Real victimization exists, and Diane Russell Chrestman does not minimize that truth. But in this candid reflection, she explores what can happen when suffering becomes an identity. Using lived experience, ACE awareness, and Internal Family Systems language, she examines the victim role as a protector, the relief it can offer, and the courage it takes to build a life beyond the worst things that happened to us.

“Sticks and stones” was never the whole truth. In this Author of the Month reflection, Joshua Bennett-Johnson looks back on childhood bullying from both sides: the child who used cruelty to feel bigger, and the child who later felt the sting of public humiliation. The result is a candid, human essay about shame, empathy, repair, and why words can leave wounds long after the moment passes.

AI chatbots are becoming part of everyday life, including moments of stress, loneliness, and emotional uncertainty. Rachel Winston explains why these tools can feel appealing—available 24/7, responsive, and nonjudgmental—while also raising serious concerns for people already facing mental health challenges. This piece helps users and families understand the risks and think more carefully about safer, more informed use.