Reclaiming Power and Restoring Agency: Overcoming Trauma and Recovering from Burnout with Michelle Goodloe
In this episode of Finding Fearless, we are joined by Michelle Goodloe, a licensed clinical social worker, author, and wellbeing strategist. Michelle shares her personal story and discusses her work in burnout recovery and self-care. This compelling conversation explores the current state of fatigue in our society and the importance of addressing issues such as domestic violence and intimate partner abuse. Join us as we dive into the pivotal moment for Michelle's work and the need for open conversations on these important topics.
Listen in as we speak about:
Understanding systematic oppression and abuse
Identifying red flags through education
Burnout and why it is so rampant in our culture
Strategies for healing and recovery
And much, much, more!
Understanding systemic oppression and abuse
When discussing the role of systemic oppression and domestic abuse, Michelle emphasizes the importance of understanding the larger societal context. There are cultural factors that normalize and enable violence within intimate relationships. This normalization can make it challenging for survivors to recognize and escape from abusive situations.
Michelle also explores the concept of privilege and its impact on understanding domestic violence. She challenges the common question of "Why don't they just leave?" by highlighting the barriers that survivors face, such as lack of resources, isolation, and limited support systems. This perspective encourages a shift in focus from blaming the survivor to examining the societal structures that fail to provide adequate protection and support. In order to address systemic oppression and abuse, Michelle suggests a multi-faceted approach. This includes prevention efforts to stop abuse from occurring in the first place, as well as empowering young people with knowledge about healthy relationships and recognizing signs of abuse. By educating others about the dynamics of abuse and providing resources, we can work towards creating a culture that supports survivors and holds perpetrators accountable.
Identifying red flags through education
One crucial aspect of addressing systemic oppression and abuse is education on red flags. Madeline and Michelle discuss the need for proactive education and outreach to young people to help them recognize potential signs of harm in relationships. They highlight the prevalence of red flag culture on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where individuals share their experiences with red flags in dating. However, they also emphasize the importance of going beyond surface-level discussions and delving into a deeper narrative that educates individuals on the potential harm that can arise in relationships.
Defining red flags and understanding their significance can be challenging. There’s a need for education to help individuals identify potential signs of harm in relationships, whether they are emotionally abusive or physically abusive. By providing young people with the knowledge and tools to recognize these signs, we can empower them to make informed decisions and protect themselves from potentially harmful situations.
Burnout and why it is so rampant in our culture
Burnout is more relevant than ever and Michelle discusses its prevalence within contemporary culture, drawing from her extensive experience as a licensed clinical social worker. She points out that burnout has become a widespread issue due to the current socio-cultural landscape, characterized by heightened stress and exhaustion. With a background in working with individuals who have faced domestic violence, dating violence, childhood abuse, and compassion fatigue, Michelle highlights the complexity of burnout as a result of the collective strain experienced by people with these experiences.
She suggests that societal normals promoting overachievement and neglecting self-care play a significant role in perpetuating burnout. The constant pressure to excel, coupled with insufficient attention to mental and emotional health, contributes to the prevalence of burnout in our culture today. Michelle also highlights the importance of recognizing systemic factors that contribute to burnout, such as the normalization of long work hours, the devaluation of rest, and the stigma surrounding self-care. She emphasizes that these factors create an environment where individuals feel compelled to consistently perform at their best without adequate breaks or opportunities for rejuvenation.
Strategies for healing and recovery
In terms of guidance for individuals seeking to heal from a traumatic relationship, Michelle suggests several strategies. These include seeking therapy or counseling, engaging in self-reflection and introspection, setting boundaries, and surrounding oneself with a supportive community.
Healing from a traumatic relationship is not a linear process and everyone's journey is unique. Seek out professionals for help and support, and learn to recognize that healing takes time and may involve setbacks. By providing guidance and resources, individuals can be empowered to take steps towards healing and rebuilding their lives.
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