In this episode of Finding OK, I interview Polish LGBTQ+ comic artist Monika, best known for her series 'My Secret Lesbian Comics.' Monika shares her journey as a survivor of child abuse and discusses how she processes her trauma and finds healing through her side project, 'Self-pity Social Club.' We discuss the impact of her abusive mother, the decision to go no contact, and navigating relationships within her family afterwards. Monika also shares some powerful tools from therapy, offers advice to other survivors, and talks about the importance of creativity and friendship in her healing journey. I love Monika's work and I'm so grateful I got to speak with her!
Tw/Cw: Child abuse, PTSD, depression, suicide, and strong language.
Episode Notes:
Monika's Links: https://linktr.ee/mysecretlesbiancomics?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae7yjg_9oQIvXxzLaaJe7wkVOTud8vqZX3JaqAaWaWBpiYc-EEZZKRhtKKmnQ_aem_QZxxyNZ_UQo6e53MXnGuug
Self-pity Social Club: https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/self-pity-social-club/list?title_no=788807
Finding OK: https://www.finding-ok.com/
Hecate's Links: https://linktr.ee/FindingOK
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflection
00:55 Welcome to Finding OK
01:12 Meet Monika: Polish LGBTQ+ Comic Artist
03:29 Trigger Warnings and Support
04:41 Interview Begins: Monika's Journey
04:57 Navigating Family Dynamics
06:11 Generational Shifts in Mental Health
12:29 Celebrating Compliments and Self-Care
16:22 The Birth of a Comic Artist
27:38 Self-Pity Social Club: A Personal Project
36:29 Sisterly Bonding Over a Difficult Mother
36:48 Financial Manipulation and Emotional Abuse
38:07 Moving to England and Financial Struggles
39:02 Discovering Mother's Deceit
39:41 Manipulative Pity Tactics
47:27 The Wedding Day Incident
50:51 The Fake Suicide Attempt
58:29 Cutting Ties and Setting Boundaries
01:01:22 Family Dynamics and Childhood Abuse
01:07:45 Validating Experiences and Healing
01:11:52 Family Party Drama
01:12:10 Unwanted Attention
01:12:32 Confrontation and Realization
01:13:48 Family Dynamics and Tensions
01:17:02 Listener Questions
01:17:46 Navigating No Contact
01:19:17 Handling Family Events
01:24:00 Therapy and Healing
01:32:43 Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts
01:40:53 Queer Joy and Creativity
01:43:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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