In light of our upcoming Pieces of Me: Healing Through Artistic Expression Art Show, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on just how important it is to keep the conversation around mental health going, and to make it a part of our everyday lives.
We’ve all been touched by mental health at some point, whether directly or indirectly. Some of us have friends or loved ones who have struggled, and some of us have faced our own battles. Our experiences may look different, ranging from anxiety and depression to substance use, but the common thread is that these struggles are real, and the journey to healing is never easy.
When I began planning our art show, my goal was not only to highlight the incredible talent of our clients and the generous contributions from the community, but also to spark dialogue. I wanted people to walk through the gallery, take in the artwork, read the stories behind each piece, and know that they’re not alone.
Each painting, drawing, and sculpture represents someone who has been in a dark place and found their way back to the light. Some artists share what helps them stay grounded, while others open up about how far they’ve come from where they once were. Every piece in this show carries a powerful story, and my hope is that it will encourage others to tell their own.
One of my favourite parts of planning this show has been speaking with the artists and clients, and having them feel comfortable enough to share their personal journeys with me. Opening up to someone you don’t know, let alone telling a complete stranger about your struggles with mental health, is never easy. The stories I heard brought a wave of emotions: sadness, empathy, compassion, and even joy. They were deeply personal, and it takes incredible courage and bravery to share them.
After hearing the journeys others have taken with their mental health, I felt compelled to share my own, hoping that it might encourage just one more person to speak up and help us break the stigma, one story at a time.
My journey with mental health may not be one of epic proportions, and all things considered, I’ve been very fortunate to have walked a fairly gentle path. That said, I’ve struggled over the past few years with mild anxiety. When I began to notice that my anxiety was starting to interfere with my life, personally and professionally, I realized I didn’t want to keep living that way.
I’d lie awake at night worrying about the “what-ifs” and “should-have-beens,” building worst-case scenarios in my mind that would likely never happen, but I’d still lie there, stressing over them. During the day, I was filled with constant tension; my muscles were always tight, I couldn’t relax, and I constantly felt on edge. I knew it was time to talk to a doctor, and I’m so thankful I found the courage to do so.
Since seeking help, learning coping mechanisms, and getting support through medication, I feel like a new person. I sleep better, I enjoy my days more, and I’m able to show up more fully for the people in my life.
Admitting that something is wrong is never easy. I come from a long line of folks, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, who didn’t “believe” in mental health. If you were feeling down, you were told to just “pick up your socks and get on with it.” So going to a doctor and saying, “I’m struggling,” felt like a big step. But once I said it out loud, I felt such a sense of relief, like I’d been carrying something heavy and had finally put it down.
Now that I look back, I can see signs of mental health struggles in my older family members. I wish they’d had access to the resources and support we have today. I wish they hadn’t felt shame for simply being human.
I’m so thankful that we live in a time where talking about mental health is becoming more accepted, where we don’t have to suffer in silence like the generations before us.
We still have a long way to go in breaking the stigma around mental health and well-being, but I believe we’re headed in the right direction. I hope this art show helps inspire someone to share their own journey—or to speak up and reach out if they’re struggling.
Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it.
If you need support, you can contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can also call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273 or the Suicide Crisis Line at 9-8-8. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
