Pasadena Author Shares Inspiring Story of Healing from Trauma

In commemoration of Mental Health Month, the nonprofit organization Pasadena Village is hosting a free event on May 21 featuring local author Bonnie Armstrong. Armstrong will discuss her new memoir, “An Apparently Normal Person,” which chronicles how dissociation helped her cope with childhood trauma and served as a catalyst for healing.

The event, held in partnership with Connect 2 Rise, will take place at 10 a.m. at Connect 2 Rise, 2594 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Armstrong’s inspiring story, enjoy refreshments, and connect with fellow community members. 

Space is limited, and reservations are required by calling 626-765-6037 or visiting the Pasadena Village website. Attendees are encouraged to bring their copy of the book to be signed.

Armstrong, a respected educator and advocate for those living with the impacts of childhood trauma, is a member of Pasadena Village. She found support in her writing through one of the organization’s member-led memoir writing groups. The event was planned by Armstrong and fellow Villager Karen Bagnard to bring attention to the often unseen and stigmatized mental health challenges faced by many in the community.

“Bonnie is a well-respected educator and advocate for those living with the impacts of childhood trauma, including dissociative identity disorder and other trauma responses,” according to the event announcement.

Mental Health Month, founded by Mental Health America in 1949, is an annual observance in May that promotes awareness, offers resources and education, and advocates for mental well-being. The theme for 2024 is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World,” emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help when self-help efforts aren’t sufficient.

Both Pasadena Village and Connect 2 Rise aim to combat loneliness and social isolation by fostering meaningful connections and supporting the well-being of community members. Pasadena Village brings together over 180 active adults over 55 in the west San Gabriel Valley area, while Connect 2 Rise offers one-to-one meetups and social groups for all generations.

Building and maintaining healthy relationships is considered a critical component of mental health. Resources such as the California Peer-Run Warm Line and the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline (accessed by dialing 988) are available 24/7 for confidential emotional support. 988 has been designated as the three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

Copies of Armstrong’s book will be available for purchase and signing at the event, with limited quantities on hand. The memoir can also be purchased through Vroman’s Bookstore at https://www.vromansbookstore.com/pasadena-village.