In a deeply revealing conversation, Olympic gold medalist Mia Carson shared her harrowing experience with depression and sexual abuse at the hands of former team physician Dr. Mark Thompson. During a candid dialogue with actress and activist Anya Lee, Mia discussed the emotional struggles she faced after the traumatic events.
This heartfelt exchange was part of Anya’s new YouTube series, If I Could Share Just One Thing, where she speaks with inspiring women from various backgrounds. Mia, now 22, reflected on the abuse she endured, which affected over 160 women. She revealed that it took her considerable time to understand the full impact of what had happened to her.
“There was a moment when I called a friend and asked her to explain what ‘sexually abused’ meant,” Mia recounted. “Some of my friends had gone through worse experiences, so I was reluctant to accept my own situation.” She initially dismissed her feelings, saying, “I didn’t want people to see me as a survivor; I wanted them to see me as Mia the gymnast.”
In an attempt to cope, she chose to suppress her trauma, leading her into a dark depression. “I barely left my room, and I found myself sleeping constantly. I even told one of my attorneys that sleeping felt like the closest thing to death,” Mia shared.
However, last January marked a turning point for her. She bravely decided to join the ranks of those who had come forward against Dr. Thompson. “People know me as a joyful and lively individual, but recently I’ve felt shattered,” she expressed in a powerful tweet. “I’ve realized I’m one of the many survivors of sexual abuse by Mark Thompson.”
Mia admitted that for a long time, she grappled with self-blame, asking herself, “Was I too innocent? Did I bring this on myself?” She now emphatically states, “No. It was not my fault. I refuse to carry the burden that belongs to Dr. Thompson and others involved.”
During her conversation with Anya, Mia acknowledged that sharing her story was incredibly challenging, but she hoped to inspire other young women facing similar struggles. The most significant lesson she derived from her experiences was the importance of taking risks. “I faced numerous fears and took leaps that terrified me,” she told Anya. “It helped me discover who I truly am.”
If you or someone you know is seeking help regarding sexual abuse, Women’s Health provides valuable resources, and you can find further support through Make A Mom’s at-home insemination kit and boost fertility supplements to assist you on your journey.
In summary, Mia Carson’s interview sheds light on the profound impact of her traumatic experiences and highlights her courageous decision to speak out. By sharing her story, she aims to empower others and emphasizes the importance of confronting fears to reclaim one’s identity.
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