I'm unsure of the title of this one because I've done similar paintings, but I believe it's called "Overlooked" c.2008. This is a self-portrait, my reference photo was a close-up of my eye while crying and looking out a window. . The title refers to how I felt for many, many years (probably a decade or more) where my schizophrenia kept me hidden alone in my parents' house through most of my 20s and 30s. I felt like people didn't know I existed. There's no one to blame for any of this, but schizophrenia is a cruel disease which robbed me of my youth for the most part. I had no friends of my own, I didn't get our much except to see my therapist. My parents helped a LOT and I'm eternally grateful to them. My dad took me out every week for coffee and to visit bookstores. (I actually really miss that!) . My paranoia was high but over those years I got myself to stop listening to it when in public. However, during weekdays when I was home alone I felt like the only person in the world. But I'm an extremely late bloomer, and I did get out! Nothing lasts forever, including my own self-imposed captivity dure to the severity of my symptoms. I'm doing better now, living on my own in another country with my husband of 4 years. I just want others with severe mental illness to know there's hope. The disease may last a lifetime, but your current circumstances won't stay the same forever. Hang in there! Things will change. #art #mentalillnessawareness #severementalillness #bipolardisoder #schizophrenia #schizoaffective #latebloomer #photorealism #acrylicpainting #acryliasrt #hyperrealism #painting #acrylicart #crying #overlooked #artist #actuallyschizophrenic #schizophrenic #mentalhealthawareness #thingschange #photorealistic #artistoninstagram #artistsofinstagram #instaartist #igartwork #igart #alone #depression #temporary #weepingeyes https://www.instagram.com/p/CjgXTRkP6p9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I wrote about my brother Michael for @canadianliving & what it’s like to have a family member with serious mental illness. It was hard to write, but hopefully it will help someone know they aren’t alone. I hope you read it, link in my profile. TW: depression, suicide #mentalillness #schizophrenia #suicide #mentalhealth #endthestigma #sicknotweak #severementalillness #canadianliving #missyoubrother https://www.instagram.com/p/BsV2cKDFTl4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15namjpslouoo

Things I've done while manic

#manic #manicepisode #tiktok2022 #biolarclub #bipolarstrong #bipolarlife #bipolar1 #bipolardisorderawareness #severementalillness #mentalhealthmonth2022 #mentalhealthmonth #maw i #maw2022 #WorldBipolarDay #worldbipolarday2023

I understand what people mean by “if you don’t have $severementalillness, you’re lucky” but i remain weirdly uncomfortable with it, and not sure how to articulate why

Five pairs of eyes, each from one of the 5 faces in my new painting about co-morbid illnesses (mental illness primarily). I'm working on some related things, when they're done I'll share it all. Looking forward to it! Ttyl! Stay safe out there. #art #eyes #five #faces #painting #acrylicpaint #acrylicpainting #fivefaces #comorbidities #overlappingillnesses #comorbidillnesses #mentalillness #mentalhealthawareness #severementalillness #schizophrenia #schizoaffective #depression #anxiety #PMDD #pmddawareness #pnes #pnesawareness #psychogenicnonepilepticseizures #premenstrualdysphoricdisorder #acrylicart #scaryart #surrealart #metaphor #connected #darkart https://www.instagram.com/p/CZav_KdlX6W/?utm_medium=tumblr