Artistic Expression
Members were given the chance to create artwork based on the theme of what Mental Health means to me. These are very unique pieces with lots of thought and time spent. These were displayed at our event for
others to enjoy.
"My Mental Health"
Trauma - Starting from my childhood, I was abused mentally a lot by kids in school. I was made fun of a lot because I wasn't like everyone and I didn't know why no one wanted to be my friend. I thought band would help me with my social skills and make friends by things were worse. It made me have a very bad attitude and I wasn't very nice.
Unwanted - I felt very unwanted all through life. The only person I felt loved by was my dad.
Anxiety - Because of all the traumatic events in my life certain things will cause my anxiety.
Depression - Because I felt lonely and no one wanted to be my friend. I felt like I wasn't a part of a group. Very unwanted. I was made at the world.
Obsessions - I found out later in life that I have Di George syndrome which a lot of things come with that. I obsess over the strong need for cleanliness and that things are in the right order. I don't like it when there is chaos or things are everywhere, as this also causes a lot of depression.
Conclusion - Now days I keep myself busy with the New Hope Clubhouse and the Kingdom Hall events. and have made friends over time.
The Stigma Behind Autism
and the way to help
I was diagnosed with Autism when I was 13 years old. I struggled all my life with learning how to deal,but in a lot of ways I am still struggling. I don't like loud noises like any Autistic person and I have movements when I go to being unresponsive. In the end, I am misunderstood by most people that don't know me at all, but yet, I am kind, I have a big heart and I just want to have friends.
Autism is a colorful expression. It can bring pain, anguish and happiness. The struggles aren't always visible. Understand that there are ways to raise awareness about the struggles and give a voice to the voiceless. Remember we are just like everyone else so be uplifting and stop the stigma brought on by Autism.
My Mental Heatlh
Starting from childhood certain situations have really affected me. I was abused mentally in school by being teased a lot, because I wasn't like everyone else. I never understand why nobody wanted to be friends with me. I continued to do things that I thought would help me, such as joining band, but nothing changed.
I have Di George Syndrome which created struggles throughout many areas in my life. Those include Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Obsessions ,Compulsive disorders, feelings of being unwanted and OCD to name a few that occur all the time. I have found that I can keep myself busy with Clubhouse and the Kingdom Hall events and have made friends along the way. Clubhouse has offered me a way to learn and implement coping skills, become more sociable and wanting to engage in activities within the community and people.
Behind the Broken Pieces
This is what my mental health means to me through my broken pottery. It symbolizes my depression at my worse state when I am broken and a mess and I can't focus on myself. My mind is not in tune with the rest of my body. I have uncontrollable actions like cutting and I am not in tune with my God. New Hope Clubhouse helps me stay in tune by learning new skills like working on the monthly news letter and creating a monthly Powerpoint presentation. New Hope Clubhouse also helps with socialization skills by making new friends and being able to go on different outings in the community. New Hope has helped my mental illness in a variety of ways and I feel like I am a good part of society and I have grown to be a leader in the NAMI program with a few of my fellow peers at New Hope.
"Struggles of Letting Go"
This is something that is still hard for me to accept. It is only knowing that my son may be doing better and is happier now than what I could have given him in his life.
I am glad that he was adopted and I became aware of myu mental illness. With support of family and friends, I have worked through difficult struggles that I experience every day. Letting go may be hard to do, but I know I did thedf right things for him. He and I are both happier now.
I am a member of New Hope Clubhouse and have great friends. I have been in DBT and Anger management where I have found the help of support groups that have taught me the coping skills needed to get me through my days.
Over the Rainbow
If I had not gone through the rainy days, I would not have gotten over the rainbow. Only with the help of others and my strong faith in God, along with the support system that God has provided for me, am I able to make it through each day.
Meanings of Mental Health
There are many things that have helped me deal with my mental health. Coping skills, personal goals and Clubhouse have helped me daily. I feel that my abilities, feelings of belonging, hope, feelings of safety, worthiness and calmness play a vital role in my life.
Storms of Life
Just like a wicked storm that has thunder, lightning, heavy rain, winds and a feeling of uncertainty to the outcome. My mental health was and continues to be easily compared to these strong experiences. Through the use of coping skills, family support, Dr. and medication, I have been led to sunnier days. These supports have taught me to live each day with not only the changes of the season - but to know I am not alone in these storms we call life.
Whenever you feel depression or just not yourself, you are not alone. There are others going through the same thing.
Don't hesitate to ask for help!
Life Happens
This picture seems to say it perfect. When I start to understand and I feel that life is all contained in a positive way, here comes something to block, interfere or cause more confusion to my thinking. It is then that I feel like even the little things in life become scrambled and my contained thoughts become broken. My thinking becomes feelings, which can become scrambled and then possibly collide with overwhelming emotions as I overthink situations, leaving me in a mental breakdown.
Sometimes all you can do is smile. move on with your day, and change your way of looking at your situation. Through coping skills, thought re-direction and simply by positive self talk, anyone can get through struggles with the right support system.
You are not alone.
Don't be afraid to reach out for help!