Lately I’ve found that “making it real” is really important. It hurts so badly and yet its so invisible. It makes you feel like you’re crazy. At least when you have a broken bone you can look down and see the cast and understand why you’re hurting (and even better, that you’re on the road to recovery).
This is why some people use self-harm. A wound on the body brings a lot of validation. In-fact, when I was first suicidal, I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously or help me unless I had bruises and cuts and other injuries on my body to prove that it was all real.
Drawing on paper and writing helps, but those are eventually put away somewhere, out of sight, effectively becoming invisible. They’re only occasionally brought out and viewed. So I’ve taken to drawing on my arms. Nothing elaborate, just small signs and marks that have meaning. For example, the number 7 is the Biblical number of completion, so everything I draw is based around that number and reminds me that someday it’s all going to be complete and over.
Wow, this one touched my heart …. I lost a friend that way. Thank you for sharing this and thank you for everything that you do.
Thank you for that very powerful strip. I’m working on incorporating more art in my own recovery, partially inspired by you.
Keep at it! I have art I do as well for therapeutic benefit among other things and it’s been huge.
Lately I’ve found that “making it real” is really important. It hurts so badly and yet its so invisible. It makes you feel like you’re crazy. At least when you have a broken bone you can look down and see the cast and understand why you’re hurting (and even better, that you’re on the road to recovery).
This is why some people use self-harm. A wound on the body brings a lot of validation. In-fact, when I was first suicidal, I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously or help me unless I had bruises and cuts and other injuries on my body to prove that it was all real.
Drawing on paper and writing helps, but those are eventually put away somewhere, out of sight, effectively becoming invisible. They’re only occasionally brought out and viewed. So I’ve taken to drawing on my arms. Nothing elaborate, just small signs and marks that have meaning. For example, the number 7 is the Biblical number of completion, so everything I draw is based around that number and reminds me that someday it’s all going to be complete and over.
Ahí vamos, gracias
My art is writing. Much of it is very dark. The act of writing is quite healing. But often it’s not so easy to actually start a piece.
Struggling with this exactly today. How to start a new one, especially when the depression is saying you’re illiterate.
not sure if drawing it helps, but thanks for the post