How Sinead O'Connor Showed Us That Nothing Compares To Childhood Trauma

<p><strong>This podcast discusses </strong><a href="https://www.today.com/parents/parents/how-to-talk-college-kids-suicide-rcna29114" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">suicide</a><strong>. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also 911 or 999 or 112 or text HOME to 741741 or visit </strong><a href="http://speakingofsuicide.com/resources" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources</a><strong> for additional resources.</strong></p> <p> The recent passing of iconic musician Sinead O&#39;Connor has reignited an important conversation about mental health and the need for compassion, support, and proper care. Throughout her accomplished career, O&#39;Connor was remarkably open about her own struggles with conditions like bipolar disorder and complex PTSD. Her candidness helped break down stigma, but also revealed just how broken our mental healthcare systems remain. </p> <p><strong>You can read the full article here: </strong><a href="https://markspencer1.substack.com/p/how-sinead-oconnor-showed-us-that">⁠<strong>https://markspencer1.substack.com/p/how-sinead-oconnor-showed-us-that</strong>⁠</a></p> <p><br></p> <p>In 2017, O&#39;Connor gave a painful interview about the isolation she felt as someone struggling with her mental health:</p> <p><strong>“Why are we alone?” she said. “People who suffer from mental illness are the most vulnerable people on Earth. You’ve got to take care of us. We’re not like everybody.”</strong></p> <p>She also encouraged people to be there for anyone dealing with these issues:</p> <p><strong>&quot;If you have a family member that suffers from mental illness, care for them, tenderness, love, care for them. Visit them in the hospital, don’t dump them in the hospital and bugger off,&quot; she said.</strong></p> <p><strong>Her words ring true for so many who feel abandoned when they need help the most.</strong></p> <p>In this extended podcast, I speak frankly about my own struggles and challenges and my mission to t