For everyone living with mental distress, we all find our own individual and unique ways to cope. For me, art has been the best therapeutic tool I have in my arsenal.
As a child, I was fascinated by poetry and music. I went on to study creative writing at master's level, and have always been a musician. But over the last little while, I have come to find huge joy and satisfaction in painting.
For me, painting is one of the few things that stops my symptoms in their tracks. When I’m painting, I don’t hear voices. When I’m painting I get to express things in ways that I can’t always find with words alone. It is incredibly cathartic, and you can take difficult or negative emotions and turn them into something beautiful. I think that’s incredible, to be able to create something wonderful to share with the world - even if it came from a dark place.
Many people assume they are not creative, which isn’t true. Everyone has innate creativity within them - it’s just about practice and passion - learning to hone your skills and exploring your own style. I believe anyone who wants to can create art of any type.
For my 29th Birthday, I am having my first solo exhibition as a painter and poet. It is an accumulation of the last six months of work, and poetry I’ve written over the last couple of years. I am donating the money raised to Voices of Hope, to help give back to a community that has given people like me so much.
If you’re looking for something new to try, why not this?
-Madeline
Voices of Hope wants you to know that you do not have to do this alone. Click here to 'find help' - it's not weak to speak!