Perhaps one of the most unrecognized victims of depression is one’s will to create, to follow one’s passion.

Depression is the hydra of mental illness. It manifests in individuals in many ways. For some it is a black pit from which there is no escape. For others it is a constant metaphysical pain that makes one spiral and question reality.

In Bianca’s case, depression uproots her from her creative spirit to make art. When I connected with her about creating a piece to reflect how depression effects her creativity and motivation, the idea formed to showcase how boxed in she feels when depressed. As though she’s trapped behind a film, unable to break out and let her creativity flow.

This “The Weight” piece focuses on the positivity of what an upswing in one’s mental health struggles can do. Not every day living with depression is a black hole. On some days, one can feel reborn; ready to break through the haze and put art and beauty back into the world.