In Chicago, Police Violence Survivors Heal Through Song

By fostering dialog between the military and rebel soldiers in a region long afflicted with violence, a physician whose clinic exposed her to children’s severe PTSD has helped heal the effects of trauma and the scars of war. Save the Children of War in Basilan has gone beyond its focus on child health and welfare to broker reconciliation talks between rebel groups and the military, in large part by getting both sides to see their opponents’ motives through a new lens. Kidnappings, once rampant, have been nonexistent since 2016.

To help veterans struggling to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder, the Phoenix VA Health Care System has started using sports and outdoor recreation as a means of therapy. Although it does not replace medications or act as a cure-all, this practice has been shown to reduce symptoms and can lead to a reduction in medications.

Past and present traumas can make it difficult for new mothers to bond with their babies. A program at Carnegie Hall uses songwriting and music to support mothers in this process in prisons, intensive care units, high schools, and other places.

Building resilience and self-care into daily life promotes long-term wellbeing. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Catalyst Initiative works to support the emotional and mental wellbeing of underserved groups by promoting culturally relevant approaches to self-care. Catalyst funds organizations that serve Indigenous communities, communities of color, as well as other programs that encourage people to practice mindfulness and self-care as a way to heal from trauma and stress associated with economic, personal, or social issues.

Building connections and learning to cope can help to break the inter-generational cycle of addiction. The nonprofit Eluna operates a camp in Dayton, Ohio, for children whose families have been ravaged by addiction. In addition to receiving the support of adult mentors, the children also engage in activities designed to teach them skills to manage their emotions. With funding from government subventions and private donations, Eluna plans to open several more camps nationwide.

Surfing lessons are bridging racial divides and providing a therapeutic outlet for disadvantaged children in South Africa. In a society largely segregated by race, children in Cape Town’s black communities disproportionately suffer the traumatic effects of violence and poverty. Waves for Change, a nonprofit based in Muizenberg, uses surf therapy as a way to mentor and empower kids in Cape Town, helping to desegregate South Africa’s beach and surf culture in the process.

Camp Shine, is helping student survivors of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, heal. Through art, dance, and music, they are processing their trauma. The camp, was founded by two upperclassmen from MSDHS who believe in the idea of healing through art. Data shows it’s working. Researchers from the University of Miami who surveyed the students before and after the camp saw a reduction in PTSD symptoms. "They're here to have fun, but they're also here to heal.”

Many veterans return to civilian life with experiences that lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, but a surf program at Camp Pendelton is showing promise as a means of treatment. Although there is no one-size fits all solution for PTSD treatment, those that have participated in Ocean Therapy are showing decreased signs of depression as well as other promising benefits.

The Arizona Arts Rx program at the University of Arizona connects students experiencing anxiety, depression, and loneliness with arts and cultural experiences, from glassblowing to theater performances, as a complement to traditional mental health care. In its first year, the program generated 131 referrals and achieved an 80% show-up rate. Participants report feeling reduced anxiety, less loneliness and better overall well-being.

Central City Neighborhood Partners developed culturally-tailored "healing programs" to address mental health challenges in the Latine community. The program offers Zumba classes, art therapy, sewing circles, gardening, and women's healing circles, integrating mental health care into everyday community activities rather than isolating it in clinical settings. The approach builds on family and community values and provides services in colloquial Spanish, indigenous languages like K'iche', and Korean to meet the linguistic needs of residents.