Understanding the Mental Health Crisis in Human Trafficking

Can you recognize the signs of human trafficking? Deena’s special guest is a dedicated nurse practitioner who breaks down trafficking’s profound impact on mental health. 

In this episode, discover the multifaceted signs of human trafficking, common misconceptions surrounding trafficking, and the power of making sure others are okay.   

In this episode, you also hear:

• How trafficking overlaps with eating disorders and addiction
• Identifying vulnerable populations and recognizing signs of trafficking 
• Trauma-informed care and creating space for survivor stories 

 

Must-listen moments: 

[00:03:45] But there are so many parallels when it comes to mental health, when it comes to suicide, PTSD…88% of survivors of trafficking, in some studies, report depression, report shame and guilt, which you talk a lot about. That shame and guilt of whatever addiction or whatever that thing is—almost 90% of victims of trafficking reported when they're coming out of that life or being rescued. 

[00:10:28] But the truth is, anybody can be trafficked. Anybody can be trafficked. We all have vulnerabilities about our personalities. We all have vulnerabilities about who we are, any of us could have something happen to us where we would rely or could be tricked or coerced by somebody or groomed by somebody, and that not end up being the situation we thought it was going to be. 

[00:23:56] And sometimes you're not gonna know all the questions to ask, and it may be really complex and you're like this is a lot, I don't know what to say, I don't know what to do. And I think a lot of times you just come back to it and approach somebody and just say, hey, are you okay? And that can really speak volumes because somebody realizes that you saw them and being seen can mean a whole lot just in that simple sentence. 

 

Thank you for listening. Whether you’re suffering from an eating disorder or you’re a caring friend or family member, we’d love to hear from you via email at eatthatfat@gmail.com

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