Nirvana’s song “Polly” is about a 14-year-old girl who was kidnapped after attending their concert in Tacoma, Washington. The man who abducted her, Gerald Friend, raped…
This poem by Amit Majmudar showcases the pain and confusion felt by mothers who experience a miscarriage, as well as how some try to deal with their…
The rise of ultra-nationalism and authoritarianism in Hungary has been accompanied by an increase in hostility and violence toward its Romani civilians. The occupation of…
Sara Naomi Lewkowicz is a photographer who documented firsthand a couple’s descent from a fun-filled day out to a night of domestic violence. The pictures…
Radiohead’s “How to Disappear Completely” captures the feeling of desperation people feel as stress mounts in their lives. Alluding to the process of running away…
“Asleep” by The Smiths tries to capture the hopelessness that is present in suicidal ideation. The lyrics speak of wanting to go to a better, happier place and the song…
Today’s seniors grew up when their LGBTQ status was considered a mental illness, a view that has largely changed. But, as Nancy Knauer of Temple…
The expectation of unending compassion for others is unrealistic. For trauma workers, hearing devastating stories can take its toll. This can be seen in detrimental…
The 1975’s lead singer and writer, Matt Healy, shares a dark, inner dialogue through his music. ‘Me’ is a powerful and haunting song– the interpretation…
Published by a blog called The Oblivion Catalog, “Song of Madness” offers a picturesque glimpse into the mind of a patient possibly suffering from schizophrenia….
Dane Schmidt, who goes by the stage name Jamestown Story, is an independent vocalist and songwriter. In the piece “Who I Am”, he shares his…
“My name is Will, and I think rape is hilarious…when it happens to a dude,” begins the monologue in a recently posted video written and…
This poetry slam by Neil Hilborn and Ollie Renee Schminkey is a fascinating duet about the difficulties and traumas they both experienced in their relationships. Touching…
Steve Kandell’s “The Worst Day of My Life is Now New York’s Hottest Tourist Attraction” addresses the new 9/11 Memorial and Museum after getting a…
This short film by Jesse Atlas is a surrealistic piece representing the wish to undo painful traumatic losses. Touching upon themes of war, romance, and bereavement,…
Mankind, a British abuse helpline, recently staged an impressive hidden camera experiment in the streets of London. Their idea was simple: showcase the difference between…
My grandfather lives in Kiev, Ukraine. As regional conflicts continue to unfold there in the aftermath of the February 2014 revolution, he and other senior…
“Shrinking Women” by Lily Myers tells a story of women in her family who have been taught to shrink for generations while the men grew. Her…
“Something in the Way” by Nirvana is deeply reflective of Kurt Cobain’s well-known struggle with depression.
Leonard Cohen talks about joining a zen monastery and his personal troubles. “Good work is produced in spite of suffering …a victory over suffering.”
