Dawn Clancy

Bio

Dawn Clancy has written about addiction, domestic violence, and abuse for The Fix, Addiction.com, and RehabReviews. She is also the founder of Growing Up Chaotic, a community and educational resource for Adult Children Of Alcoholics, family and friends of addicts, and survivors of abuse. More info at www.growingupchaotic.com.

Dawn Clancy Articles

Do I want to spend the next half of my life battling a new set of reasons why my body is wrong?

Can You Ever Get Over Your Body Being Too Much?

Over the almost 40 years that I’ve been on this planet, I’ve absorbed the message — whether it’s about my hair, pale skin, or the size of particular body parts — that I’m too much.

Read...
I have a hard time believing that men can be victims of domestic violence, and I know that my stepfather Joe is at the root of my problem. Image: Lechon Kirb/Unsplash.

My Abusive Stepfather Made Me Think Men Can't Be Victims Of Domestic Violence

Although I hesitate to admit it, I have a hard time believing that men can be victims of domestic violence, and I know that my stepfather Joe is at the root of my problem.

Read...
"I’ve clearly succeeded in building a textiled Fort Knox around my calves, but I realize there’s a hefty price to pay for it all: I’m paying for it with my life."

I Was Publicly Shamed For Having Big Calves

Over the years, I’ve created an intricate system of rules that keep my calves safely hidden from judging eyes, especially in the summer when shorts and sundresses rule. From where I stand today, I can’t imagine myself becoming the kind of woman who could walk confidently to the subway, in a knee-length skirt, leaving her bulging calves unapologetically exposed for the world to see. But a year ago, I wouldn't have dared to write publicly about my calves. So, I consider this a small yet mighty first step, in the right direction, of hopefully many more to come.

Read...
I lost count of the number of times Mom and Joe tried to file for divorce. Image: Thinkstock.

My Parents Never Got Divorced — But I Wish They Had

Although divorce would’ve been the right thing for Mom and Joe, they still used it as a weapon against each other. I was often caught up in the crossfire. Sometimes, I worry that Ryan is going to come home from work, drop his bag at the door, and drop an “I want a divorce” bomb on me.

Read...
I don’t feel as helpless as I once did. Image: Eli DeFaria/Unsplash

4 Ways I Manage My Depression

[CN: suicidal thoughts, blood] The success I have today wouldn’t be possible without the following four tools I regularly use to manage my depression.

Read...