Rising From Ashes: Overcoming Mental Health and Substance Use Challenges as a Minority Survivor of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking, a barbaric system of exploitation, leaves deep scars on survivors. As a minority survivor facing the additional complexities of racial and cultural marginalization, the struggles can be profound. In this powerful talk, I will share my personal journey of overcoming mental health and substance use challenges born from my experience with human trafficking.

Key Points:

Intersectionality of Oppression: Exploring how systemic racism and cultural stigma exacerbate the trauma of trafficking for minority survivors.

Navigating Mental Health Challenges: Discussing the unique mental health struggles faced by trafficking survivors, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Finding Solace in Faith: Sharing how faith offered me hope, resilience, and strength during my darkest hours.

Breaking Free from Substance Use: Discussing my path to recovery from substance use as a coping mechanism for trauma.

Empowerment and Advocacy: Highlighting the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, and building support networks for healing and thriving.

Target Audience:

* Mental health professionals

* Faith leaders

* Social workers and therapists

* Survivors of human trafficking

* Advocates for social justice

Why Me:

Please see my bio for a bit of my story, credentials, and accomplishments as an advocate. 

What Attendees Will Gain:

* A deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by minority survivors of human trafficking.

* Insights into the intersection of mental health, faith, and trauma recovery in the context of trafficking.

* Practical tools and resources for supporting survivors in their healing journey.

* Inspiration and hope from a survivor's firsthand story of resilience and faith.

Call to Action:

Attendees will be empowered to:

* Advocate for better support systems for minority survivors of human trafficking.

* Promote culturally competent mental health services for survivors.

* Integrate faith-based approaches into holistic healing models for trauma survivors.

* Take action to combat human trafficking and raise awareness in their communities.