International We Are Not Broken Day (January 17th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every January 17th
Tagged as:	Charity Helping Others Mental Health
What are the hashtags?	#WeAreNotBroken #TraumaSurvivors #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #InternationalWeAreNotBrokenDay
When was it founded?	2019
Who founded it?	Nichola Cotto (We Are Not Broken)
We first published this page on:	Aug 7th, 2024
We last updated this page:	Dec 27th, 2025

Contents

Aiming to change the narrative that has been told about scars being ugly, We Are Not Broken Day works to bring people from all over the world together to honor their wounds and share their scars as they share their healing.

History of International We Are Not Broken Day

International We Are Not Broken Day was founded in 2019 to raise awareness about the fact that all people, including trauma survivors, trauma patients, and those with other mental health issues, deserve to be treated with dignity and not considered “broken”.

The event was established through the efforts of the We Are Not Broken (WANB) organization, whose founder was Nichola Cotto.

This group of people is particularly geared toward telling the stories of women and girls who have experienced trauma.

Their work aims to bring healing, empowerment, and improved mental health by revealing difficulties and embracing trauma through photography of the women’s scars.

International We Are Not Broken Day Timeline

1978

Founding of Alternatives Conferences

The Alternatives Conferences began in 1978 in the United States, serving as a platform for mental health consumers and psychiatric survivors to advocate for their rights and share experiences.

These gatherings underscore the importance of patient-led recovery and challenge stigma around mental health issues.

1980s

Rise of the Body Positivity Movement

During the 1980s, the body positivity movement gained momentum, focusing on acceptance and celebration of diverse body types.

This movement promotes self-love and challenges societal standards of beauty.

1990

Establishment of Body Positive

The organization Body Positive was created to support individuals embracing body diversity, advocating for self-acceptance and challenging normative body ideals.

2000s

Expansion of Trauma-Informed Care

The early 2000s saw a significant shift towards trauma-informed care in various sectors, emphasizing safety, trustworthiness, peer support, and empowerment in treating trauma survivors.

2017

Global Impact of the #MeToo Movement

Sparked by Tarana Burke, the #MeToo movement empowered victims of sexual abuse and violence globally, highlighting the prevalence of sexual harassment and advocating for accountability.

How to Celebrate International We Are Not Broken Day

Those who have been working to heal from traumatic experiences, whether from physical abuse, natural disasters, medical emergencies, accidents, psychological abuse, or some other type of trauma, may be interested in participating in We Are Not Broken Day by telling their stories when they are ready.

Share with a friend, write it on a blog, or share it on social media through with scar photos, to help normalize the idea that people who have suffered are not broken!

Support a Friend

Those who haven’t been through trauma themselves but know someone who has can take some time on We Are Not Broken Day to show some encouragement.

One of the best ways to do this is simply by offering friendship and a listening countenance.

Send them a note to tell them that they are seen and cared for, or treat them to something special like dinner out, a pedicure, or some other small way to say how much you care.

Visit the WANB Gallery of Scars

To gain a better understanding of the work that We Are Not Broken Day represents, head over to their online gallery that houses photos of women and their scars.

The organization works to help women feel beautiful and confident about wearing their scars and being proud of the healing that has come behind them. It’s also possible to purchase a copy of a book along the same theme, called Scar Stories.

Reach Out to Find Healing

Those who have experienced trauma but have not been able to find healing for their scars may take We Are Not Broken Day as a motivation to get help.

Some might want to reach out to a trusted friend or family member or make an appointment with a trauma-informed therapist.

Others might prefer to start through a non-profit organization that focuses on helping people recover from trauma, like one of these:

The Trauma Survivors Foundation
Partnerships for Trauma Recovery
CPTSD Foundation
National Alliance of Trauma Recovery Centers

Facts About International We Are Not Broken Day

Historical Impact of Psychiatric Survivor Movements

The psychiatric survivor movement, emerging in the late 20th century, has profoundly influenced mental health advocacy by promoting peer support, patient rights, and empowerment.

These historical shifts continue to inform modern approaches to trauma recovery and community-based mental health support.

The Science of Narrative Therapy

to aid in trauma recovery by helping individuals reconstruct and reclaim their narratives in a supportive environment, promoting healing and resilience.

Peer Support’s Role in Mental Health

Peer support programs, where individuals who have experienced similar issues provide mutual assistance, have become integral in mental health recovery.

Studies indicate that these programs can reduce symptoms and improve psychological well-being by fostering social connections and shared understanding.

Risks of Public Trauma Disclosure

Expressing traumatic experiences publicly, especially without adequate support, can expose individuals to risks such as retraumatization and social backlash.

Research underscores the need for safe, controlled environments to protect mental well-being during such disclosures.

Community-Based Trauma Recovery

Historically, community-led approaches to trauma recovery have been emphasized in psychological and public health initiatives. By fostering an environment of collective healing and storytelling, these methods support individuals in rebuilding their mental health in a communal setting.

FAQs

International We Are Not Broken Day FAQs

How does storytelling aid in trauma recovery?

Storytelling aids in trauma recovery by helping individuals integrate traumatic memories, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and foster social support.

It offers a therapeutic way to process experiences and emotions. Creative storytelling through art or writing can externalize experiences, helping reclaim agency.

Why is self-acceptance crucial for healing from trauma?

Self-acceptance is crucial for healing from trauma as it allows individuals to acknowledge and embrace all aspects of themselves, including their trauma.

This acceptance reduces self-stigma and promotes psychological resilience, helping individuals to heal emotionally.

What role does community play in the recovery process for trauma survivors?

Community plays a significant role in trauma recovery by providing support, understanding, and connection.

Being part of a supportive community reduces feelings of isolation, enhances emotional support, and increases resilience by offering practical resources and shared experiences.

Can creative expression help with emotional healing?

Yes, creative expression such as photography, painting, or writing can aid emotional healing by allowing individuals to express their feelings non-verbally.

This form of expression can help process difficult emotions, promote self-discovery, and result in a sense of empowerment and achievement.

How can society change perceptions of individuals impacted by trauma?

Society can change perceptions by normalizing conversations about trauma and promoting narratives that emphasize resilience and strength rather than brokenness.

Public awareness campaigns and educational efforts that focus on empathy and understanding can help shift public opinion and reduce stigma.