The Outside Circle by Patti Laboucane-Benson highlights the importance of understanding mental health, addictions, trauma, and intergenerational trauma in indigenous communities. Exploring this story through the perceptions of Pete Ray and Joey carver this paper will prove an understanding of how healing mental health, addiction, trauma, and intergenerational trauma is vital for indigenous communities' well-being and recovery.
Mental Health
Petes depression and anxiety are evident in the beginning of the novel. This is evident as the first time the symbolic mask appears on his face, he is reacting to his girlfriend telling him that she is pregnant. This brings Pete directly to anger and he says, “whose baby is it?” she replies that it is his and he angerly says “Fuck that the way you sleep around, that’s bullshit.” Petes girlfriend telling him she is pregnant sparked his fight or flight and his anxiety and fear in that moment turned into anger. Midway through the novel Pete is shown across a whole page saying and thinking nothing. This is an illustration of depression as in some cases depression can leave you feeling numb and thoughtless. Petes uncle Ray tells a story about his experience as a young boy, being poor and removed from his mother and put in foster care. The mother's body language is nothing but pure despair,
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All of Joey and Petes belongings are sold to fuel the addictions of Joeys mother and a man. Pete reacts with violence leading him to shoot the man. Pete is taken away by the police and Joey is put in foster care. Joey copes with antisocial activities and substance abuse. Pete results in further violence during prison as this is all he knows. Pete has developed violent tendencies through neuroplasticity that make choosing violence easier. Petes immediate family trauma causes him to reapply his mask during his healing process Because his family tree is more akin to a