The Joy of Drawing: My Early Love for Creativity
At 3 years old, I held a pencil for the first time, and it made me happy. I still draw every single day, now using my Wacom tablet to create comics or my easel to make paintings. At 15, I faced daily challenges, passing out almost every day, but I shrugged it off, and my doctors didn’t take it seriously. Now, I know I have several chronic health conditions that make it harder for me to thrive in this world. Despite this struggle, I strive to make the best of it, and creativity helps me heal!
How Creativity Helps Me Heal from Chronic Illness
I have always drawn, ever since I can remember. However, since my diagnosis, drawing has become even more important. I would even dare to say: “Creativity helps me heal.”
Let me explain: I am 25 now, and I am chronically ill. It is hard for me to go through a day without naps or to walk without pain. Standing up causes my blood to pool in my legs and makes me faint. Sitting too much is painful, but moving is too. I’m not seeking sympathy here; this is just my reality.
Living with Chronic Illness: Challenges and Limitations
As you can imagine, this has taken a toll on my mental health too. People my age should be able to go to university or work a full-time job, engage in sports, and explore the world without any physical limitations. This should be the best time of their lives. Yet, I can’t keep up with them, explore myself, or participate full-time. I have to rest, visit the doctor, monitor my diet, take my medications, do my exercises, and more. Because of this, I grieve the life I could have had.
Navigating Grief: The Five Stages and Acceptance
Grief is known for its five stages: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. Of course, my drawings did not replace the need for a therapist to help me through it all, but they did provide relief. When I was angry, I would sit down behind my desk and create comics about my doctors not listening or about burning my food due to terrible brain fog. I would illustrate my symptoms—how they felt, how they looked, and how I wished they weren’t there. This creative process helped me navigate the five stages and finally arrive at acceptance.
Using Art as a Tool for Understanding Chronic Illness
The drawings didn’t only help me; they also helped others understand what I was going through. When I could not find the words to explain, or didn’t want to come across as whining, or just didn’t have the energy, I could share my drawings instead. They became a conversation replacement. For me, this made all the difference. Being able to express my thoughts and feelings without judgment was a greater gift than I could have ever imagined.
The Continued Impact of Drawing on My Healing Journey
I still draw, although I have moved on to other topics to explore. It continues to help me gain a clearer vision of what I think, feel, and want. Drawing still heals me in many ways and broadens my understanding of who I am. I highly recommend finding a creative outlet. Whether it’s dance, music, art, cooking, or writing, it doesn’t matter. Creativity heals a bit of your soul when it needs it the most.
Explore Your Creativity with Shadows Edge
Looking for a fun way to express yourself and boost your emotional well-being? Check out our game Shadows Edge, an awesome mobile drawing game that mixes adventure with creativity! In Shadows Edge, you’ll explore a beautifully designed fantasy world where your drawings come to life. Not only can you create amazing artwork, but the game also encourages you to journal your thoughts and feelings. This way, you can reflect on your emotions, gain insights into how you’re feeling, and really get to know yourself better. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just picking up a pencil for the first time, Shadows Edge is a great place to express yourself, improve your skills, and connect with a community of fellow creators.