Unpacking Internalized Oppression: You're Not Crazy, You're Human

If you have an inner voice that tells you, “I’m unworthy,” “I don’t matter,” or “I’m crazy/too sensitive/overreacting”... this episode explains why these beliefs may stem from the impacts of systemic oppression, and what you can do with this awareness.We’ll explore how to unlearn internalized beliefs and understand yourself through a more compassionate lens.In this episode, I speak candidly about:how definitions of “mental illness” have shifted across time to pathologize various marginalized groups (including BIPOC folks, women, and LGBTQ+ folks)why it’s important to not pathologize human responses to conditions of injusticehow to disrupt internalized oppression by asking different questions – instead of: “what’s wrong with me?”; we might ask, “how have systems of oppression impacted the way I treat myself?”the difference between an individual, pathology-based lens (“the individual is the problem”) vs. a systemic lens (“the system is the problem”)Please note: this episode covers material like the impacts of slavery, patriarchy, and systems of oppression. I invite you to take care of your nervous system (through pauses, movement, or sensory breaks) as you listen.00:00 Intro01:25 What is internalized oppression?03:38 The history of "mental illness": who gets to decide who is crazy?04:16 Historical context #1: drapetomania05:42 Historical context #2: female hysteria08:35 Historical context #3: homosexuality & gender identity in the DSM12:03 The system is messed up - where do we go from here?13:42 OutroQuotes:“There’s real medicine in being able to see things as they are. It doesn’t fix how messed up and unjust these systems are in their current form, but it does help us realize that what we feel and what we’re experiencing in response to injustice is deeply human.”Full episode transcripts & resources here.🌿 About the HostLiz Zhou is a neurodivergent therapist of color, coach, & speaker based in Colorado (MA, LPC, she/her). She helps highly sensitive, neurodivergent adults & couples heal their nervous systems and connect with their authentic selves. Her specialties include: Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, Psychedelic Integration, and Nervous System Intensives (deep-dive, accelerated therapy). Liz’s services are available online in Colorado & worldwide.🌿 Connect with Liz>> Subscribe to Liz’s Neurodivergent Letters>> Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/liz.holistic.therapist>> Visit my website: www.seasonsofgrowthcounseling.com🌿 Options to Work Together>> To work 1:1 with Liz (adults & couples): book an intro call here.>> To hire Liz for speaking & workshops: submit an inquiry form here.