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 Support the Podcast and become a Patreon member! https://www.patreon.com/HecateFindingOK Finding OK is funded entirely by generosity of listeners like you! https://www.finding-ok.com/support/ 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 Support the show
