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"Unpretty" is about the seriousness of mental illness. How awful circumstances could be for a person with a condition. The artwork is about how others may romanticise these conditions as something pretty or beautiful, when in reality there is a pain that controls their minds.
Unpretty (2018)
These panels represent how mental illness is sentimentalised. Many people, without conditions, often wrongly perceive one's illness on a surface level. There are many layers and barriers that surround mental illness. On the contrary, these panels may represent how the people who aim to romanticise mental illness, also aim to mimic their behaviour without fully being able to comprehend the depth of mentality.
The rose portrays innocence and beauty. Mental illness can often be seen as a rose, beautiful in its simplicity. The gold petals signify the desirability, and the oblivion of true feeling. It relates to the ignorance, whereas the black petals represent reality. As the gold petals grow with each panel, the artwork take a new meaning: The complete gold rose signifies a person who has mental illness- I wanted to show their value and their beauty, though what they are going through maybe dark. The panels are a road to growth and health and peace. It gives those people hope because it showcases a path contradictory to the ones their minds may tell them.
If only people would look beneath the surface, beneath the false beauty people portray, to see that from every angle: mental illness is not something to jest about. And neither should it be romanticised.
Mental Health Recommendations
Get Healthy
Taking good care of your body is one of the most important things you can do to improve your mental wellbeing.
Why?
How we think and feel depends directly on how well our brain is functioning. A healthy, well-nourished and rested body provides the foundation for your mind to function at its best.
You can take better care of your body in three different ways:
Keep Learning
Keeping your mind engaged with new ideas and experiences is an important part of your mental wellbeing. This could be as easy as doing a daily Sudoku, learning a new skill through an online tutorial or listening to an informative podcast.
Why?
Your ability to reason and make good decisions depends on how well your brain interprets and processes information. Doing regular mental challenges trains these mental pathways, improving their effectiveness and refreshing old or unhelpful thought patterns.
Research is showing that lifelong learning may improve brain function and prevent or delay the symptoms of dementia.
Show Kindness
Did you know that one of the best ways to be kind to yourself is to be kind to others?
Studies have shown that when you do a kind deed, it actually delivers a bigger happiness boost to you than the person you’re helping.
You can unlock this happiness boost with either an act of giving, like volunteering or helping a neighbour, or an act of gratitude, like sending a thank you note or just writing down something you are grateful for each day.
Why?
Research tells us that performing an act of kindness triggers the release of a chemical called oxytocin. This stimulates the area of your brain associated with social connection and trust, which makes you feel good.
Showing gratitude can improve your self-esteem, enhance empathy, reduce aggression and even help you sleep better. Acts of gratitude create strong positive emotions, and practising them regularly will also help build your mental resilience.
Connect More
Feeling connected to people, groups, places and culture plays an important part in your mental wellbeing. Humans evolved to live in tight bands or family groups, with a need for constant social interaction hardwired into our DNA. Now that we live more independently, this means many of us may feel disconnected or lonely.
There are plenty of ways to make meaningful connections with people. This includes spending time with family and friends, inviting co-workers or classmates for lunch, joining a team or club, or even having a friendly chat with the guy serving you at the bakery.
Why?
Regular positive interactions stimulate the production of a feel-good chemical in your brain, boosting your mood. Fostering stronger relationships and connections to your community will also strengthen your social networks for the times you might need extra support.
Take Notice
Daily life can be busy and stressful. But did you know that you can calm that pressure simply by taking a moment to stop and focus on the present?
Mindfulness is about connecting with your immediate thoughts and feelings without judging them. You can practise mindfulness anywhere by taking a deep breath, then allowing yourself to focus only on what is happening in that moment – both in the world around you and in your mind.
Why?
Studies have shown that mindfulness has a strong positive effect on your mental wellbeing. By directing your attention to what is happening in the present, you’re less likely to focus on worrying about things from the past, or things that might happen in the future.
Embrace Nature
Spending time in nature has big benefits for your mental wellbeing. It’s also been shown to have wider health benefits like building your immune system and lowering your blood pressure.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy nature – you could take a walk in local bushland, go for a picnic, try kayaking or even do some gardening. Environmentally friendly activities like recycling and composting will also help you feel a deeper connection with the world around you.
Why?
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve your mood, and reduce stress.
More time outdoors also means that you’ll get more exposure to the sun. Sun exposure helps produce mood-stabilising chemicals like serotonin and also gives your vitamin D levels a boost, which helps regulate your sleep-wake cycles. Always remember to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
Mental Health Resources
Attached is a link with links, apps and courses available in Queensland, Australia. They range from productivity, sleep, and mindfulness. They all link and can promote mental wellness.
Dear Mind, Remember To Make Time For You
Publication: The State Of Queensland (Queensland Health)
Publisher: Queensland Government
Date: 2020
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