Digital Media Archives - Women's Therapy Referral Service

Psyching the Zietgeist:
Current Culture Through a Mental Health Lens

The Poetry of Nayyirah Waheed

I often find it difficult to find words to describe the joys and struggles of living this life; at these times, words fail me. When this happens – which is often – I rely on metaphor and poetry because it captures the nuances of emotion in a way that prose cannot.

I love Nayyirah Waheed’s poetry and little meditations, which challenge, instruct and comfort me. I often read her and say, “Yes, exactly that!”.

Here is just a taste:

You will be lost, and unlost, over
and over again, relax love. You
were meant to be this glorious.
Epic. Story.
(www.instagram.com/p/BsI8s4CneKe)

become intimate with your fears. listen
to them. sit cross legged. give them
your undivided attention…offer them
comfort. offer them rest.
(www.instagram.com/p/BsI8vzsHY4I)

stay soft. it looks beautiful on you.
(https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsa-WX0H_fs/)

I hope Nayyirah may be company for you when words fail you too. You can follow her wisdom and kindness on Instagram.

by Sara Oldham

Growing up with a Mentally Ill Parent

Photographer Melissa Spitz has created a powerful photo essay, You Have Nothing to Worry About, which tells the story of her mother’s mental illness and how it impacted the family. In Melissa’s words:

“By turning the camera toward my mother and my relationship with her, I capture her behavior as an echo of my own emotional response. The images function like an ongoing conversation. ”

It’s moving to see how she’s used images and words to explore her relationship with her mother and share it with us in such a vivid way.

Psyching the Zietgeist: Current Culture Through a Mental Health Lens

Psyching the Zietgeist:
Current Culture Through a Mental Health Lens