I've struggled with my mental health for over 10 years. I hit rock bottom in the summer of 2021. For several months I was in the scariest episode of major depression I'd ever experienced.

My cognitive functions were severely compromised. I couldn't articulate my thoughts and feelings. I had no energy. I was apathetic, lethargic, and saw no reason to exist. I struggled with an overwhelming sense of worthlessness.

Art saved my life.

I met a remarkable therapist, who encouraged me to start drawing.

I began experimenting with multiple media and canvases. Art unleashed me. The world had become my canvas for self-discovery, self-expression, and self-actualization.

This piece is one of the first digital animations I've ever created. I came up with the technique out of desperation because until this summer I had no experience with drawing or animating.

The initial drawing came to life on paper. I then traced the image with a piece of software that my boyfriend has created and by using a device called Wacom Slate. I exported the drawing as an .svg file and then imported it into canva.com, where I added the animations.

This animation is a snapshot of how I felt for months. It shows how depression feels like on the inside. It captures accurately the powerlessness and desperation that I was engulfed by.

This piece and all my work is about combining nft and art to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, and inspire people to turn their pain into therapeutic, self-empowering art.