Welcome to any who have found this blog through the #SEAofVisibility event that took place at the Hunting Cinema Arts Center yesterday! It’s exhilarating and terrifying to suddenly really be noticed as a mental health advocate blogger!
I was honored and yes, embarrassed when Anu pointed me out in the audience at the Q&A after the film, Kusama: Infinity. I unfortunately missed the movie due to scheduling problems, and some difficulty getting going in the morning, but I made it to the event just as that part was finishing up. I have added the film to my Prime queue and plan to watch it soon, especially given the strong feelings that it evoked in the viewers at the event yesterday.
From the comments and questions at the Q&A after the film, I realized immediately that I was among “my people”. Mental illness is overwhelmingly isolating, and due to the stigma, it’s very hard to connect with others who are traveling a similar path. I have found tons of support online, but even my regular friends who know what’s up with me leave it to me to broach the subject in person.
I feel incredibly honored and humbled to be invited into this very special intersectional community of artists exploring their identity and living well with mental illness. I had SO many emotions and feelings walking out of the event yesterday. I am still trying to process the entire experience but I know that I’m incredibly hungry for more and want to participate more fully the next time around, if the community will have me!
I am astounded at how thoughtful, honest, vulnerable and authentic this community is. I truly feel that if given more visibility we can change the stigma to support (the slogan of the SEA of Visibility) and get the understanding that we, as individuals living with mental illness, so desperately need.
I was blown away by the incredible talent that I witnessed in the performances and the art show. I honestly had to walk away from the art show because it was stirring so many overwhelming emotions in me. I was vulnerable yesterday and I had to protect myself a little bit.
What I found especially moving was the panel of mental health professionals, who are also artists, who were so open and straightforward about their experiences and their struggle to balance their professional and private lives, particularly the issue of self-disclosure.
I am dizzy with possibilities! This is honestly not the sort of event I’d normally go to. I always envision my husband and daughter as the artists of the family. I just share some words in the hopes of letting others know they’re not alone, help is available and recovery is more than possible. But I’m incredibly grateful to have been invited to attend and absorb the experience.
I have a LOT to catch you guys up on that’s been happening with me, but that will be a separate post. Meanwhile, welcome to any newcomers!