One of my great grandmothers was institutionalized for menopause. At the time that basically meant she was hauled away and never spoken about again for the shame of it. My aunt went to visit her when she found out a couple decades later and her grandmother (my great grandmother) didn't even know she had grandchildren. And... she was fine. Just trapped. It's incredibly sad.
It's hard to find words. I'm so sorry that is in your lineage. This definitely taps some...generational rage. Frustratingly, expressing that rage or revelation comes at risk with further confirming the impression of instability. The institutions may be gone but fear and shame are straightjackets all their own.
Hmmm in posts and notes you can do an @ followed by their name. I'm on web rn and the function is not working for me, I just tried. Google claims it should, so maybe on the app.
Yes. Totally. I have some ideas about getting the word out... let's talk about it sometime soon. Have you read through my numbered posts? #0 Madroots: Memoir is the first one. That will give you an idea about where I'm headed with this.
One of my great grandmothers was institutionalized for menopause. At the time that basically meant she was hauled away and never spoken about again for the shame of it. My aunt went to visit her when she found out a couple decades later and her grandmother (my great grandmother) didn't even know she had grandchildren. And... she was fine. Just trapped. It's incredibly sad.
It's hard to find words. I'm so sorry that is in your lineage. This definitely taps some...generational rage. Frustratingly, expressing that rage or revelation comes at risk with further confirming the impression of instability. The institutions may be gone but fear and shame are straightjackets all their own.
I'm not sure that the institutions are gone just changed form sadly.
More accurate for sure.
Sigh...
Can I tag people in Substack? I'd like to.
I'd love it if you did Nicole. I wish I could get it to every woman who's ever experienced even a fraction of what I have. Appreciate you so much. xo
Thanks do you know how to do it? I can't figure it out... 😶
Meaning I don't know how to tag people.
Hmmm in posts and notes you can do an @ followed by their name. I'm on web rn and the function is not working for me, I just tried. Google claims it should, so maybe on the app.
I'm in the app on my phone. I'll try again...
Nope... Hrm
Yes. Totally. I have some ideas about getting the word out... let's talk about it sometime soon. Have you read through my numbered posts? #0 Madroots: Memoir is the first one. That will give you an idea about where I'm headed with this.
I'll look forward to hearing more on our next walk. I'm not sure what I want to do with it yet. This was an important start.