Welcome to the March edition of Breaking Free. In this edition we feature part 2 of our story on dissociation. DID Awareness Day which took place on 3 March was the catalyst for Blue Knot to share additional insights into dissociation. In this article we explore DID and other Dissociative Disorders, their relationship to complex trauma, usually from childhood, as well as the myths, stigma and common misconceptions that are often perpetuated on TV and in film. How do you recognise dissociation, and what does it mean to have a Dissociative Disorder? By sharing this important information and helping to separate fact from fiction, we hope to raise awareness and understanding empowering more survivors seeking help and support.
A big thank you to Sarah Holland for sharing her poem ‘Unseen’ with our community – we so appreciate it. We also include a call out to people living with disability to share their experiences of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. The Disability Royal Commission (DRC) is accepting registrations for private sessions till the end of June 2022 and submissions close 31st December 2022.
We also feature a ground-breaking documentary around complex traumatic disruption – When the Camera Stopped Rolling being released to cinemas nationally this April, a podcast which explores an insightful book, The Deepest Well, a by Nadine Burke Harris, around childhood trauma and adversity, and a call out from UNSW for participants in research around emotional regulation.
March marked International Women’s Day on 8 March. Dr Cathy Kezelman AM, Blue Knot President was recognised in the book Hope, strength and determination: Celebrating 50 years of women activists and reformers in mental health in NSW, 1970 – 2020 which was launched in an online event on the day. The book recognises some of the outstanding women who have led reform of mental health policy and services in NSW over 50 years.
Until next time, take care,
Blue Knot team