If you’ve ever struggled with grief, trauma, or the weight of unspoken emotions, you’re not alone. Healing isn’t linear, and sometimes, we find clarity in unexpected places—like the power of a story that mirrors our own.
I recently had the opportunity to watch My Dead Friend Zoe, a film that deeply resonated with me as someone who has walked the path of trauma and healing. It offers an honest, emotional, and sometimes humorous look at the complexities of loss, PTSD, and the ongoing struggle to move forward.
The film follows Merit, a veteran navigating life after service while carrying the emotional and psychological weight of her past. Through her journey, My Dead Friend Zoe highlights the reality that trauma doesn’t just fade with time—it lingers, shifts, and often resurfaces when we least expect it. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your healing process, unable to “just move on” the way others suggest, this film may speak to you in ways that words alone cannot.
Why This Film Matters for Those on a Healing Journey
For anyone in therapy or considering therapy, My Dead Friend Zoe offers important reminders:
✅ You don’t have to process your pain alone. Merit’s journey shows the impact of isolation, but also how healing begins when we allow others to witness our struggles. Whether it's a therapist, a friend, or a support group, having safe spaces to express yourself is crucial.
✅ Grief and trauma affect the body as much as the mind. Merit uses running as a way to cope with PTSD, which reflects how physical movement can be a powerful tool for processing emotions. If you’ve ever felt restless, disconnected from your body, or overwhelmed by anxiety, you might find relief through movement-based therapies, breathwork, or grounding techniques.
✅ Healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about learning to live with it. Many of us carry unresolved pain, memories that feel too heavy to face. Therapy can help untangle those emotions, making space for self-compassion and growth rather than avoidance or suppression.
Therapeutic Insights from the Film
From a mental health perspective, My Dead Friend Zoe offers valuable takeaways for those engaging in therapy:
🧩 Internal Family Systems (IFS): The film beautifully illustrates how different “parts” of ourselves—grief, guilt, resilience—coexist and sometimes conflict. Therapy can help you identify and nurture these parts rather than feeling trapped by them.
🌿 Somatic Therapy: Trauma isn’t just in your mind; it’s stored in your body. If you struggle with anxiety, tension, or restlessness, exploring body-based therapies like somatics or grounding exercises can support your healing.
🧠 Trauma-Focused CBT/CPT: The film sheds light on how our thoughts shape our emotions. If you wrestle with self-blame or feel stuck in negative thought patterns, therapy can help you reframe your experiences in a way that empowers you rather than diminishes you.
You Are Not Alone
One of the film’s most powerful messages is that seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of courage. Whether you're a veteran, a survivor of trauma, or someone navigating loss, your experiences are valid, and healing is possible.
If this resonates with you, I encourage you to:
💙 Reach out to a therapist or support group.
💙 Explore movement, mindfulness, or creative expression as part of your healing.
💙 Give yourself permission to grieve, grow, and heal at your own pace.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning how to carry the past without letting it define your future. My Dead Friend Zoe is a reminder that even in the hardest moments, hope and connection are always within reach.
If you’re seeking support, resources like the Crisis Lifeline (988) and therapy services can help you take the next step.
You deserve to heal. 💙
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