How to deal when we feel: Running at the void | Vita Henderson-Chan | TEDxCityUHongKong

TL;DR

Use creativity as a therapeutic way to express and cope with pain, trauma, and addiction.

Transcript

hi ladies gentlemen every gender non-conforming identity in between my name is Vita you may also know me as Vita starkin or vmsch and I'm a self-proclaimed multi-disciplinary creative and multi-dimensional Trauma experiencer what's a multi-disciplinary creative well I'm a classically trained pianist and organist that goes around the world playing j... Read More

Key Insights

• 😑 Creativity serves as a vital coping mechanism for individuals dealing with trauma and addiction, providing a healthy outlet for self-expression and emotional processing.
• 💉 The need for instant gratification and quick fixes can worsen mental health issues, leading to a cycle of dependency and avoidance of the underlying problems.
• 🆘 Finding a supportive community is essential for recovery, as it helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and provides guidance and understanding.
• 👨‍🎨 Embracing pain as an integral part of the human experience enables personal growth and resilience.
• 😑 Creativity is not limited to artistic skill; it encompasses various forms of self-expression and communication.
• 🥺 Sitting with one's pain and using creativity as a means of understanding and processing it can lead to personal empowerment and healing.
• 🥰 Overcoming trauma and addiction is a journey of progress, not perfection, and requires a shift from fear to love in one's actions and mindset.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Vita use creativity to cope with their trauma and addiction?

Vita turned to music, art, and digital creation as a way to express their emotions and experiences. It served as a therapeutic outlet and helped them navigate their pain and contribute positively to their mental health and recovery process.

Q: How did Vita's early experiences with music and art impact their coping mechanisms?

Vita discovered a sense of relief and fulfillment when engaging musically and artistically from a young age. It provided them with a healthy distraction from their struggles and offered a means of self-expression that became essential in their coping journey.

Q: What role did community support play in Vita's recovery?

Building a community of supportive individuals in a 12-step recovery program was crucial for Vita's sobriety journey. It helped them develop healthy coping mechanisms, provided a safe space for sharing experiences, and combated feelings of loneliness and worthlessness.

Q: How does creativity help in fostering human connection?

Vita believes that true human connection goes beyond mere physical presence. Creativity, whether through music, art, or other forms of self-expression, allows individuals to connect on a deeper level and share their pain, encouraging others to feel understood and supported.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker, Vita, shares their personal journey of overcoming trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges through creativity.

• They emphasize the importance of running towards the void and using creative expression to effectively communicate emotions and experiences.

• Vita highlights the detrimental effects of seeking instant gratification and quick fixes, urging individuals to sit with their pain and embrace creativity as a form of healing.