Collective Group, is hosted, written, and produced by Dominic Lawson. Executive Producers: Kenda Lawson and Dr. Whitney Howzell Some music was provided by DJ Krate Digga of The Mighty Sound Champz Crew Research and Statistics ReferencesBureau of Justice Statistics – Criminal Victimization, 2021: This U.S. Justice Department report provides official data on crime reporting rates. It shows that only 21.5% of rape/sexual assaults were reported to police in 2021 highlighting the underreporting problem and reasons victims cite (fear of reprisal, etc.) bjs.ojp.gov. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): The CDC’s research on sexual violence prevalence. According to recent CDC findings, approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 13 boys in the U.S. experience sexual abuse in childhood. nationalchildrensalliance.org Academic Review on Revictimization: “The Prevalence of Sexual Revictimization: A Meta-Analytic Review” (Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 2017) – A study synthesizing data on how often survivors of sexual abuse experience new incidents later. It found nearly 50% of survivors faced revictimization on average. nsvrc.org, though estimates vary. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Institutional Betrayal Case Study – Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics: News investigations and a 2019 U.S. Senate report document how USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University failed to stop Nassar. Example resource: The Guardian report “How was Larry Nassar able to abuse so many gymnasts for so long?” which describes how complaints were ignored in favor of protecting reputations. theguardian.com. Also see ESPN’s piece on victim-blaming in this case. espn.com. “Ideal Victim” Myth in Sexual Assault: For context on this concept, see Nils Christie’s work in victimology and modern commentary such as “The ‘Perfect Victim’ Myth” by Kim Machray (Empoword Journalism, 2023), which explains how societal stereotypes of a “blameless, ideal victim” can marginalize many survivors. empowordjournalism.com. Complex PTSD – ICD-11 vs. DSM-5: World Health Organization’s ICD-11 includes Complex PTSD as a diagnosis distinct from PTSD. ptsd.va.gov. In contrast, the DSM-5 (the American manual) does not formally recognize “C-PTSD” as separate. (See the U.S. National Center for PTSD explainer on “Complex PTSD: History and Definitions.) Support Organizations & Hotlines for SurvivorsRAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (U.S.): The largest U.S. anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE and online chat support rainn.org. They offer help 24/7 for survivors, plus extensive educational materials and referrals. National Sexual Violence Resource Center (U.S.): NSVRC provides research, toolkits, and a directory of local services. nsvrc.org. (While not a hotline, NSVRC is a hub for understanding sexual violence and finding support by state or territory). 1in6 (U.S. & Global): A nonprofit specializing in male survivor support. Provides anonymous online chat groups and resources for men who’ve experienced sexual abuse. Named after the statistic that at least 1 in 6 men have experienced abusive sexual experiences by age 18. 1in6.org. National Child Abuse Hotline (U.S.): For anyone affected by child sexual abuse (survivors, parents, concerned individuals). Operated by Childhelp at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), 24/7 confidential crisis counseling and referrals nationwide. National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): Many sexual assaults occur in the context of intimate partner violence. The NDVH (🌐 thehotline.org, or call 1-800-799-SAFE) offers support and can connect survivors of partner or marital sexual abuse to local services. DoD Safe Helpline (Worldwide, for U.S. Military Community): An anonymous 24/7 hotline for members of the U.S. military (active or veteran) affected by sexual assault. Accessible worldwide via phone or online chat (🌐 safehelpline.org). rainn.org International Resources – “NO MORE” Global Directory: A comprehensive global directory of sexual assault and domestic violence helplines by country (🌐 nomoredirectory.org). If you’re outside the U.S., this resource (developed with the UN) helps locate local support services anywhere in the world. nomoredirectory.orgnomoredirectory.org. Rape Crisis England & Wales (UK): National network of centers for sexual violence survivors in the UK. Offers a 24-hour phone helpline at 0808 802 9999 and online resources (🌐 rapecrisis.org.uk). (For Scotland, see Rape Crisis Scotland; for Ireland, see Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, etc.) Ending Violence Canada – Sexual Assault Centre Directory: A Canadian resource listing provincial sexual assault centres and crisis lines. Survivors in Canada can find local support services via this directory endingviolencecanada.org. (For other regions: many countries have similar organizations or hotlines – e.g. 1800-RESPECT in Australia, the Women’s Helpline in India, etc. See the NO MORE Global Directory above for an extensive international list.) Educational Resources – Trauma, Dissociation, Sexual Health, and HealingBook – The Body Keeps the Score (2014) by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk: A best-selling book on how trauma impacts the body and mind, and paths to healing. Explores phenomena like dissociation, flashbacks, and the neuroscience of trauma in an accessible way. (Penguin Books)penguinrandomhouse.com Book – It Didn’t Start with You (2016) by Mark Wolynn: An insightful look at intergenerational trauma. Explains how trauma can be passed down through family generations and offers strategies to break the cycle (psychologytoday.com). Good for understanding how family history of abuse or trauma might affect someone’s mental health in the present. Book – Trauma and Recovery (1992; updated 2015) by Dr. Judith Herman: A foundational text by a psychiatrist that coined the concept of Complex PTSD. It covers the impact of sexual and domestic violence, the importance of survivor empowerment, and stages of recovery. (BasicBooks). Documentary – Athlete A (2020): A Netflix documentary about the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal. Follows investigative journalists and survivors (like Maggie Nichols, “Athlete A”) as they expose Larry Nassar’s crimes and the institutional cover-up. An impactful look at how a powerful institution silenced victims and how the truth finally came out. Documentary – Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope (2016): Explores the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. Shows how childhood trauma (including abuse and neglect) can affect health across a lifetime, and highlights initiatives to build resilience and break intergenerational cycles of trauma. rocofilms.com. (Director: James Redford). Toolkit – The Trauma Toolkit (Klinic Community Health, 2013): A comprehensive guide (available free online) for trauma-informed approaches. While aimed at service providers, it’s written in plain language about what trauma does to the brain, body, and how healing can occur. Includes sections on grounding techniques, understanding dissociation, and cultural/historical trauma. 🌐 trauma-informed.ca Sidran Institute (Trauma/Dissociation Resources): A nonprofit organization that focuses on helping people understand and recover from traumatic stress and dissociative disorders. Their website offers fact sheets on conditions like Dissociative Identity Disorder, grounding skills for flashbacks, and how to find a trauma-informed therapist (🌐 sidran.org). National Child Traumatic Stress Network – Resources on Childhood Trauma: NCTSN (🌐 nctsn.org) provides guides for both survivors and parents. For example, “Why Don’t They Tell? Teens and Sexual Assault Disclosure” (NCTSN, 2008) is a resource explaining barriers that youth face in disclosing abuse. NSVRC Guides to Healthy Sexuality Education: The National Sexual Violence Resource Center has materials to help parents and educators talk about consent and sexuality early. E.g., “6 Resources to Help Parents Talk to Kids About Consent” and “It’s Time... to Talk to Your Children about Healthy Sexuality”. These tools can empower families to replace silence with informed, age-appropriate dialogue – echoing the episode’s message that education is a form of protection (nsvrc.org). Survivor Recovery Workbooks: The Courage to Heal Workbook by Laura Davis (a companion to the classic book The Courage to Heal) is a practical guide full of exercises for women and men healing from childhood sexual abuse. Another option for male survivors is Victims No Longer by Mike Lew, which addresses the unique challenges men face and includes first-hand stories and recovery strategies. Support for Complex Trauma: “Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation” (2011) by Kathy Steele et al. – a workbook for survivors of severe trauma who experience dissociation. It provides grounding techniques and coping skills in an easy-to-understand format. For those interested in the clinical perspective, the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) offers free fact sheets on understanding dissociative disorders and complex PTSD. Memoirs and Personal Stories: Sometimes, hearing another survivor’s story is healing. A few noted memoirs: Know My Name by Chanel Miller (survivor of the Stanford University assault, reclaiming her story), Missoula by Jon Krakauer (investigative book with survivors’ experiences in a college town), and The Sum of My Parts by Olga Trujillo (one woman’s journey healing from dissociative identity disorder caused by childhood abuse).
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| Mental Margins: Complex PTSD | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:05:21 | |
In this segment, hosts Dominic Lawson and Dan Woerheide explore the enduring psychological toll of sexual assault, turning their focus to Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Dan reflects on the harrowing process of forensic exams for survivors—a clinical necessity that often reactivates trauma. Despite the compassion of SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) professionals, the experience underscores how systemic procedures can inadvertently retraumatize those they've been designed to help. Dominic introduces listeners to the concept of Complex PTSD, a diagnosis that goes beyond the acute symptoms of traditional PTSD. Unlike PTSD, which often follows a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD emerges from chronic, inescapable trauma—such as childhood abuse, captivity, or intimate partner violence. Dominic also touches on the lack of formal recognition for C-PTSD in the DSM-5, where it is instead often subsumed under the ambiguous category of “Other Specified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder.” This gap reflects an ongoing debate in psychiatry but presents real challenges for survivors seeking validation and appropriate care. Through Dan’s testimony and Dominic’s clinical context, this segment underscores Mental Health Rewritten's mission: to elevate hidden narratives, question institutional frameworks, and humanize the psychological aftermath of trauma. | |||
| Mental Margins: Men, Shame, and Assault | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:05:45 | |
In this segment of Episode 103, "Rewriting the Conversation Around Sexual Assault," Mental Health Rewritten explores the often-overlooked experiences of men who have survived sexual violence. With poignant insight from Havi Kang and Dan Woerheide, the episode challenges pervasive myths that silence male survivors and hinder healing. | |||