Depression Quote by Ross Wetzsteon
““Gertrude’s remedy for her mood swings was to print up hundreds of black-bordered calling cards embossed with the single word “Woe,” which she handed out gaily declaring, “Woe is me.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Woe Cards” by Ross Wetzsteon, 2005
A character copes with emotional turbulence by externalizing sorrow onto cards, turning personal pain into a performative ritual.
In simple terms: She uses humor and art to manage mood swings.
Key Takeaway
Use creative outlets to process emotions.
Themes
humor
self‑expression
coping
rituals
Mood
playful
reflective
Type
anecdotal
observational
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- creative writing
- social interaction
- stress relief
Key Concepts
psychology
performance art
symbolic gesture
Questions to Reflect On
- How can humor help or hinder emotional healing?
- When is it appropriate to share personal pain publicly?
A Different Perspective
May trivialize genuine distress for others.
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![“It might be said of Miss [Djuna] Barnes,” [T.S. Eliot] wrote, “who is incontestably one of the most original writers of our time, that never has so much genius been combined with so little talent.” quote by Ross Wetzsteon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f1b/ross-wetzsteon-48921_genius_it-might-be-said-of-miss-djuna-barnes-t_1496164.jpg)
![“[I]t was [Barnett] Newman who made the famously wry remark, “Aesthetics is for the artist as ornithology is for the birds,” quote by Ross Wetzsteon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4bd/ross-wetzsteon-48921_aesthetics_i-t-was-barnett-newman-who-made-the-famo_2836876.jpg)
