THE COUCH OF TRUTH with AFP - SUICIDE & MENTAL HEALTH: THREE STORIES
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- This is the first episode in a five-part series. On March 22, 2019, the afternoon of her "There Will Be No Intermission" solo piano show in Toronto, musician Amanda Palmer invited members of the community to descend into to the basement dressing room of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, sit on a cozy couch, and share anything they felt like sharing. A story, a heartbreak, a confession....anything.
Her old college friend, filmmaker Jenessa Joffe, captured the stories on film and wove them into this 5-episode series: The Couch of Truth. The film was funded by Amanda's patron community, and you can read all about the genesis of the project, read updates about these folks, and see behind-the-scenes photos HERE: / 54178798
You can see the playlist featuring the full series here: • THE COUCH OF TRUTH wit...
Thank you to the patrons whose funding made this project possible, and huge, heartfelt thanks to Adam, Zac and Martine for being so open, vulnerable and brave. If this video moved you, and if you want this kind of work to exist in the world, ad-free and without corporate sponsorship, please consider joining the patreon. It would mean the world to us.
And since it seems appropriate for this video.... if you are struggling, there are so many places you can reach out to talk. Wikipedia (of all places) actually has a really great resource list, with a whole bunch of general and specialist crisis lines from around the world:
en.wikipedia.o...
You are not alone.
We love you.
......
CREDITS
Cast:
Amanda Palmer
Adam
Martine
Zac
Director / Producer:
Jenessa Joffe
Field Producer:
Lora Campbell
Director of Photography:
Nyssa Gluck
Camera Operators:
Chantal Garcia
Danielle Thorn
Location Sound:
Bridget Tang
Hair / Make-Up Artist:
Sahar Junejo
Production Assistants:
Lindsay Duncan
Sarah JM Kolberg
Editors:
Cindy Long
Caddie Hastings
Matt Marhefka
Penda Diakité
Re-Recording Mixer:
Greg Townley
Still Photography:
Allan Amato
Kyle Cassidy
Lindsay Duncan
Kahn & Selesnick
Stephanie Zakas
Special Thanks:
Jordan Verzar
Hayley Rosenblum
Michael McComiskey
Alex Knight
![Amanda Palmer - Point Of It All [OFFICIAL VIDEO]](/img/n.gif)
Adam, the first guy. He's one of my actual best friends, and he's beautiful and one of the best people I know. I love this video. He was so excited when this came out, he's such a fan. I really hope this video gains some traction.
His story in particular really hit home for me. Seeing this has made a world of difference in the shitty day(s) I’ve had, and my heart and love and gratitude go out to all of these beautiful souls💓💓💓
@@catalacalcyone6847 he's a very strong man, and one of my best friends. He means everything he said.
💓💓💓💓💓💓
If it's at all worth saying, Adam's story made at least one suicidal teenager learn that choosing life is always the answer and the alternative is never worth it. Many more, I'm certain, but I can only speak for myself. I regret that I cannot thank him.
@@sinenomine2681 I'll pass the message on to him. I'm not joking when I say he's one of my best friends.
Oh Amanda don’t stop doing these. I know you’re busy. Maybe only once in a while, but this was just so needed. I love you AFP.
I am in and have been in a rough place for a long time, right now. And even with the help that's available to me, it's still rough. And that's why seeing this, and hearing these stories is so important. Because it helps reinforce that I'm not alone.
You are not alone!! I am right there with you!!💓💓💓
Thank you for doing this, Amanda and thank you to everyone in the video for sharing their story. ❤️
Zac is adorable, I'm so glad he has his community he created ❤ I'm glad they are all still here. 💚
AFP's music got me through the hardest time of my life recently. I'm disabled and I was dealing with same sex domestic violence which no one believes happens including the police, I turned to alcohol to cope and ended up a terrible alcoholic, tried to kill myself multiple times and almost succeeded but in the end I got help and am alot happier and healthier. I learned alot through the process and am so grateful to be celebrating my birthday, this was nice to wake up to this morning, thankyou AFP!!
FWIW, I believe you that it happens, and happened.
@@DavidLindes Thankyou, I appreciate it
Gladly, @@daniellewieners4750. I hope it helps in some small way.
(And while I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, and thus I don’t expect you to take me up on this… my Twitter DMs are open, should you wish to have someone to talk to.)
@@DavidLindes I appreciate it and I will, you sound like a nice guy :)
@@daniellewieners4750 cool. I don’t see anything yet (which is fine, just stating this in case you sent something). Hopefully you didn’t find the wrong person (there is at least one other David Lindes out there, though as far as I know, they’re fairly nice too?!?). ;)
Anyway, handle is just lindes, in case that’s helpful. If you haven’t written for some other reason, no worries. I’ll keep an eye out, without urgency on my end.
I loved this. I love that the whole video is just you being there. Nodding and validating while giving a platform to these individuals. Sometimes they would say something that resonated with me and then there was a clip of Amanda Palmer smiling and validating in response. Amanda Palmer who saved so many of our lives with her music, validating us. What a huge impact you've had on us. Thank you.
Martine from the video here. Can confirm that Amanda and the entire team were super respectful and thoughtful. And everyone who is has left comments is also helping save lives. In rough times, I come back to this and see the support. Community is everything.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this, my 15yr old suffers from mental health issues including suicidal ideation. At 13 he made 3 suicide attempts, it was so hard and I still live if fear that he will try again one day, this gives me hope that he might find hope one day.
I'm glad we're all still here. RIP to those who aren't x
This showed up just as I needed it the most!!!! Been really struggling lately, and today has been pretty bad. I literally just said to a friend that I wish I could just go lay in a field and let the birds eat me. This made me weep!! You are all such beautiful souls, and I so appreciate you all sharing your stories!! Please know that it helped me so much!💓💓💓💓
Zac here
Thankyou Amanda. I’m dealing with a historic childhood abuse case where my stepfather is being extradited from another country and charged for abuse to three families of children including myself and my sisters. Thank you so much for talking to us about it. 😍 we love you so much
The person who spoke from 7:15 onward gave me perspective on my own father's suicide that I had never considered. Thank you to them, and Amanda. Please continue this series 💜
Sending you love and support. DM me if you need.
This was really touching I’m never going to forget this
Thanks again to the participants for sharing their stories, and thanks Amanda, for creating this space.
I've been dealing with depression and a ton of suicidal ideation after having a stroke at 43 years old and having to deal with lots of mental health and physical health setbacks. I've been having a relentless era of my own ( and not the first) but hearing these stories gives me hope, and like Adam says, perspective. Big huge love to all of you.
Amanda, this series is fantastic. Thank you
I love the couch of truth, thank you and thank your wonderful guests.
I needed this today more than you know. I hide my depression from a lot of people. I am so glad these three souls decided to share their stories and make the rest of us who have similar struggles feel less alone. Please do more of these Amanda!
So much love to everyone involved in making these videos xxx
Thank you so much for making this Amanda. - and thank you Adam, Martine and Zac for sharing yourselves with us (it helps) - and for patrons for allowing this project to be available for free. xoxo
This is so beautiful... I mean, sharing this and realising we are not alone... Amanda's music helped me to process my last attempt to end my life, and this song in particular made a big impact on me... In 2020 I found myself losing everything, and lots of times repeating to myself "it's just a ride, it's just a ride" to give me the strength I needed to keep going on despite how devasted I was feeling. I'm glad we are here, I'm glad we survived. I've met wonderful people thanks to Amanda's music and my mental state changed so much. Thank you. Thank you so much.
One of the things that prevented me from getting help when I so desperately needed it was how the media I consumed at the time demonized therapy and therapists. I thought that if I went to therapy, it would be this stereotypical cold, calculated person who was only there because they were getting paid and that they'd pump me full of meds before sending me on my way. I was terrified when I went to my first therapy session, but it helped worlds. My therapist was so understanding and he helped look at things from an angle I couldnt see. He helped me, and I so wish that I had gone sooner(and I wish I still went).
Please, please, *PLEASE,* if you are in a dark place, seek out therapy. They're there to help. Remember that things will get *better.* Better doesnt always mean *good,* but they will get better. Some days itll be hard, but itll get better. Best thing about rock bottom is that theres nowhere to go but up, right?
Yep, Psychotherapy… for me turned out to be abuse and violence. The worst thing I ever did. A person who relentlessly abused her power over me because she needed to feel her own power. Every other attempt after that to get help thru other therapists ..oh boy, do they stick together. Whenever there is a group of ppl who claim to be good and ethic and help with the soul, be it in a religious or therapeutic way … gotta be very careful who you trust.
@@hailynewma9122
Yeah, finding a good therapist is important too. I'm really sorry that happened to you :(
Gee, Amanda... thanks for bringing light into the darkness, once again, and thanks to Adam, Martine and Zac.
I'm currently going through withdrawal, because I'm finally, eventually, and under careful observation of my psychiatrist, able to get off my meds. I've had episodes since my early twenties, which got worse and worse, until an overwhelming stretch of darkness during my mid-twenties five years ago. I've been in therapy and on medication ever since, and I wouldn't be alive if I hadn't gotten the treatment, and, on occasion, the emergency care, I needed.
Martine here. So glad you were able to get help that worked for you!
@@martinegenier500 Aw, thanks, that's mighty nice! :) I'm rather happy, grateful and proud myself! :)
I also just noticed that the comment was direly cut, it was probably much too long. I'd written up this whole inspirational bit about how there's always hope, which I didn't believe myself back in the day etc. I suppose that's lost now :D Oh, well :)
Zac here. I wish you whatever it is that you need on your journey!
Wow, all of these amazing people brought me to tears. It took a lot of courage and fortitude to share such intimate ,raw experiences. I’m currently dealing with a chronic illness after barely coming out the other side of a very deep and prolonged depression. Some days I find myself slipping back, but just having people willing to share their truth is so incredibly cathartic and healing. Thank you for doing this. I have so much love for all of you, and anyone else that is currently struggling. You all matter, you are all valued, and you are all loved.❤️
This is wonderful. Thank you for hosting and listening so openly, Amanda. And thank you to these lovely, vibrant people who chose to share their stories. I think video is going to help a lot of people.
Suicide has been a big thing I’ve struggled with my whole life. My dad put a gun in his mouth when I was 2 and succeeded in what he was trying to do. I do indeed have memories of it and I never want anyone to ever feel my pain if it’s preventable even in the slightest by talking. Thank you for talking about it Amanda. 💙
Sending you love and hugs. Thanks for sharing.
it asome this program thanks for this
All I can say is thank you.
That was powerful and beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you Amanda for this video and thank you to all three of the beautiful, brave souls who shared their stories. Like many people I suffer with mental health issues and this video has come at a very good time for me. I’m very grateful to you all. Amanda your amazing 🥰🤘
Amanda, thank you so much for this video and for posting it. Your empathy and kindness shown to these three brave people is beautiful to see in this world.
A beautiful video - a big thank you to all of you for sharing these intimate thoughts and experiences.
Amanda 🙏 bless you for this. It's a gift. 💕 sending do much love & light to all the souls who are here in this video. 🧘♀️🧘♂️ thank you for your stories 🌹
what great video, you all seem like wonderful people. holding their hand when they opened up was a very nice thing to do
Thank you
This was beautiful and inspiring. Thanks, AFP!
Life is such a ride.
You are such an amazing human being, thanks for sharing !!
These chats meant the world to me, thank you for sharing your storys xxx
Thank you so much for this video.
Ugh the outro I'm crying
I love you, Amanda Palmer. I LOVE YOU.
Thank you for this
Amanda, if your ever back in Boston we should talk. I haven’t talked to anyone about my story in years. I love you.
yes, yes, YES! things i wish I'd known when i was depressed; that this is an illness, that screws with your brain, and right now, you might not be the best qualified to make decisions about your life... thank you darlings
I couldn’t love Amanda more.
As someone who two decades after my most recent attempt still kinda wishes it had worked, while I also struggle to build a life that feels worth living, I have some mixed feelings about this video. I’m thankful, though, that you’re holding space for people, and that you’re sharing stories that touch on these subjects. And yeah, feel ya on the Canada jealousy, though it’s problematic there, too. We really need to dismantle capitalism.
Thank you for this. All talks about mental health & depression are worth it.
Thank you for starting important conversations. Also, I too am jealous of Canadians.
Love you.
Getting through those epic testing years without loving elder family has been so hard...though I do it for my kids..26 and trans.....20 with ASD and trauma....18 and non binary.....and the sweetest 15 year old who complains about doing the dishes....if I left at my own hand....what does that show them? That world doesn't need their brilliance and light?
What I would do to sit on that couch my god
All the barriers to getting help in the USA are alarming. I know I've felt extremely helpless/overwhelmed/suicidal but I didn't know how to get help other than call a hotline. Actually talking to a therapist takes several steps like looking up insurance, trying to get an appointment, etc that someone in that mental state really can't handle.
Very jealous that Canadians and people in many (all?) other first world countries don't have this issue.
💚
Where can I watch the full video
How do I get on AFP’s couch??? I need her to hold my hand! 😩
The spectrum in me would in no way tolerate that seating arrangement! C😳😐 It freaks me out just trying to watch them. 😂 YOU'RE TOO CLOSE! 😂😜Aaaaack! Can't finish video but love, love love her songwriting gah! ❤👋👋👋💃
When is the next one?!!!!
There definitely needs to be more stuff like this. Humans, not the robot masses everyone else wants us to be. All the normies want us misfits to be normies. What they don't realize is that misfits are the only truly "normal" people. Adam Sandler has a skit about cool people, and how they're just brain numbingly boring. These guests were anything but boring.
I tend to be a misfit. One of my talents is origami. By folding dollars into animals, I can transform a bar from a pit of depression where no on is saying anything to anyone, into a place where people greet each other and shout across the bar. And I don't even have to say a single word. Just fold up a dollar animal, walk over to someone and place it in front of them and walk away. There's downsides ofc, but in general it makes the world a better place.
I think what you're misunderstanding a bit is that "normies" are likely just "misfits" that want to be seen as normal and fit in with other people who are making that same mistake. Every being is a meaningful expression of an evolutionary directive - part of the same story. It is in this way that life is valuable, but its meaningfulness is a product of our agency and personality. Hence there is no meaning of life - no normal to fall under - and instead there are different meanings to different lives. I don't think it's fair to categorise people who make that mistake as "normies" as it cheapens their individuality. Perhaps people you would categorise thusly do the same themselves by hiding it, but joining in with that façade and calling them names will only stifle the personal journey that it is to realise that humanity is normality, and humanity is messy and omni-faceted - therefore incompatible with uniformity. There is no them, there is only us.
HAS ANYBODY REMINDED YOU YET TODAY THAT YOU BE DA CATZ MAJAMMERZIZZ?😉🤔👍🤘🤟✌️💋🌏🌌🧩💜🖌️🪀🦙🧠🎶🎵💃🕺🏼🧚☠️🎶🎵💋💜💜💜😺😸😼😼😽😼😻😹😸😺😽😻😽😻🦙🦙🦙🦙🦙🦙🦙🦙🦙
I love you....