How Art Saved My Life, Mental Health Awareness Month
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- I know I have spoke a little bit over the years about what happed to me in the Army etc, but I have never really explained how art saved my life. I will also talk about my reluctance to relate to myself as an artist, listen to the video and I think you will understand where I am coming from. This is not a video seeking sympathy, with this being Mental Health Awareness Month here in the U.K. (1st of May to 31st of May), I am hoping that if there is anyone suffering with Mental Health or they have a loved one suffering, then perhaps what I say could start the process of them seeking help and a way of managing mental health issues.
I would like to say that the content of this video could be triggering to some people and so please be aware of this before watching. I do not explain graphic material however my story could be seen as too emotional for some.
I'd rather not put an age restriction on this video because unfortunately mental health has a terrible grasp on our young people of today and so if my own experience can help just one young person, I would be delighted, any more than one and it is a huge bonus.
I am obviously not a doctor, in this video I simply share my own experience and would advise anyone who thinks they may be suffering with Mental Health, to seek professional help from a Doctor or Mental Health Professional.
There used to be a myth among those suffering with mental health issues that only the weak become subjected to such a thing, I hope listening to my video will help dispel this myth from ever being attributed to anyone suffering with mental health issues.
Dad says "sit down Koda" and Koda jumps up to your head 😅 Smothers you with kisses. Animals are wonderful.
Wow you nearly made me cry here Harry (yes I know your name is Ivor but somehow you always seem to be Harry to me). Over the years I've heard lots of your story, but never all together in one place and in full detail like this. You are a hero to me. Not because of what you did in the army, but for what you have done since, to overcome the massive life change that was forced on you and that changed everything.
I didn't realise you had signed up for 22 years. You were fully committed to the army and were heading for military leadership. To have all that taken away seems so wrong. Wrong that as an employer, the army can't see the value in people like you. Not everyone in the army has to be able to run like the wind and survive in harsh conditions. Why do they not take committed soldiers who can't continue in that line and retrain you into the "management" side of it all? You could easily have done that and it makes no sense that they don't do that. They throw away their own investment as well as yours. All those people in high positions in the forces, they will never set foot in a fighting trench again. So why not make full use of someone who can't but knows everything they needed to know.
Anyway, that's by the by. This is a great video. You talk about deeply personal things and your face is open and happy while you do it. I remember your very first YT video. I've been with you all the way, and that video was a very different thing to this one. Back then you were in trouble. I was worried for you. And you seemed heavily medicated and struggled to keep a train of thought. Then, over the years, you got to grips with this new thing you could do and you started to run with it and here you are with a studio in the garden and a confidence and happiness that you just didn't have a while ago.
You don't have to have been trained to be an artist. If people like your work and want to pay for it, you are an artist. I don't know if you are selling art pieces yet or not, but people do want to buy them. You live in a lovely area, your subjects are abundant. The next significant step in the process is to start selling pieces. You know so many artists now, through YT and the coloured pencil magazine world, ask them for advice on how to go about it. How to find places to display your work. Start with a few key pieces and just let them out there. See what happens. Your botanical drawings are lovely. But I want to see more of the scenery around your. The wildness of it. I know you could capture that. I'm looking forward to owning a piece one day. But it won't be Marvel characters for me 🤣. My husband is from Lancashire and loves the wilderness of the moors. And we both love the scenery of the lakes.
Thank you for cheering up my Saturday. And now the sun has come out.
Thank you for being so real and authentic. I face much of what you do, with chronic pain and not being able to do much. Watching this made me feel that little less alone in the world. My art makes me feel alive. For what it's worth, I think you are an artist! A good one at that.
My friend you are never alone, while I am still around you will always have a friend in me and someone you can talk to and know whatever is said will always remain confidential. I have very much felt as you have done and it is such a horrible feeling. I know you hear it a lot, but I have been in places with many people around me and felt completely isolated and alone, it is not only horrible but scary.
I remember when this all first started happening to me, my wife was in bed and I was down stairs, drinking Jack Daniels neat and listening to music. at this point I had undergone two spinal operations and spent time in RAF Headly Court a rehabilitation centre. I can remember Vicky coming into the living room and turning off the music as it was so loud and me feeling really embarrassed at the time. I followed her out to the bottom of the stairs and asked her why she embarrassed me in front of all my friends. She took me back into the living room and it was empty.
I was convinced all my army mates where there with me and that we were all having a good time, they way we all used to years before that. I was so scared after that, in my head I was talking to people, was watching people drink and dance etc.
Anytime at all you feel like you want to reach out, if you are feeling low or just fancy a chat, I am always here my friend. my email is theartgearguide@gmail.com and from chatting on email I will pass on my mobile number and we can chat via phone or FaceTime etc. The thought of anyone feeling alone the way I did destroys me and I will always do whatever I can to help anyone.
Take care my friend and I mean every word I have just wrote.
Thank you, Harry, for sharing your journey so far. I watch your channel and always click the Like button but rarely comment. I live in California and "coloring" has been a life long relaxing joy for me. I also suffer from debilitating spinal conditions and intractable pain. Multiple ongoing surgeries, depression, anxiety, and more.
In the past 3 years both parents, my husband, and two close friends all died and due to Covid restrictions I wasn't allowed to be with any of them when they were dying. I realize this is a common story around the world but I still feel alone. Coloring has helped with its ability to loose my thoughts for several hours at a time, and any amount of time I can not obsessively "think" is good.
Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your story, Harry! I already loved it when you shared it on Lindsay's podcast, because it truly encourages and inspires me. I'm also in a situation where I'm struggling with both my physical and my mental health, and getting back into art has really been helping.
By the way, I also watch Lisa from Lachri Fine Art, and she often emphasizes that 'art degrees' really don't mean that much, and they certainly don't make you an artist. Lisa says what makes you an artist is creating art, and I agree. To me, you are definitely an artist, but you are also a great inspiration. Thank you for everything you do on this channel 🙏✨
Thank you so much for your comment and I am so happy to hear that you are finding the same value in art that I am and so many others are. Mental health is a horrible issue and I wish with all my heart people were free of it and able to move ford completely unburdened by it and free to live a happy life.
Harry, your story got me in the heart, I have mental health issues along with Spinal Stenosis and DDD. I cried when you mentioned tryin to keep up with family and walking til it hurt so bad😢. I am dealing with this, also do art because I am unable to work a regular job. I am on medication I have anxiety very bad . I was traumatized at a young age. I fell extremely hard 2 years ago losing my parents also...and lost my way. I haven't been doing any real art since. I can't go far or do much with my daughter and it really hurts, but I am doing somewhat better lately. I have her with me more often . If I hadn't had her, I would have been much worse. I brought up my daughter as a single mom , I remember being able to do anything. Thank you Harry for being so honest and telling us your story..it has told me alot about myself. Love your sweet Koda ! Have an awesome weekend ! ❤❤🌺🌺
I have to say art saved my life too. I am battling a depression for almost a decade and I went through a breast cancer and now still going through the cancer treatment. I think art has saved my sanity and my life. I do have a wonderful family but mental health is something each person has to handle on his own and art is literally a life saver.
I’m so sorry to hear you suffer with it as well, I would wish mental health issues on anyone. When I was at my worst, I can’t remember most things, but unfortunately that is not the case for my wife. Thank you so very much for your lovely comment and for your continued support, thank you.
@TheArtGearGuide thanks, it is comforting to hear other people overcome similar issues, it brings hope
Thank you for sharing your story. The more people who shares their stories about mental health struggles, the more we can tear down the stigmas that surrounds it. Our little family has had sooo many things to deal with over the span of over 20 years, and we have had no one to lean on. So you do what you have to do, and put one foot in front of the other every single day. It lead to me getting completely burned out a few years ago, because I kept ignoring the signs. I knew they were there, but I just kept going. Until my body just flat out refused. There was nothing left. After that I have never completely recovered, and I’m now unable to work full time. My head and my body work on different battery capacity. A few years in I still work on accepting that the two parts of me needs to coexist in me, and hopefully one day be friends. For now, they accept to be roommates 😊 For a long time I wasn’t even there, so for me to accept they are roommates is a big win. Logiically, in my brain, I know that not working full time is definitely the best for me. I don’t have the physical capacity for that. It’s like my body no longer recharge to 100% during the night , but maybe only 60%. But emotionally, I have a long way to go. I hope society one day reaches a point where it’s ok to just be human, just as we are, as long as we do our best to be kind to the people around us. Take care, Harry ❤
Harry, your past accomplishments in the army still hold good, and now you are a great contributor to the online art world. Your thorough reviews are my go-to if I want to know about a new product. I think many other people would say the same. Wishing you and your family many happy and productive days ahead.
Thank you so very much for sharing your story. I feel your pain. I love coloring, I am NOT an artist like you, but I appreciate good pencils and use them mostly on my coloring. Btw, "Colour with Claire" has reviewed the Chromaflow 150, and has shared GOOD NEWS from Derwent.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Harry for sharing this with us ! Maybe you think you don't deserve to be called an artist, but I can tell you that you are pretty good at what you are doing on this channel too (your art as well as your very high quality reviews). Your daughter had a very good intuition in suggesting you to start drawing ! I wish you and your family a very good week end !
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment I really appreciate it. Thank you so much
Thank you so much for your video Harry, many blessings to you and your family.
Whether arts, crafts, puzzles, etc, it occupies the mind and helps to shut down a part of the brain that can cause the mind to race plus anxiety. I have zero art talent but adult coloring takes me to my zen place. Thank you for sharing your story. Even if it only helps one person, it is truly worth it. Your UA-cam channel has been quite educational and enjoyable. Wishing you nothing but the best and pain free days. Love your dog!💕
Thank you Harry, you are very appreciated here. I have mental health issues too for different reasons obviously but thanks for sharing your story ❤️
First of all thank you so much for your wonderful comment, I really appreciate it. It really bothers me how many people suffer with mental health issues and in particular young people.
As you know our Youngest daughter Amelia suffered terrible bullŷing at school which led to something much more serious happening to her. This obviously opened our eyes as a family to young people suffering with mental health which in turn lead us to donating art supply’s to the Woman’s Shelter. It was from doing this that we really discovered the magnitude of young people suffering and it really bothers me.
I had a wonderful childhood, sure my Dad and I had words from time to time, but 90% of my childhood and teenage years were amazing. I wish I knew the answer to helping these young people. Thank you so much for your comment and support.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It takes bravery to be so honest. Thank you for all you contribute to the art community.
Thank you so much Carol for your kind comment, I can’t express how much I appreciate it. Thank you so very much
It didn't seem like a long video at all! - you spoke so well about your life and the difficulties you encountered and I could, and would, have listened for another hour or more.
Art has been part of my life since I was a young child. I have a degree in art and design, have sold my work, yet still don't feel I can call myself an artist, just someone with an ability.
Hi Patricia thank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate it. You see I was worried about discussing why I find it difficult to call myself an artist because I look around me in the community and think everyone of them are artists and I didn’t want what I said to have a negative effect on anyone.
My wife and I had to sign something recently and on the papers our occupation was asked and I have those questions because it’s just another reminder to me that I don’t work and provide for my family. So as my wife was filling it out I watched her write artist in that section and it took me back. I had always either put Soldier or Retired Veteran, to which they would look at me as if I had two heads. This was years back when I looked younger and not my real age of 50. But nevertheless it was kind of nice seeing my wife write it down but at the same time I felt a little bit fraudulent. However I know 99% of all of this is BS in my own messed up head for which I am getting better and the very thing I’m reluctant to call myself is making me better.
Thank you so much for sharing. Love the little cameo of your dog. You look very close. Sending love from Italy. Rita
Thank you for your refreshing honesty Harry. You are an amazing artist with imposter syndrome! Keep doing what you do it's amazing!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It really resonates with me. Many thanks.
Thank you for sharing. I've been watching you for a few years. Something I've always noticed is that you don't smile a whole lot and I'm always a little saddened. We got to see a glimpse of a smile when talking about how your daughter introduced you to coloured pencils. How wonderful!
As for calling yourself an artist.... get out of your own way lol. You make art. You're an artist. You aren't a conventionally trained artist, but that's only one facet of the definition.
I totally understand a lot of what you say about mobility issues and letting down your family. I also struggle with mental health and a significant back problem, although not to the severity you've described. I also have chosen mediums that are easy to walk away from. I love painting with acrylics, but if I only have 30 minutes of ability, why spend 20 of those minutes washing out brushes and cleaning up.
Please call yourself an artist and let that make you smile. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your knowledge on this channel and for sharing so many personal stories. Your channel is the reason I chose the products I did for starting my own journey after my kids were grown. Gentle hugs.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. The reason I don't smile a lot is because of my teeth, when I was in the Army I boxed actually in the Army but I also joined a Muay Thai club which is a bit like Kickboxing only you are allowed to use elbows and a few other differences, but I took one or two elbows to the face leaving gaps in my teeth.
@TheArtGearGuide I'd rather see you smile than avoid seeing your teeth. Kickboxing had always intergued me. I'm too old and full of arthritis now haha. I'll stick to low impact swimming lol.
You do great videos, so entertaining and informative. You really make the difference for us.
Hi Harry! I want to thank you for sharing your story. Your story is incredible, deep and very inspirational! I have depression too, I have a lot of years with it, and it's not easy. This condition is like a waves of the oceans, you can be well in some moments, and at other times not...so, I understand you a lot. You are doing so much for yourself, you have to be proud! I telling you, because I can't yet, achieve my goals, in making arts and sale them, because of my multiples moods, and watching you, and knowing your story, and see all you can do, before and now, makes me feel very inspired! Harry, you are a self taught Artist, like I am, because I felt the same a few years ago, but you know what? If you can create something, then you're an Artist. Sending good vibes, take care, and thank you for all you done for yourself and for us ❤❤❤
Great topic to cover. Mental health issues are real and should be actively and thoroughly addressed . So awesome that many of your subscribers were helpful during some the really difficult times. I do miss updates on you and your family. Don’t expect you to be really up close and personal about the children now that they are adults. Would just like to hear if they are happy and doing well. As always, you and your family are in my prayers 🙏
Thankyou for sharing your story Harry. I think Koda also instinctively knew it was such an important video to share that he also wanted to be a part of, hence the surprise jump 😊
Thank you so much for sharing your story Harry. I can really relate to the loss of identity so much 😢. I can also relate to feeling like you’re holding your loved ones back from living life fully and the crippling sadness/anger/guilt when you are unable to contribute financially. Being chronically ill or injured in any way, brings with it so much loss and it’s fair to say, people can’t really comprehend what that kind of loss does to a person. Thank you for being so open about your journey and thank you for everything you contribute to the art community. You are definitely an artist in our eyes 🤩💖
Thank you for sharing your story, Harry, it's inspirational and I can relate to much of what you said. I want to assure you that you ARE an artist; that is the reason I watch your channel. I understand where you are coming from, though. Many years ago, I taught myself to draw and paint from library books. I was embarrassed to show my work at galleries because I didn't have any art school credentials, (I still don't) but today I know that it is the passion to paint and draw (even in colored pencils) that makes me an artist. It is art that has set me free! I am looking forward to seeing more content from you.
God bless you Harry, you have such a good heart. I will be 76 in July I have had a long and sometimes traumatic life, I appreciate all you are saying I have been there a few times but am ok now. I have a strong relationship with God and although I live alone since my husband died in Dec 2022, and I live in a rural area with no immediate neighbors I know I am not alone. I also love to colour though I cannot draw and I appreciate very much the art work you do and the videos you do of different pencils and art stuff I hope you continue to bless us all with the colour you bring to us in so many ways, and btw I love your dog I’m so glad you included him in your video. 🤗🤗🤗 I also am in pain I have osteoarthritis which limits what I do, I watch videos and I colour and do as much else as I can with my back and knees in pain. It’s winter here in Australia and it’s cold but better that than extreme heat 😂
That’s exactly how I felt regarding art , until yesterday when my friend came in and saw my art work and said to me , don’t keep saying your not a proper artist , what you are is a self taught artist , you have a natural talent , and that’s what you are , a self taught artist that has a natural talent , thank you for sharing , it’s wonderful to know that you share your life with me , it gives me the strengh to carry on cx❤
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me feel to know you have a friend like that. As I was reading your comment I thought to myself, oh no, “someone has said something terrible and has changed your perspective on art, so I was incredibly happy as I continued reading that the critique from your friend was hugely positive.
@@TheArtGearGuide thank you so very much for replying , I’m in my seventies now , and had the art knocked out of me , by my ex husband and watching your channel has , like I said given me the courage to try again , I have brought a set of 72 Derwent lightfast and am determined to master the art of coloured pencil , I wish you well my friend xxx
I enjoyed hearing your story. Your daughter has good instincts. Btw, i consider you an artist
Thank you for sharing your story, I myself have a degeniterave auto-immune disease with plenty of pain to go with it. I have found over the years that my art is a great way to get out of my head and do one of the activities that have given me such comfort over the years. Caring for your mental health is first and foemost a good health practice. Keep on being an Artist (yes you are an Artist) and I intend to continue enjoying your videos. Many Blessings to you and your family❣
Harry, firstly thank you so much for sharing this story! i have chronic pain after being diagnosed with tumours in my spine, ive had 14 spinal surgeries and well now im in a deep depression, and currently in hospital getting treatment, im at that point where you were.. its pretty crap and life is so hard, ive started colouring and im really enjoying it when i can, although i lay in bed to colour as sitting is the worst, your story resonates so much for me and i appreciate your sharing it
Thank you. Thank you..
Harry, I think you are still waaaaay too hard on yourself - you have been through a LOT. Take care!!
also, people who have degrees, and even masters or PhDs in art fields are often the most reluctant to call themselves artists (speaking from personal experience) :D. I have started to claim the term readily ands making a point of it. I often find people on social media and UA-cam etc are much more ready to claim the term for themselves. To me an artist is anyone for whom art is one of the central things (if not the most important) in their lives. You def are an artist by my definition :)
Hi Harry thank you for sharing your journey to art. Art also saved me. I grew up with constant childhood trauma and too much responsibility for a young person. After 2 decades as a teacher - people tell me I was good- I experienced workplace bullying to the point that I could no longer work. A wonderful therapist encouraged to get back in the community, and art was where I headed almost 10 years ago. I've made wonderful friends through that and enjoy the mindfulness of drawing and painting. I still suffer from severe depression at times. I take antidepressants and still see that wonderful therapist who pulls me back into line.
You were one of the first artists I discovered online, back when you had colour pencil reviews. You are respected by some of the top people in the field, like Lisa Lachri and the frugal crafter. Your art work is brilliant. You've also helped to save me. Liz ❤️
Hullo Sir. I have been an Artist most of my life and my first exposure was my Gran she taught me watercolors and I never looked back. I went to college to get an accounting degree, but I was not happy about it and I let myself get sidetracked into art as I never thought I would be able to earn just doing art. Somehow I did! I created art when I had no plan to sell as I knew it was not good enough. After time and a lot of work people did pay me for my art and I even paid my bills for years doing everything you can think of to get paid! I made pencil sketches in the park to photographing weddings! Little league photo's to pet portraits! If it was artistic I did it! I believe you ahve had one hard road I appreciate you and your efforts thank you for sharing your stories and thank you for sharing your Art journeys with all of us.