Talking with the right people about your viewpoints on mental health and DV is educational. It can show you who’s comfortable enough with that discussion based on their own journey, and can trade notes with each other on how to label certain behaviors.

Talking with the wrong people is its own line of education, too. They remind most of who they were and what not to be again, while teaching others what not to be, period.

The more you share and leave things open for conversation, the better your own growth becomes so that you can find safe and well-minded connections. You’ll always be surprised who wants in, and who wishes you weren’t into it, but your peace of mind and protection matters the most.

D.F.