Healing Through Art: A Survivor's Story
Episode Overview
Performance art as a tool for healing from trauma. Dana Aber's journey through PTSD and gaslighting. The role of community in mental health recovery. Importance of art in processing and healing trauma. Encouragement to connect through the Heal Me Too Festival.
The only way I knew how to move forward was to draw attention to the fact that I was dodging death left and right. I made the joke I was very hard to kill.
In this episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristen Sunanta-Walker welcomes Dana Aber, a performer and producer, to discuss her inspiring journey of healing from narcissistic abuse through performance art. Dana Aber has a rich career in performance, having showcased her work in diverse settings such as New York City, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Thailand. Her personal experiences with psychological abuse have profoundly influenced her artistic endeavors, leading her to create performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Dana shares how her solo show, 'Baggage at the Door,' emerged as a therapeutic process during her recovery from PTSD. The show encapsulates her struggles and triumphs, offering insight into the melding of emotional and analytical thought as she retrained her brain away from trauma and panic responses. In recounting her experiences, Dana emphasizes the challenges of overcoming gaslighting and self-doubt inflicted by a former abusive relationship.
The Heal Me Too Festival plays a pivotal role in Dana's narrative, serving as a platform where trauma survivors can express and process their healing journeys through art. By participating in such festivals, Dana not only aids her own recovery but also fosters a sense of community among fellow survivors. She encourages listeners to attend these events if possible, highlighting the importance of connecting and supporting one another in person. Throughout the conversation, Dana's infectious energy and resilience shine through.
Her story serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar experiences, demonstrating the transformative power of art in healing and community building. Kristen's empathetic interviewing style complements Dana's narrative, creating an engaging and intimate dialogue that underscores the show's mission to make discussions on mental health accessible and relatable. Listeners are invited to explore Dana's performances and engage with the Mental Health News Radio network, a hub for diverse voices in mental wellbeing.
This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the profound impact of sharing one's journey with others.