Drawing the line between freedom of speech and psychological abuse is a term I came up with when a prestigious lawyer said my restraining order for psychological abuse against a previous partner would never get granted because of freedom of speech. I was quite surprised by this comment mainly because the DV-100 restraining order paperwork asks for information about psychological abuse and mental wellness is such an integral part of well-being.

The abuse in reference is not limited to psychological but physical and sexual abuse as well. The physical and sexual abuse occurred approximately seven years ago, but the psychological abuse is ongoing; I still get those messages of derogatory statements and comments about me.

I don't think too many people, including the legal justice system, realize how harmful psychological abuse is and how it affects people. I've had the privilege of meeting several women affected by domestic violence, and while their cuts and bruises healed, their psychological wounds were still present. There isn't a single mental health therapist that would say differently; psychological abuse is more detrimental to the well-being of any individual.

Psychological abuse is the invisible wound and gone untreated, a wound that doesn't heal independently. Everyone has experienced a little bit of trauma one way or another, and for years you've been collecting inner wounds. I chose long ago not to allow others to negatively impact my life by setting boundaries with family and friends and ending all toxic friendships and relationships.

Many people, men, and women alike, suffer from symptoms such as worry, anxiety, fear, sadness, lack of concentration, flashbacks, recurring thoughts of the experience/s, and more. Some people recover, some don't fully recover, and others don't recover. They live their lives on medication to function more readily, and others sometimes end up in psychiatric hospitals because life becomes unbearable. It's an unfortunate truth, but it is the truth.

I'm not suggesting psychological abuse is the only cause of mental health issues. Still, trauma is the cause of mental health issues and degrading someone, calling them names, telling them no one will ever love them because they have children, they're fat, ugly, stupid, not worthy, crappy mother, or parent, for years on end will most definitely negatively impact a person.

Did you know the way someone speaks about their previous partner is a red flag for a possible abuser? It's very cliché, but if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it. Yes, speak your mind, share your story, and give your opinion but leave the other person out of it. What I'm saying now is an example of freedom of speech, but it isn't coming at the cost of someone else's well-being.

How many of you reading this has experienced a traumatic event? How did that event affect you? Do you still think about it today? How many of you still have a partner that calls you a slut or says you're good for nothing? (That's domestic abuse, by the way.)

I'm simply asking the courts to grant my restraining order. I have evidence, and it's been happening for about eight years. I want the person to leave me alone. Please don't message me about me, especially when you don't know me, and that's the reality of it; he doesn't know me, and I know one thing for sure, hurt people hurt people.

If you're one of the people hurting people, heal your inner wounds. They're there; you just can't see them. The body on the outside heals itself quite well. Inner peace is a choice, and a choice you, your family, children, friends, community, and generations to come will thank you for later.

If you're a man or woman and any of what I said sounds familiar to you, please sign my petition and share it with as many friends/ families as possible.

#mentalhealthmovement