Different Kinds of Hurt: Isaac’s Story, an animated film and graphic novel for elementary and middle school-aged children, shows how an honest conversation about “different kinds of hurting” between two classmates can have a life long effect. Isaac and Mia have been out of school for a while— Mia’s fall sent her to the Emergency Room and she has a cast and crutches, but Isaac looks fine. He explains that he was in a “different kind of hospital,” one that helps when thoughts and feelings are hurting. As they compare notes about how they knew they needed help, what the hospital and doctors were like, and their fears and hopes for the future, they realize that physical and mental health aren’t all that different; both require sharing your feelings to help the healing. The links below contain downloads and resources that you can use to facilitate dialogue about Isaac's Story and mental health.
Isaac's Story Materials
- A Different Kind of Hurt: Isaac's Story - Movie
- A Different Kind of Hurt: Isaac's Story - Book
- A Different Kind of Hurt: Isaac's Story - Printable Handout
- A Different Kind of Hurt: Isaac's Story - Poster
- A Different Kind of Hurt: Isaac's Story - Coloring Page
Download the book in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Cape Verdean Creole
Additional Resources
- HahdHold MA - You know your child better than anyone. But even you have a few questions. COVID-19 is putting incredible pressure on families. You might be noticing your child is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse. Should you worry about your child’s behavioral health? We’re here to help you figure that out.
- Network of Care MA - Network of Care Massachusetts includes a directory of over 5,000 programs and organizations across the Commonwealth, searchable by keyword and zip code. If you are looking for an individual therapist or psychiatrist, please contact one of the many helplines in Massachusetts that can connect you to care. Let Network of Care Massachusetts help you take the first step in locating mental health, substance use, and related social services in your community to support good health and recovery.
- NAMI Compass - Navigating the mental healthcare system can be complicated—NAMI Compass helps individuals and families affected by mental health issues find their way.
- Massachusetts Association for Infant Mental Health: Birth to Six, Inc. - Providers and professionals serving young children and families and are dedicated to promoting healthy social and emotional development in the earliest stages and relationships of life.
- The MGH Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds - Based at Massachusetts General Hospital and led by a team of Harvard Medical School faculty members, The Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds is a web-based resource that educates parents and other caregivers about the psychological development and emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults who struggle with behavioral, emotional, and/or learning challenges.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network - The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) was created by Congress in 2000 as part of the Children’s Health Act to raise the standard of care and increase access to services for children and families who experience or witness traumatic events.
- National Institute of Mental Health - The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers that make up the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical research agency in the world. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
- Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, whole-person care to everyone who needs healing.
Different Kinds of Hurt: Isaac’s Story Parent/Educator Guide, Film, and Book produced by FableVision Studios in partnership with The Mass Department of Mental Health, Walker, Inc. and Express Yourself. www.mass.gov/isaacs-story