I'm having a really hard time dealing with news of humans' brutality to other humans. When I read the news (esp. that coming out of the African continent) , my immediate response is that, as a species, we simply don't deserve to exist. I need some recommendations for literature, films, poetry, that addresses these issues and comes out optimistic. No Cormac McCarthy thanks. [more inside]
posted by xenoworx on May 4, 2009 - 59 answers

Background info: I've been dating my girlfriend for almost 2years and we both love each other very much. However, every once in awhile she will get depressed because of her troubled past. She is my first girlfriend, while she's had a few bad partners who I would punch in the face if I ever saw them. Just to name a few, she was physically abused by one, had a "friends with benefits" she is extremely disgusted/ashamed about. Every once in awhile her past will come back and cause her a lot of suffering. I've been very patient, respectful, loving and understanding to her throughout our entire relationship. However, I feel helpless to help her overcome her past. I've suggested counseling but she thinks it won't really help. Has anyone gone through something similar? I want to help her but I don't know how? Do I just continue doing what I am doing? Thank you in advance
posted by HBomb on Jul 17, 2008 - 24 answers

I'm looking for writings about human psychological endurance in the face of extreme hardship, whether that hardship is by choice or circumstance. Examples inside. [more inside]
posted by desjardins on Apr 4, 2008 - 27 answers

Doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, health professionals of any and all flavors: how do you dissociate yourselves from the misery, suffering, and death of your patients or clients? [more inside]
posted by granted on Jan 15, 2007 - 16 answers

Does loneliness have any value? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 28, 2006 - 27 answers

How to cope with unpleasant and not fully explainable longterm medical issues? [more inside]
posted by plinth on Dec 1, 2005 - 10 answers

My allergies, the eyes, the sneezing, the Jekyll and Hyde reactions to most meds, the more inside... [more inside]
posted by TomSophieIvy on Mar 12, 2005 - 24 answers

Tonight the father of a close friend of mine passed away. In the last month this is the third relative he has lost and his mother is in cancer treatement : more inside [more inside]
posted by elpapacito on Jan 11, 2005 - 11 answers