Embarrassed to death: The cost of shame’s silence | Merrill Black | TEDxPortsmouth
New Hampshire Seacoast essayist Merrill Black recounts her experience with mental illness, domestic violence, public assistance, recovery from addiction and bereavement to illustrate the power of connection and disclosure to heal and teach.
Merrill Black is a Seacoast, NH-based writer with thirty years experience in the nonprofit sector. A 2003 New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow in Creative Nonfiction, she holds a BA in American Studies from Marlboro College and an MA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of New Hampshire. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, New York Press, UnderWired Magazine and More.com, as well as in the anthology Autobiographical Writing Across the Disciplines, published by Duke University Press and Becoming Portsmouth, published by The History Press. She lives in Portsmouth with her husband, Seacoast artist Russell Aharonian, and works part-time at Ceres Bakery. An adjunct online faculty member in Southern New Hampshire University’s Creative Non-fiction program, she is currently working on a memoir.
Merrill Black is a Seacoast writer whose essays have appeared in publications including The New York Times and the local anthology Becoming Portsmouth. She is currently working on a memoir about mental illness. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
Пікірлер: 23
One of the finest statements on substance abuse and human relationships I have heard in years.
This story validated my experiences facing and sharing my own shameful and humiliating secrets. My life really started to turn around for the better when I stopped trying to create a personality that denied the truth of my secrets. And every time I hear stories like this, they reinforce my journey forward, because they let me know that I'm still on the right path in spite of having more years of healing to go. ❤️💯❤️
@nonelost1
Жыл бұрын
The magic words of your comment are “stopped trying.“
@shantagees9425
8 ай бұрын
Thank you for this. I feel exactly the same way after my secrets of addiction just ruined my life but I am still here.
You are a brave woman. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.
Thank you for sharing. I hope you are still having many happy times ❤❤. Rip Josh. You had a beautiful mom. ❤️
You are such an amazing, strong, intelligent, loving woman Merrill - May your God bless you and keep you.
Wonderful, beautiful, lovely, brave, vulnerable, perfect. Thank you.
Beautiful impressive amazing soul. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true.
I’m glad I was corrected by a good therapist I once saw; I claimed depression and mental ill health were caused by the way we think- essentially that alone and nothing else. “No, adversity”. Pure and simple, it is the slings and arrows. How could one think otherwise, listening to this?
Thank you so so much for your bravery in sharing this story. Thank you for speaking you truth. Sending you so much love x
Waw, you offer so much hope for people with mental health problems.
I can almost see her suffering on her face. She's such a kind woman. RIP Josh.
Thank you for your courage(carriage of the heart) & for being transparent.................. i love you Dear Heart Kay La
You are a brave lady.
Anddd Im crying
When I told him I wanted to separate, things became more dangerous and terrifying. I couldn't imagine him feeling bad.
@user-bg8kq7mu3m
Жыл бұрын
I'm so sorry for you😢 I hope everything turns out well
🧡💜🧡💜🧡💜🧡💜
Reaching the end of the road
@nayaknaresh
Жыл бұрын
Research Ayahuasca ibogaine and psychedelics aiding depression and anxiety.
U finish my career u 2..3 percent people r dead for me..