Key Concepts To Take From The #MeToo Movement

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated June 7, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content Warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include abuse which could be triggering to the reader. If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

The #MeToo movement became popular in 2017 as a social movement directed against sexual abuse and sexual harassment led by survivors. The movement had a significant impact on bringing to light the impact of sexual abuse. With its prevalence worldwide, the #Me Too movement offers several lessons on consent, mental health, and abuse prevention.

Before 2017, Tarana Burke, an American activist, founded the Me Too movement in 2006. The goal of her movement was to support survivors of sexual violence while promoting awareness of sexual abuse. What started as a personal mission for Tarana Burke has become a loud statement for survivors everywhere.

One way to understand the #Me Too movement is by highlighting sexual violence, understanding common themes associated with sexual violence, and disrupting the systems that perpetuate this issue. The lessons of the #MeToo movement can be critical to dismantling sexual violence and the themes it may thrive in.

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Understanding sexual violence and the #MeToo movement

Continued societal patterns of sexual violence are the main themes in the rise of the #MeToo movement. One of the common themes associated with sexual violence has been power discrepancies, and the #Me Too movement has discussed these discrepancies publicly to bring awareness to social inequalities. 

Many people involved in the #MeToo movement have come forward with their own stories of experiencing sexual violence in the past. In many of these stories, a person with power acts in explicitly harmful ways. Many survivors may feel afraid of speaking up due to the threatened loss of their jobs, status, connections, and sources of livelihood.

The #MeToo movement is about empowering survivors through empathy and strength in numbers. Before the movement, sexual violence and mistreatment were often dismissed or disregarded. With the rise of this movement, high-profile celebrities and politicians have started to come out with their stories, showcasing that sexual abuse can happen to anyone from any walk of life. Seeing prolific people come out with their stories may also help those who feel scared in their communities to tell their stories. 

One of the lessons brought to light through this movement is how deeply it affects marginalized people and marginalized communities and the prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace. Additionally, the hashtag #MeToo has been a call to action for many to intervene and speak up in workplaces where harassment occurs.  

The #MeToo movement is about survivors speaking up against shame and stigma, standing up against sexual violence, and ensuring that anyone who tries to perpetuate this mistreatment is held fully and legally accountable.

What does the #MeToo movement teach about mental health? 

Mental health services and solutions may be helpful for those who are a part of the #MeToo movement, such as survivors or people who have experienced trauma. Because part of the movement's mission is to support and uplift survivors, it also advocates for receiving proper mental health support after abuse. Below are a few lessons the #Me Too movement teaches about mental healthcare. 

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Connect with others about your story 

The value of a robust, loving support system can be significant for mental health. Countless studies have shown that close bonds with other human beings can help individuals foster resilience and cope with challenges. A support system may also reduce the likelihood of experiencing depression and other mental health issues exacerbating loneliness.

After sexual violence or abuse occurs, survivors may feel isolated and confused. Telling your story to someone you trust or reaching out to a community of survivors may be valuable. You can also receive social support through a therapist or group dedicated to coping with trauma and moving forward.

Practice self-care 

Like having a robust, loving support system, practicing self-care often positively impacts mental health. For some, getting caught up in work responsibilities, commitments to others, and family challenges can make it seem that self-care isn't possible. However, self-care can be done in minor steps. You don't have to start with every task you'd like to get done. Minor steps can be beneficial as you learn how to prioritize your mental health. 

For survivors, practicing self-care can be essential at any point in life, whether the event occurred years or days ago. Consider being gentle with yourself, practicing hygiene habits, and talking to someone if you struggle to get through the day. 

Connect with a professional 

The pain accompanying sexual violence might not disappear by discussing it with others in your community. Although the # MeToo movement can help survivors get their stories out and find justice, healing through therapy may also be beneficial. Talking about your abuse or experience may cause traumatic memories to arise. 

Therapy often goes hand in hand with mental health and helping people overcome past challenges, including those involving sexual violence. You're not alone, and professional support is available to you. 

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Counseling options 

The #MeToo movement may help survivors know that help is available and that they're not alone. However, it might bring up challenging thoughts and feelings. Therapy can further reinforce mental health for survivors, no matter where they may be in their journey. However, it may not be uncommon for trauma survivors to feel alone, isolated, and depressed. These symptoms can make it challenging to reach out for help from an in-person therapist or make a commute. 

If you're facing barriers to therapy, you might find online counseling through a platform like BetterHelp beneficial. One German study discovered that online therapy options produced significant changes in mental health symptoms for those who had experienced trauma. Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, an improved mood, and other changes may all be possible with the help of a mental health professional.

In addition, if you choose online therapy, you may find extra benefits like online worksheets, resources, journaling, and webinars. Depending on your preferences and needs each week, you can also connect with your therapist over the phone, video, or message. If you want greater control over your healing, online therapy may offer that distance to allow you to go at your own pace. 

Takeaway

The #MeToo Movement has empowered and inspired many survivors of sexual or other forms of violence to seek help, find support in one another, and advocate for themselves. It has also shed light on systemic factors that often contribute to these forms of abuse. If you're experiencing mental health challenges or want to talk to someone about what happened, consider contacting a therapist for further resources and support.
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