I was the winner for the Mental Health Australia Art Competition in 2022. This artwork explored the mental health issues I face in dealing with the daily struggles of living with SLE Lupus. With this condition affecting my mental and physical capabilities, I decided to explore what it is like within my art as a therapeutic process.
When I was diagnosed, I knew nothing about Lupus. Since 2018, I have experienced isolation, physical changes due to medications and a huge impact within anxiety and depression trying to work out a new life and way of balance living with my daily struggles with this condition.
I find it hard to explain to people I care about what it is like having this condition and keep a lot to myself, it is easier that way but also difficult. I wanted to share my experience with the public and have this condition recognised. A lot of people keep autoimmune conditions to themself, I felt important to put it out there for has a huge impact on mental health.
Link to view the day I received the award and to see my speech. https://fb.watch/jrLlKntyVd/
