Help Gabriella Evangeline Pay for PTSD Treatment

Gabriella Evangeline is a musician, artist, spiritual healer, and writer. Gabriella has offered her healing and educational services for free in the past and she has opened the hearts and minds of every person who has come in contact with her- both online and in person. However, Gabriella hasn't had the chance to fully unpack and heal from the years of abuse she has experienced. 

Gabriella experienced abuse as a child at the hands of her mother. Gabriella's father was absent and because of that enabled the abuse. Child abuse is a horrific experience that no one should have to go through and working through the physical, emotional, and mental remnants of that abuse is incredibly important for any child abuse survivor.  Gabriella has said that she felt that the system failed her as a child because no one noticed the abuse and no one advocated for her.

Due to mental health stigma and lack of education, many people are unaware of the long terms effects of childhood abuse. 

”For those who mistakenly believe that the damaging effects of child abuse are outgrown by adulthood, this information may come as a painful surprise. The fact is that the effects of child abuse last into adulthood and throughout ones life. It’s effects are often deleterious, meaning that the impact is often delayed and slow to develop but acute when they do occur. The consequence is that many adults who were abused during childhood experience it’s worst effects long after they have entered adulthood” - Dr Allan Schwartz. 

Here are just some consequences of havingbeen abused in childhood: 

Adults with a history of child abuse and neglect are more likely than the general population to experience physical health problems including diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis, headaches, gynaecological problems, stroke, hepatitis and heart disease (Felitti et al., 1998; Sachs-Ericsson)

Research suggests that adults, particularly women, who were victimised as children are at risk of re-victimisation in later life (Cannon, Bonomi)

Consistent evidence shows associations between child abuse and neglect and risks of attempted suicide in young people and adults (Felitti et al)

Strong associations have been made between histories of child abuse and neglect and experiences of homelessness in adulthood. A study by Herman, Susser, Struening, and Link (1997) found that the combination of lack of care and either physical or sexual abuse during childhood was strongly associated with an elevated risk of adult homelessness.

Persisting mental health problems are a common consequence of child abuse and neglect in adults. Mental health problems associated with past histories of child abuse and neglect include personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociative disorders, depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis (Afifi, Boman)

Unfortunately, the system is still not doing right by Gabriella. Three years ago, she requested therapy services from the NHS. In these past three years, she hasn't been able to get off the waiting list, the NHS have lost her details multiple times, but she has heard from white folks who have gotten off the waiting list in less than nine months.  Prejudice and systemic racism in the NHS, as well as underfunding for mental health services has impeded Gabriella's healing and caused her even more pain.

That is simply unacceptable. The PTSD and CPTSD that Gabriella has from her years of being abused as a child, and that abuse being ignored by adults that were meant to help her, is detrimental to her overall health. Unfortunately, she has experienced suicidal episodes and series of depression due to the child abuse she experienced and the gatekeeping of mental and spiritual help that she desperately needs. To complicate matters more, Gabriella has been signed off work until she can get the therapy that she needs. Without an active income, therapy has taken a back seat and her healing has been off and on based on available funds. As anyone who has done intensive therapy knows, starting and stopping the healing process can stagnate the experience and leave survivors feeling hopeless.

Together, we can help Gabriella heal and experience the love and support that she has been missing.  Because the NHS hasn't given Gabriella the attention and care she deserves, she is seeking private therapy, as well as some holistic healing services. Body work and somatic healing is crucial for trauma recovery. Private therapy sessions cost approximately 90 pounds. Going once a week for a year, brings the cost of therapy up to 4,680 pounds. Holistic therapy also costs approximately 90 pounds. Going once a month for a year costs 1,170 pounds. Traditional and holistic therapy for an entire year would approximately 5,850 pounds. In order to make sure that Gabriella's costs are completely covered, I would like to raise 6,000 pounds so that Gabriella can go to therapy for a year. (This goal has been updated due to Gabriella’s mental health deteriorating significantly during both lockdowns in the U.K.)

Gabriella is someone who shares herself, her story, her life, and her passions so openly. Considering the abuse she has faced, her vulnerability is an incredible strength. Gabriella is an essential asset to the spiritual, artistic, and anti-racist community- online and in real life. We should treat her as such. Please give any amount that you can to support Gabriella and share this fundraiser.