TLDR: The current systems in education, foster care, religion, and medicine are failing individuals, particularly those who have experienced trauma. In this post, I will share personal experiences to highlight the need for reform and compassion within these systems.
In today's society, many individuals feel that the systems designed to support and protect them are failing. This sentiment is echoed by countless voices, including those who have faced significant trauma and adversity. This blog post explores the various facets of a broken system, particularly in education, foster care, religion, and medicine, as shared from the perspective of a survivor of personal trauma.
The Education System
The public school system is often the first institution where children seek support and guidance. However, for many, including me, this system has proven inadequate. A painful experience from my childhood shows that despite being a victim of sexual abuse at a young age, no one in the school system recognized the signs or offered help.
When I transitioned to high school, the challenges continued. Despite being a dedicated student striving for academic excellence, I was denied graduation due to a bureaucratic requirement that seemed disconnected from my individual circumstances. This experience highlights a critical flaw in the education system: the tendency to view students as numbers rather than individuals with unique needs and backgrounds.
The Foster Care System
My experiences extend into the foster care system, where I attempted to provide a safe haven for children who had suffered similar traumas. Unfortunately, the system's rigidity and lack of understanding led to further suffering. My family went through a harrowing eight-year ordeal, where we faced challenges due to the behavior of a child who had been placed in our care.
Despite my efforts to help, the system did not allow for necessary interventions, such as separating children who posed a danger to others. This lack of flexibility and support not only harmed our family but also perpetuated the cycle of trauma for the children involved. The foster care system is in dire need of reform to protect both the children and the families who care for them.
The Role of Religion
Religion can be a source of strength and community for many, but it is not immune to the failures of the broader system. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I have had deep disappointment in how the church's policies and procedures have sometimes overshadowed compassion and understanding.
Friends who have faced their own traumas have left the church, feeling unsupported by a system that prioritizes rules over individual needs. I call for a more empathetic approach within religious communities, urging members to recognize and support those who are struggling rather than pushing them away.
The Medical System
The medical system, too, has its shortcomings. I have experience seeking help for physical and mental health issues, often feeling lost in a maze of treatments and therapies that did not address the root causes of my suffering. Despite encountering compassionate healthcare professionals, the overall experience felt disjointed and ineffective.
There is an alarming rise in issues such as sexual abuse and pornography addiction, and the medical community often overlooks the spouses and families affected by these problems. There is a pressing need for a more holistic approach to healing that considers the well-being of all individuals involved.
A Call to Action
My experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for change within these systems. I encourage individuals to stand up and advocate for reforms that prioritize compassion and understanding. Rather than abandoning institutions like churches or schools, I urge people to work within these systems to foster change and support those in need.
Conclusion
The systems designed to protect and nurture individuals are often failing them. Through personal stories of trauma and resilience, I want to shed light on the urgent need for reform in education, foster care, religion, and medicine. It is a call to action for all of us to recognize the brokenness around us and strive to create a more compassionate and supportive society. I firmly believe that by coming together and advocating for change, we can begin to heal the wounds inflicted by these broken systems.