In difficult times, Why Tell Stories?

By Sarah Lee Harter

In the midst of a seemingly endless global pandemic, loneliness and isolation have become common themes of the 2020’s. As creatures hardwired for connection, a six-foot social distance—in addition to other COVID-19 related stressors—has lead to a rise in depression in U.S. adults, as found in a new study conducted by Brown and Boston University. While we may, as a nation, be separated during these unprecedented times, digital storytelling has the ability to bring us together.

Storytelling and Well Being

Did you know that storytelling could be one of the best ways to overcome feelings of isolation and its negative effects on our mental health? Storytelling gives speakers the ability to express their feelings, process old trauma, celebrate and overcome challenges, and foster new connections. The Institute for Human Caring has identified storytelling as a powerful tool for personal wellbeing and whole-person care. This can be defined as healthcare based on the emotional, spiritual, and psychosocial needs of an individual, in addition to medial needs. Storytelling has also been used in treatment for PTSD patients, dementia patients, and been shown to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, leading to a decrease in depression.

Share Your Story!

If you are feeling isolated and looking for a space to share your story, consider joining us at Story Jam for our virtual open mic, The Cocoon, lead by our own Kory May. Whether you bring a story or simply your ears, all are welcome to the Story Jam community every second Saturday of the month at 7pm central time.

We hope to see you there!

References:

Buheji, Mohamed (2022) "Storytelling during Pandemics– a Focused Review," Information Sciences Letters: Vol. 11 : Iss. 1 , PP -.

Jackson, M (2005) Storytelling Events, Violence, and the Appearance of the Past. Anthropological Quarterly., 78(2), 355-375(2005).