Artwork and Words by Wren, 19 ACT
This article contains themes about mental health, anxiety and depression which may be difficult to read or triggering to some readers. Readers in need can seek support from the following services.
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
Lifeline – 13 11 14
This piece was a finalist of the Youth Summit Creative Competition 2022.
Artist statement
For my piece, I was inspired by my experiences with my mental health throughout the lockdown. During the worst of it I felt crowded – disconnected from reality. I spent a lot of time alone, and soon my perception of myself began to warp. I felt like a bug under a microscope, with myself as the observer. Some of the only respite I had from these feelings was going on social media, or messaging my friends, where I could focus on others instead of myself. This artwork was created to express how I felt at the time, and the feelings and thoughts I still struggle with today, even as things change again. The past two years have changed me, changed all of us, and we came out of it different. This artwork is me recognizing those differences and doing my best to accept them.
