S2E2: Why Is It Hard to Speak Up?

Have you been in a situation wherein you were scared to speak the truth because you are scared of your life or someone else’s life? Most of the time, we would just keep quiet and turn into habits which in the long run would destroy our well-being and our life completely. Research shows that trauma survivors suffer more illnesses. For example, the Adverse Childhood Experience Study found that survivors of childhood trauma are some 5,000 percent more likely to use drugs, attempt suicide, and suffer an eating disorder. Trauma has such a severe impact because of the way it affects, and ultimately, rewires the brain. When the brain goes into stress or is stuck in stress, it leads to physical changes and a complicated ripple of life-altering symptoms. Let us listen to our guest, Jacqueline Williams. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in Amityville, Long Island and attended Long Island University and George Washington University, attaining a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education and Human Development. Now retired from her career, she worked as a Special Educator and Advocate for children diagnosed with chronic and terminal illness.  She published a book, which is a memoir of her survival of childhood trauma. It is designed to show readers that they are not alone in their fight and can act as a stimulus for conversations that will encourage others to open up about their experiences and help them heal as a result. Let’s listen to her powerful and inspiring story.