From Victim to Survivor: Michelle M. Vera’s Mission to Break the Stigma of Mental Health and Trauma

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) As Michelle M. Vera reflects on her life, she recalls a time when fear, exhaustion, and trauma defined her every day. A survivor of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and childhood trauma, Michelle's journey has been one of overcoming challenges and finding purpose. She now devotes herself to raising awareness about mental health and advocating for systemic changes that support those affected by trauma.

“Trauma is trauma. Period,” she asserts. This powerful declaration is central to Michelle's mission with Peoplehood United, an upcoming grassroots 501(c)(3) organization that she founded to support others who, like her, have been impacted by trauma and mental health struggles. From combating the stigma surrounding mental health to advocating for better protection of domestic violence survivors, Michelle is amplifying her voice, one story at a time.

A Personal Journey Through Trauma

Michelle's life has been marked by adversity. She is a survivor of domestic violence, coercive control, and a range of traumatic experiences, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), bullying, spiritual abuse, struggles with infertility, suffering a child loss, and being a mother of special needs children. Her personal story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding trauma.

Her advocacy is deeply rooted in understanding how trauma can affect an individual’s life in profound and often hidden ways. "I hear that I’m crazy. No, I’m just triggered. I hear that I’m unstable. No, I’m distracted and suffer from trauma. Are you trauma-informed?" she reflects, offering insight into the misunderstandings and stigmatization she has faced throughout her life.

Michelle also faced challenges within the legal system, especially in family courts, where she encountered frustration and feelings of injustice especially as a post survivor of domestic violence. In her case, an ex-parte was lifted during an active Children’s Protective Services investigation upon her children in regards to allegations of physical abuse of her then two children at the ages of 3 and 7 years old. The allegations were due to her 3 year old obtaining bruises resembling lash marks while in the care of their father. Due to the other parent not participating in the investigation yet filed a motion through the court with the assistance of an attorney, the judge didn’t find it necessary to hear the active CPS Investigator nor CPS On-going Worker but lifted the ex-parte order , leaving her vulnerable and underscoring the urgent need for trauma-informed advocates within the judicial system. Due to the lack of protection for Michelle and her children after already have left the domestic violence marriage two years prior, the Michelle and her children were forced to undergo more trauma including practices of coercive control, denigrating, parental alienation (during long overnight stays) and mental injury upon the children and Michelle. As a result, Michelle and her children suffer from the complications of the Trauma. This experience fuels Michelle’s ongoing advocacy for better protection and understanding of trauma survivors within legal frameworks.

Despite such overwhelming challenges, Michelle’s determination to break the generational cycle of trauma and make a meaningful impact has only strengthened.

The Turning Point: Advocacy as a Lifeline

Michelle’s commitment to advocating for change was solidified when she witnessed first-hand the effects of untreated trauma, both on herself and her children. After years of battling her own mental health, including C-PTSD and anxiety, she came to realize that the trauma she had endured was not just personal, but generational.

“My belief is that my children’s neurodivergence, including autism, may have been influenced by the trauma they experienced during my marriage and pregnancy,” Michelle explains. “There is growing research on how trauma during pregnancy or childhood may impact brain development and long-term mental health.”

Through her experiences, Michelle came to understand the importance of trauma-informed care and advocacy, particularly within the judicial and healthcare systems. She has made it her life’s work to educate others on the importance of addressing trauma at its root, rather than masking the symptoms with medication. Her personal journey has fueled her passion to raise awareness and push for real change, particularly in systems that are supposed to protect vulnerable individuals, like family courts and healthcare providers.

What Sets Peoplehood United Apart?

Michelle’s mission is not just about sharing her own story, but about giving others a voice and the support they need to heal. Peoplehood United is grounded in her personal testimony and the belief that raising awareness of mental health and trauma can help break cycles of abuse, silence, and stigma.

Unlike many other organizations, Peoplehood United focuses on empowering individuals who have lived through trauma to share their stories and advocate for systemic change. The organization works to foster understanding of trauma’s long-term effects and advocates for policy changes to protect survivors of domestic violence, abuse, and mental health struggles.

Through her experiences, Michelle has learned the value of faith, resilience, and the healing power of storytelling. She says, “With trauma, there’s no competition. I get it! I see you! I understand! Speak your truth. Share your experiences. Mental health should matter.”

Peoplehood United’s approach is both personal and compassionate. By sharing stories like Michelle’s, the organization fosters a deeper connection to the issues of mental health, trauma, and domestic violence. Through her grassroots efforts, Michelle is helping others realize that their experiences matter and that they, too, can advocate for change.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement for Mental Health Awareness

Michelle's journey is a testament to the strength that can emerge from even the darkest moments. But her story is not just about survival; it’s about the desire to help others overcome their trauma and rise above their struggles. Through Peoplehood United, Michelle is working tirelessly to bring trauma-informed advocacy to communities and across the country, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and empowering survivors to reclaim their lives.

“People need to be trauma-informed before making claims or judgments about others’ experiences,” Michelle emphasizes. “We have to stop the cycle of judgment and help create spaces of healing.”

As Peoplehood United continues to grow, Michelle invites others to join the movement for change. Whether by sharing their own stories, supporting the cause, or learning more about the impact of trauma, everyone has a role to play in breaking the stigma and raising awareness for mental health.

If you or someone you know has been affected by trauma and is seeking support or advocacy, consider reaching out to Peoplehood United to learn more about how you can get involved in the mental health movement. Together, we can raise awareness and ensure that the voices of survivors are heard, supported, and empowered.

Michelle’s Final Words

"My journey is one of survival, healing, and advocacy. I am sharing my truth to ensure that no one else has to suffer in silence. The fight for mental health awareness is one we all must join because trauma affects us all. It's time to break the cycles and ensure a brighter future for the next generation."

Join Michelle Mica Vera and Peoplehood United in the fight to raise awareness for mental health and advocate for trauma-informed care in every community.

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Join Michelle M. Vera and Peoplehood United in the fight to raise awareness for mental health and advocate for trauma-informed care in every community.