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Mental illness is a taboo. Often, we fail to understand it. Why is this? Is it because we cannot see the problem? There is little harder than trying to explain the impact of depressive disorders. It’s truly heartbreaking, at times, when others don’t believe that I am not making excuses; I am ill.
I began painting 2 years ago. At that point, I had been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety, but I was unaware how severe my illnesses were. I led a reckless lifestyle with no hope, no sense of direction. I had no understanding of who I was, or of the reasons for how I felt in every waking moment. After losing my job, I hit the bottom of the valley. I had no sight of a better future. My thoughts got darker, and I felt that I was drowning in despair.
The support of my amazing family got me through my darkest hour, and I made a decision to change my own world; to reach for a better life. I spent months at home hibernating, teaching myself to body-paint using my own body as a canvas to create every character I could imagine. As I lost myself in creativity, the depression began to lift. Creativity has been my saviour from this disabling illness. I produce my best work on my darkest days, channeling raw emotions and feeling into each piece.
I wanted to help others who suffer. I know how hard it is to explain this experience. I painted each feeling, attempting to visually describe what could not be seen. The impact these body paintings have made is overwhelming. To think that someone struggling may, for one moment, be at ease as a result of this work is truly gratifying.
Of all the people that have identified with my art, and with the poems I write about each piece, so many send me messages to express how they are feeling. My aim is to paint as much as I can on the subject of mental health, to do what I can to help others visualise and understand their own illness.
Since I started painting, I have also been diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, and I’m now working on another project to help raise awareness about this diagnosis. My ambition, through my art, is to help others find the understanding they need to survive.
More info: Facebook | Instagram
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What do you think ?
Silent Skeleton 7 years ago
These are incredible! I love the inner fighter at the end who endures and survives all of them. Keep on keepin' on :o)
Alexander Knight 7 years ago
To see the outward expression of the inward demons brings me a sense of relief. The inner critic is quite prevalent in me I call it the poisonous parrot. So is depression. This is beautiful thank you <3
Jodie Broadley (Post author) 7 years ago
In my therapy we used to call it the poisonous parrot! That would make an incredible look, I may have to do that. :D
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Jeraldine George 7 years ago
This special kind of art speaks for me! I wish you many blessings that you continue to do the work others refuse to see!
Carolyn Stewart 7 years ago
Your welcome! Any time you need to hear the truth, i'lle happily remind ya :)....... I've experienced different kinds of anxiety, so i feel i can say these things.....and just know ....You are beautiful and you are worthy, ok! Keep smiling that pretty smile and you will be ok :) mwah ;)
Danielle Ejogbamu 7 years ago
Amazing jodie, i suffer with adhd, borderline personality disorder etc and i find it so hard sometimes, people just dont realise, im so glad you found a way of expressing yourself through what you love doin ❤ inspiration rite there hunni.. xxxx ps still wished i had u in bridal make up other day lol xx
Jodie Broadley (Post author) 7 years ago
Was that you omg you were sat next to me was t you having your face done hha aww bless ya chick! Thanks Hun! Your a sweetie! Xxx
Load More Replies... Carolyn Stewart 7 years ago
You are stunning! Even with the uncertainty in your eye's :). Great job capturing each illness so well :). They say there is alway's a positive, amongst the negatives.....i think you've found you'rs! You go girl! :)
Jodie Broadley (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you so much darling! Means the world.
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Karin Tans 7 years ago
Thank you. I believe your talent is a rare blessing fully manifested through your soul.
alexa_bessee 7 years ago
The colors in the "Bipolar Clown" is the perfect way to depict Laughing Jack before and after Issac left him in his box for 13 years. The colors go from bright to monochrome, which is what happened to him.
Silent Skeleton 7 years ago
These are incredible! I love the inner fighter at the end who endures and survives all of them. Keep on keepin' on :o)
Alexander Knight 7 years ago
To see the outward expression of the inward demons brings me a sense of relief. The inner critic is quite prevalent in me I call it the poisonous parrot. So is depression. This is beautiful thank you <3
Jodie Broadley (Post author) 7 years ago
In my therapy we used to call it the poisonous parrot! That would make an incredible look, I may have to do that. :D
Load More Replies... Jeraldine George 7 years ago
This special kind of art speaks for me! I wish you many blessings that you continue to do the work others refuse to see!
Carolyn Stewart 7 years ago
Your welcome! Any time you need to hear the truth, i'lle happily remind ya :)....... I've experienced different kinds of anxiety, so i feel i can say these things.....and just know ....You are beautiful and you are worthy, ok! Keep smiling that pretty smile and you will be ok :) mwah ;)
Danielle Ejogbamu 7 years ago
Amazing jodie, i suffer with adhd, borderline personality disorder etc and i find it so hard sometimes, people just dont realise, im so glad you found a way of expressing yourself through what you love doin ❤ inspiration rite there hunni.. xxxx ps still wished i had u in bridal make up other day lol xx
Jodie Broadley (Post author) 7 years ago
Was that you omg you were sat next to me was t you having your face done hha aww bless ya chick! Thanks Hun! Your a sweetie! Xxx
Load More Replies... Carolyn Stewart 7 years ago
You are stunning! Even with the uncertainty in your eye's :). Great job capturing each illness so well :). They say there is alway's a positive, amongst the negatives.....i think you've found you'rs! You go girl! :)
Jodie Broadley (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you so much darling! Means the world.
Load More Replies... Karin Tans 7 years ago
Thank you. I believe your talent is a rare blessing fully manifested through your soul.
alexa_bessee 7 years ago
The colors in the "Bipolar Clown" is the perfect way to depict Laughing Jack before and after Issac left him in his box for 13 years. The colors go from bright to monochrome, which is what happened to him.
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