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Photo Credit: Belva Chan
Photo Credit: Belva Chan

The NOMOREHURT Foundation, led by Dingding Hu, is unique in its approach to healing trauma and building community. At its core is the therapeutic power of art, an expressive outlet that makes exploring one’s inner world possible like no other option. If art is the bridge of understanding, Dingding shows how to take the first steps. 

The NOMOREHURT Foundation stands out for providing a supportive community to help people heal from trauma and build a supportive community. Dingding understands that while art is a powerful tool, it is within the context of a compassionate and empathetic community that true healing takes place.

Dingding Hu’s Journey and the Origins of NOMOREHURT

Photo Credit: Belva Chan

Dingding established NOMOREHURT to address the pressing issues of mental health and emotional well-being. Born in China and later moving to the United States for her academic pursuits in motion picture, television, communication, and media technologies, she dreamed of harmonizing her innate passion for healing with her love of theater. 

Combined with her educational experience and a strong dose of creative expression, Dingding learned how resilient she was and how she could help others find healing. Art did not only express her trauma to herself, but it also resonated with an audience of artists waiting to be healed, fostering an artistic community of collective empathy. Motivated by her experience, Dingding founded NOMOREHURT with a clear mission and values. She believes that art heals and transforms, that no one is alone in a community of expression, and that the conversation around mental health should be inclusive and supportive of everyone.

Dingding was drawn to the arts from an early age, finding solace and expression in theater and storytelling. After pursuing an academic career in motion picture, television, communication, and media technologies, she dreamed of merging her passion for healing with her love for storytelling, believing in the power of stories to transform and heal.

However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dingding, like many others, faced intense mental health challenges. The isolation brought on by the pandemic magnified the difficulties she was experiencing in her personal life, including strained relationships and professional setbacks. The emotional toll was overwhelming, and there were moments when Dingding felt lost, her sense of self eroded by the weight of her struggles.

Despite these challenges, Dingding refused to succumb to despair. She recognized that these struggles, while painful, also presented an opportunity for transformation. Drawing on her educational background and a deep well of creative expression, she began to explore ways to heal her own wounds. She turned to art—not just as a means of expressing her trauma but as a way to process it and find a path forward.

But Dingding soon realized that art alone was not enough. It was the support of a nurturing community that truly enabled her to heal. She began to reach out, connecting with others who were also struggling, and found that through shared experiences and collective empathy, there was immense power in the community. These connections helped her rediscover her resilience, showing her that healing was not a solitary journey but one that was best traveled together.

This realization became the foundation of NOMOREHURT. Dingding envisioned a safe space where people could come together, use art to express themselves, share their stories, and, most importantly, heal as a community. NOMOREHURT was born out of her belief that no one should have to face their struggles alone and that through creative expression and the support of others, we can all find the strength to overcome even the deepest wounds.

Overcoming the Challenges of Crossing the Bridge

Photo Credit: Belva Chan

At first, Dingding faced many challenges in spreading awareness and gathering funding for NOMOREHURT. As a non-profit organization, Dingding has dedicated herself to providing experiences free of the stigma surrounding mental health but has nevertheless found difficulty reducing this bias in outside communities and gathering funding for events. NOMOREHURT goes above and beyond to address this, sharing stories of healing and triumphs of mental health, demonstrating through artistic expression that there is no reason for stigma around mental health.

Despite these challenges, NOMOREHURT has impressive accomplishments. The organization hosts art shows and exhibitions, offers workshops and therapeutic art programs, puts on mental health film festivals, and collaborates with the community and its institutions. All events hosted by NOMOREHURT are designed to work toward these core values, aiming to provide those struggling with mental health the confidence to keep going, grow, and heal as a community dedicated to its powerful message of empathy and inclusion. Every event is designed to foster a sense of belonging, empowering individuals struggling with mental health issues to heal, grow, and thrive within a supportive network. NOMOREHURT is more than just an organization—it is a community where empathy and inclusion are the cornerstones of healing.

Impact on Participants

Participants have reported significant improvements in their mental health, including reduced anxiety and increased self-confidence. The programs have empowered individuals to take control of their healing journeys, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Backed by the inspiration of Dingding’s authentic personal journey, those who join her events know that the organizer can relate to what they are going through and that there will be no judgment in her artistic vision.

NOMOREHURT has joined forces with artists, mental health experts, and community leaders to broaden its influence and support. Through local events and social media initiatives, the foundation is actively engaging communities to raise awareness and champion mental health. By upholding its core belief to “say no to hurt, say yes to healing!” NOMOREHURT envisions a promising future for both its organization and the people it serves.

What sets NOMOREHURT apart is the deep sense of community that permeates every aspect of the organization. The foundation’s initiatives empower individuals to take control of their healing journeys, knowing they are not alone. Backed by the authenticity of Dingding’s personal journey, participants find comfort in the fact that they are part of a community that understands and supports them unconditionally.

Dinging’s Vision for the Future of NOMOREHURT

NOMOREHURT faces challenges, but the organization and its founder always look to the future as it encourages its program attendees. NOMOREHURT aims for global reach, opening new chapters alongside an established Center for Art and Healing, each of which will bring greater diversity and sustainability to this healing practice through art. 

NOMOREHURT envisions itself as a powerful global movement dedicated to saying “no more” to hurt and emotional suffering. At the heart of their mission is the belief in the transformative power of art and creativity. NOMOREHURT aims to build a vibrant, positive community where individuals can reconnect with their true selves and find healing through creative expression and collective support. 

By nurturing an environment rich with creative energy and genuine connections, NOMOREHURT strives to make a real, tangible impact in people’s lives. Through storytelling, shared experiences, events, workshops, and a deep commitment to well-being, its community empowers individuals to discover their inner strength, embrace their creativity, and embark on a journey of healing and transformation. Ultimately, NOMOREHURT is about more than just overcoming pain—it’s about creating a movement where art and creativity lead the way to resilience, hope, and a brighter future.