Art can heal PTSD's invisible wounds | Melissa Walker

Trauma silences its victims, says creative arts therapist Melissa Walker, but art can help those suffering from the psychological wounds of war begin to open up and heal. In this inspiring talk, Walker describes how mask-making, in particular, allows afflicted servicemen and women reveal what haunts them — and, finally, start to let it go.

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[Andresfin]

I have PTSD no I have never been to war but I have been through so much else. Art therapy is amazing!

[sophiafantauzzo]

I like this talk, but it gets to me that people associate PTSD with war. I have PTSD from severe repeated childhood trauma and it is just as horrible. Many people are in the same situation as I am. while it's very important to acknowledge what these soldiers are experiencing, it would be nice to be acknowledged more often as well. PTSD can happen from any trauma to anyone, and it's something I'll live with in some form for the rest of my life.

[DrakkarVance]

To create art is to share a piece of yourself with the world. When you paint, draw, write or craft you are giving your thoughts a place to live outside of your head. You are giving them a home.

[theseigemeister]

Going to have to ask my therapist about this mask making deal. I have PTSD from a medical surgery gone wrong.. Hopefully this can help me work through the trauma I've been dealing with for over a decade now. Thanks for sharing! 😊

[deehitcher]

Excellent presentation. Your granddad would be very proud of you. I’m gonna start drawing my issues right now. I love writing but it hurts to use words to think bout it all

[ultracurious]

Amazing!! My heart is filled with gratefulness for each and every mask made - & for each one yet to be made. I've always known that art is healing, but it was fascinating to hear the fellow speak about how each feature unlocked another key to healing. It's just so amazing!

[hotbike]

I am proud to say that our charity (Forging Ahead Inc.) was made to help veterans and first responders with PTSD/OSI through blacksmithing.

The first day I participated, was the first night in a long time that I slept. Shortly after I became VP of the charity, as I believe in it so strongly and have just recently became President.
I look forward to watch it grow and help others.

[recepomercan]

For those who know about PTSD video starts at 4:50

[ashcatchum]

PTSD is not just for military people. it bothers me they only speak out about them when they talk about PTSD

[Dolanlol]

thank you shop much for this video! my partner and the beautiful father of my 3 wonderful children has been struggling with PTSD from time spent in east timor and Afghanistan. .. ... and I can't thank you enough for helping me try to understand how I can help the man I love. have a brilliant day, peace✌💞😆

[gregzeng]

PTSD also comes from being part of a dysfunctional family, and from any traumatic incident. I've experienced both. The artistic remedy - not much.

[youtuberunningvideos]

It is discouraging to read about PTSD in the video description as associated only with those who have experienced war. I always feel like a schmuck telling people I have PTSD, because they inevitably ask, "Were you in the military?" When I say I was not, it feels as if I have PTSD-Light. It doesn't seem light to me.

[CottonGVI]

I just want to say thank you! I actually made a mask for some reason 4 years ago and didn't know why. I now have a better understanding.

[liquididentity]

Share your pain or it destroys you. This is hardly anything new. Art is just a medium for expression. The difference between now and the past is a society more accepting of everyone's faults, failures, and hurt feelings. It's ok to show weakness, temporarily. Well, ok so it may still get you fired or ostracized or whatnot, but you have SJWs on the doorstep waiting to defend you. No, society still isn't prefect when it comes to accomodating the human condition... but at least we have this art. Yay?

[billwallace]

I don't know what physical audience she was speaking to at the time of this video and if it was veterans. To me, she was speaking to PTSD victims everywhere. All victims of trauma. Whether a soldier at war or an innocent little girl being sexually abused. I have buddies that have served and suffer from PTSD and I have a daughter that has been severally sexually abused and suffers from PTSD. A great presentation about the focus of how creative arts therapy can help trauma victims! I know it helps my daughter.
Thank you Melissa for sharing!

[thingstodrawwhenbored]

Isn't art remarkable? What a great healing tool. Thanks for creating this video!

[Overonator]

Is there actual clinical trials that show that art therapy is effective for symptoms associated with PTSD in comparison to other interventions?

[hyenaedits]

I don't say this lightly. The comment section is cancer.

[MrID]

Reminds me of the masks worn in Japanese Noh and Kyogen theater.

[sdhpCH]

Nice approach. I got a simpler solution: Just don't start wars...