Anita, 32, Bath, UK

“I’m Anita and I have the winning combination of depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
Throughout my 20s I stumbled in and out of jobs, lacking any clear focus or direction, just trying to make it through each day. After a particularly bad bout of depression I finally plucked up the courage to see a doctor and when onto medication, but this just left be feeling very flat and grey.
I now realise I should have gone back to the doctor, seemed more advice and perhaps tried an alternative. However to my crippling anxiety this was too much, so I just stopped taking the medication.

Turning 30 forced me to take stock of my life, and realise I didn’t want to waste another 10 years. I became determined to do something with my art, the only thing that made me feel alive – it was my escape and it’s what has saved me.

Sharing my work with the world was the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but the outpouring of criticism I feared never came. Creating a humorous look at mental health through my rainbow coloured illustrations and chunky animals attracted those who could relate and wanted to share too.

Over the past few years I’ve also added daily exercise, a better diet and being kinder to myself to my routine – which have helped my mental health so much. I’m now in a much more positive place and concentrate on giving others a voice for their feelings through my work.”

You can find Anita on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

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We are so excited for our new segment called Meet the Mental Health Artist. Every fourth Tuesday we will share a story from a Mental Health Artist, where you’ll hear about their journey, how they got to where they are now and how creating (whether through music, graphic design, writing, painting etc) has helped/helps them through different mental health issues.

As well as this, we will have IG Stories Takeover in the week of when their story goes up with each artist, where you will be able to see more of what they get up to/behind the scenes, ASK any questions you may have about their creative media/work/inspirations/healing etc & get answers from them and generally, find out more about them, what they do and tips they have for maintaining their mental health.

Anita will be doing an Instagram Story Takeover on the 29th of August on our Instagram account, so make sure to tune into our stories that day – and if you miss it, you will be able to catch up with it in our Highlights on Instagram.

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Check out our August advertisers for some great content: Stuart  and Instant Counselling

If you’d like to advertise with us, please email kayska@yahoo.co.uk for more details.