Health Story Type: Video Recording

Less? a film of personal stories from people who have experienced and overcome homelessness

This 12.5 minute video by Britain's NHS interweaves stories of four people who experienced homelessness and are now housed. Included in their stories are accounts of ways they felt dehumanized and stigmatized in health care settings, as well as small acts of caring that encouraged them to seek help and experience self-worth. Several of the stories also speak about substance use disorders and provide context for understanding how they may be intertwined with homelessness. For example, Viv speaks about how terrifying it is to sleep outdoors and Jamesy's story includes discussion of how his drug use and homelessness were precipitated by several traumatic events that happened in a short time period. One of the stories mentions an averted suicide attempt. The video is brief enough to be used in a class, and could be paired with other materials that document the connections between homelessness, health care access, and risk of chronic and fatal health conditions (see, for example, Denise's Last Days, published February 20, 2023 in Slate Magazine: https://slate.com/technology/2023/02/trauma-aware-care-homelessness-hope.html).

Together Well: Documenting COVID’s Impact through Storytelling

Together Well is an online collection of stories (some audio and written but most video) about experiences of COVID. This collaboration between the Relational Leadership Institute (www.relatelab.org) and the Northwest Narrative Medicine Collaborative (nwnmcollaborative.org) was designed to "collectively make sense of the pandemic’s impact on all members of the community: nurses, social workers, patients, family members, doctors, caregivers, students, chaplains, scholars, educators, activists, and artists." In addition, the stories were assembled in the hope that reflecting on pandemic experiences can provide a basis for change in healthcare and communities that "better center connection, relationships, and well-being." Stories document not only hardship but also ways that the COVID crisis led teams, communities, and individuals to innovate, collaborate, and change in powerful ways that we may wish to continue as we move forward. The 37 stories in the collection are listed on the webpage; each has a thumbnail and an image. There is also a video (the first entry in the collection) about the project. Stories are brief enough to show in a class or workshop. The videos are hosted on YouTube so it is possible to provide closed captioning and transcripts are also available.

Access Intimacy, Interdependence and Disability Justice

Text of Mia Mingus presenting at the 2017 Paul K. Longmore Lecture on Disability Studies at San Francisco State University, with a link to the video, posted to YouTube. Mingus is a queer physically disabled Korean transracial and transnational adoptee, who is a writer and educator of disability justice. The lecture focuses on disability scholarship with personal stories woven throughout used as persuasive appeal. She stresses that disabled people, including disabled queer individuals of color, are often overlooked in social justice movements and communities, and emphasizes the importance of including their experiences and stories. The main focus of this talk is the idea of “access intimacy,” which is a term she coined that refers to a deep, often unspoken connection between individuals who understand and accommodate each other's access needs, in the context of disability. It's the feeling of comfort and understanding when someone "gets" your access needs, making it easier for disabled people to navigate their daily lives. Access intimacy can exist with other disabled people, family members, or complete strangers, and can be as small as a knowing look and intangible as a feeling of familiarity. Nevertheless, Mingus describes how access intimacy is a powerful tool for liberation and a way to reframe the understanding of disability. Mingus argues that access should be used to challenge ableism and able-bodied supremacy and encourages shifting the responsibility for access from individual to collective responsibility. This talk could be used to bring up discussions about disability and ableism, disability justice, interdependence, cultural competence and intersectionality, and patient-centered care.

Eric Clapton’s “This Has Gotta Stop”

British rock star Eric Clapton’s 2021 song “This Has Gotta Stop” expresses his apparent discontent with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and vaccines. Known as the “anti-vax anthem” the lyrics detail his reported adverse reactions to the AstraZeneca vaccine. Clapton, who has been critical of vaccines and lockdowns since 2020, published a note in May outlining his negative experiences after the first dose. He expressed reservations about performing for a "discriminated audience" and reserved the right to cancel shows unless all people were allowed to attend. The song's music video features animated graphics of protesters and supports the British anti-lockdown group Jam for Freedom. This song could be used to spark conversation about anti-vaccine sentiments and the role of media and music in expressing opinions on social and political issues. The citation is to a news story about the music video; the URL is to the video posted on YouTube.

Autism and Neurodiversity: Different Does Not Mean Broken.

In this TedTalk, Adriana White (librarian, former special education teacher, and author) discusses the idea of neurodiversity. She was diagnosed with autism and anxiety in her 30's and now advocates for inclusive schools and libraries. Her talk includes stories of her own autistic experiences, including how others labeled and made fun of because of the way her brain works. This video could be utilized as a tool to investigate how medical diagnoses elicit certain stereotypes and biases, such as being denoted as a “weird” kid. Additionally it could be used as a way to create dialogue surrounding the cultural and societal norms that surround the ideas of being “normal” as well as raising questions about accommodations in the built environment and the social model of disability.

Community Conversations – Epiphany’s Story

In this short video posted by the Medical College of Wisconsin, Epiphany Gold, shares her experience with depression. As the pandemic started, Epiphany struggled with her mental health due to the isolation, losing her mom, and failing her nursing exams, something that had been an anchor for her. Epiphany shares how she no longer felt like she could continue to go on, not even for her child which was the sign that she needed to go therapy. She reflects how she feels therapy saved her as well as her life. This video engages with the topic of what it means to be in relation to others, specifically your child, while struggling with mental health. This video could be used to explore ways in which systems, or the lack thereof, of social support aid in the general well being of people, especially in regard to mental health.

Acupuncture: Susan’s Story – University Hospitals

This minute and a half long youtube video from University Hospitals Connor Integrative Health Network tells Susan’s story, who had severe back pain from a bulging disc that severely limited her mobility. After her regular physical therapy only provided limited relief, she decided to seek out a more holistic treatment and use acupuncture along with her regular treatment. Susan, and her naturopath Lina Sbrocco, explain how acupuncture has allowed Susan to return to her daily life activities by greatly decreasing her pain. The video shows what the treatment looks like in order to demystify acupuncture, but also frames it as a last resort, and complementary to biomedicine rather than as an alternative. Using this video in class provides a practical example of a short narrative that could stimulate discussions on complementary and alternative medicine and holistic health, as well as how medical facilities advertise using patient testimonials. The video advertises acupuncture as something that University Hospitals offers, and uses Susan’s success story to encourage patients to use their medical services.

Music Therapy in Larry’s Life

This five minute video from AMTA music therapy shares Larry’s story, a musician, teacher, father, and husband who lost many functions following a seizure. The video contains an interview with his wife, and board certified music therapist Moreen Bosch, to show how music has helped Larry regain his self-confidence and joy in music. This video could be used to examine the role of arts, specifically music therapy, in the healing process.

Jeraldine’s Story: There is Hope

This is one of several stories on the Patient & Family Storytelling website. The story begins with Jeraldine's traumatic early childhood experiences and continues to describe her alcoholism and its impact on her life. Following treatment for cancer and liver disease, she reconnects with her culture. The story could prompt discussion of intergenerational trauma and its health impacts as well as the importance of providing culturally appropriate healthcare services that address trauma and holistic care.

Squirmy and Grubs YouTube Channel

"Squirmy and Grubs" are a married couple who make Youtube videos, podcasts, and Instagram posts about life as an interabled couple. Shane, who has spinal muscular atrophy, and Hannah, who does not, share their daily lives, challenges, and adventures. They provide insight into their interabled relationship, educating viewers about disability awareness, acceptance, and the importance of genuine connections. Their youtube channel spreads awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, but also dives into what it’s like to be together as one person who has a physical disability, and one who does not. They share videos that share their daily routine and how Hannah cares for Shane. Though, they also emphasize the ways that Shane gives care to Hannah, as well, even though he has very limited mobility. This Youtube channel is important because it shows how an interabled relationship is not really so different, and that disabled people can be in genuine and fulfilling relationships. This youtube channel gives a first person perspective of life as an interabled couple and could be used in a classroom setting for classes focused on learning about reciprocal care, and the logistics of taking care of someone with a physical disability in a way that shows humanness, support, reciprocity, and sensitivity. They provide many great videos on how certain people with disabilities would like to be addressed, cared for, and interacted with in public and private settings, sharing a unique perspective. Specific videos to watch for learning and analytical purposes are titled, “Intimacy in Our Marriage Q & A,” “We’re Hiring a Caregiver?!” and “Our Physical Intimacy and Romance Explained.” These videos provided a candid look into their life as an interabled couple, sparking discussion on the role of media representation of disability, and how humor plays into storytelling and health narratives.