Girl, Interrupted

Girl, Interrupted (/ɡɜːrl ɪntəˈrʌptɪd/) is a term that originates from the title of a memoir written by Susanna Kaysen. The memoir was later adapted into a film of the same name. The term is often used in discussions about mental health and psychiatric institutions.

Etymology

The term "Girl, Interrupted" is derived from the title of Kaysen's memoir, which was published in 1993. The title is a play on the painting The Interrupted Sleep by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, suggesting an interruption in the life of a young woman due to mental illness.

Related Terms

Susanna Kaysen: The author of the memoir "Girl, Interrupted". Kaysen was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and spent 18 months in a psychiatric hospital.
Borderline personality disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships. It is one of the main themes in "Girl, Interrupted".
Psychiatric hospital: A health facility specializing in the treatment of serious mental disorders. Kaysen's experiences in a psychiatric hospital form the basis of "Girl, Interrupted".
Mental health: A state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. "Girl, Interrupted" explores the theme of mental health extensively.
The Interrupted Sleep: A painting by Jean-Baptiste Greuze that inspired the title of Kaysen's memoir.