Navigating Trauma and Intimacy: Joe and June's Story on Mental Illness Happy Hour
It's important to be aware of why we react, the way we do and where in our lives these behaviors may have come up, and it's just as important to take our take back our lives by recognizing our lives, by recognizing these parts and deciding to make things better for ourselves.
What happens when two people, each carrying their own heavy baggage from childhood, come together in a relationship? In this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', host Paul Gilmartin sits down with Joe and June, an Israeli couple who open up about their past traumas and how they navigate their emotional and sexual intimacy. Joe recounts feeling like the perpetual punchline in his family, while June reflects on the independence forged through her grandfather's anti-apartheid activism and imprisonment.
Together, they discuss how these experiences shape their current lives and relationship. The conversation takes a deep dive into the complexities of supporting one another while dealing with individual issues. Joe and June explore the challenges of finding emotional and sexual satisfaction, touching on topics like anxiety, guilt, and shame. They also tackle heavier subjects such as domestic violence and the media's portrayal of it in Israel.
June bravely shares her experience of being raped by her brother, a secret she kept for years, while Joe talks about his unusual addiction to wiping his semen on other people's belongings. Throughout the episode, the couple emphasizes the importance of understanding why we react the way we do and recognizing the origins of our behaviors. They advocate for taking back control of our lives by addressing these parts of ourselves and striving for improvement.
This episode is a raw and honest exploration of trauma, intimacy, and the journey towards healing. It's a must-listen for anyone grappling with similar issues or looking to better understand the impact of past experiences on present relationships.