I’ve made no secret of the fact that I suffer from depression and anxiety. As much as I may not like it, it is a part of who I am, and I believe the biggest key to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness is to be open and honest about our experiences with it. To that end, I want to share a journal spread I created yesterday, on Australia’s national R U Ok Day.
The R U OK? Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging all people to regularly and meaningfully ask 'are you ok?' to support those struggling with life. Simply taking the time to ask someone if they are ok and really listening to their answer, can make a world of difference.
Materials: Moleskine sketchbook, Montana paint pens, Liquitex gesso, Faber Castell big brush pen, Archival ink, alpha roller stamp, alpha stencil
R U Ok Day landed during a particularly rough time for me, so I chose to art it out using the theme and colours associated with the day. Art is a therapy for me, and I often use it as a release. Some days it is enough, some days it’s not. If art helps you in this way, by all means, get creative, get messy, and art it out. But please, if you feel you need more than that, reach out to someone. A friend, a neighbour, a doctor – find a way to make it through the day. If you need anonymity, I am amore than happy to be an ear at the end of an email. You can get in touch via the contact tab at the top of the page.
Thank you for taking the time to read todays post. It is a subject that hits as close to home as any can, and I think we all need to do what we can to create awareness and build a supportive community.
Melita xo
7 comments:
You are amazing. Not only do you find creative ways to express yourself, but you make yourself vulnerable and share yourself with the world. I love this page and I love this post.
Oh, and I love you. <3
i can so relate. depression is a monster and i am one of those who try's to put a happy face on and smile through it . . . not always successfuly but that's when i just all out hide.
your page is fabulous and i admire you for sharing an issue that is loaded with negative stigma.
thank you.
:-)
libbyQ
Great page! I love the street art look. Thanks for sharing your story and the encouragement. As for me, I keep avoiding negative themes in journaling though I'm sure it'd be really helpful. I guess I'll have to force myself to try!
Thank you so much for your words. I also am not OK, and those around me do not want to hear about it. Thank God for you, and the Internet!!
I love your page. I don't suffer from depression but I have a close friend who does and I have to say it sounds like such a tough thing to deal with some times. Hope art keeps saving you.
Beautiful release into your art journal, and wise, encouraging words. Depression and anxiety reak havok, and can be so totally crippling.
Your journal page, and the message on it, keeps popping up for me all over the Internet. Thank you so much for your honesty, and for sharing your struggle through your art.
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