Gen Y Speaks: My struggle with post-natal depression led me to art. Now, I draw to advocate for mental health awareness

Finding joy in motherhood seems to come naturally and easily to most new mothers. 
Yet, my own experience revolved mainly around grappling with the demands of parenting, thoughts of my life solely centering on my newborn, and steadily losing my grip on sanity. 
I became a first-time mother in 2017, and suffered from postnatal depression. My focus then was just to get through each day. 
Even though my family was supportive, I still felt overwhelmed and struggled ceaselessly with anxiety and guilt. 
This was not the first time I’ve experienced an episode of poor mental health, and I knew I had to do something. 
In my early years as a school teacher, I had faced burnout and exhibited signs of depression. I withdrew from social interactions and lost joy in my day-to-day activities. 
Despite reaching out to professionals for help, I couldn’t seem to find a way out. 
It was through sheer determination and the support of family and friends that I eventually pulled through that dark period.
With no prior drawing or illustration background, I started doodling during pockets of free time between motherhood duties — a hobby I embarked on in an attempt to keep my intrusive thoughts at bay. 
I approached my art journey with an open mind, believing that consistent practice leads to progress. 
While I lacked formal training, I drew inspiration from other accomplished illustrators on social media who began their careers without prior experience. Their success stories motivated me to invest time and effort into honing my craft.
The time spent on art diverted my attention from overthinking, and I also became more mindful of my own thoughts as I learnt to slow them down.
Art quickly became my most valuable therapeutic outlet, providing solace and aiding my emotional well-being. On difficult days, it helped me to look back on the progress I’ve made on my mental health journey, reminding me of my own resilience.
I soon started an Instagram page (@a.kinderspace) as a way to document my own artworks — but I soon found many opportunities to connect with other individuals responding to my struggles, and even sharing their own personal hardships.
I wound up creating a safe space for sharing relatable mum struggles. 
Most of my inspiration comes from people around me, inadvertently providing solace and encouragement during challenging times. 
Sometimes it’s as simple as a quote that I stumble upon online or in a book, or a positive memory from my own life. 
Finding ways to cheer and motivate myself on difficult days can be hard sometimes — but the possibility of my illustrations being able to do the same for others going through tough times of their own is a powerful source of comfort and encouragement.
My art journey began as a search for distraction from my thoughts. Funnily enough, it has not only made me more mindful in my thoughts, but has also become a tool to advocate mental wellness — prioritising self-love and normalising speaking up about needing help. 
The magic lies in being intentional with what we feed our minds, and acknowledging that life has its ups and downs. 
Even now, I am thankful that my illustrations serve a purpose, be it raising awareness about mental health issues or comforting and encouraging someone else in the same mental space as me.
Our lives are a never-ending race against time.
The demands of work, family and personal responsibilities can create a whirlwind of pressure, leaving us grappling with the weight of expectations and the perpetual quest for balance. 
Amid the whirlwind of daily tasks and life’s challenges, it’s easy to lose sight of our mental well-being. 
Creativity has become an integral part of my life, providing a channel for self-expression and connection with others. 
My first solo exhibition “Hi K, I’ve Got This: Drawing Perseverance” opened on Nov 2, 2023. My display, made possible by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, offers a visual narrative for the silent battles we fight and the struggles we all endure each day. 
The featured illustrations centre on a “bungirl” character named K, short for ‘okay’. Through her adventures, K embodies strength, resilience, and the courage to face difficulties head-on. 
Each illustration is a reminder that, despite the chaos, we possess an inner strength capable of weathering life’s storms.
My work has always been about embracing imperfections, self-compassion, and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
By fostering an open conversation about mental wellness, my art aims to create a space where we can find solace, connection, and inspiration amid life’s challenges. For me, this exhibition is another step in my endeavour to encourage myself and others to acknowledge our struggles, and to seek support when we need it.
These days, I’ve learned to better regulate my emotions, and to acknowledge that each day, whether positive or challenging, contributes to my personal growth. 
It’s okay not to be okay. Most importantly, know that no matter the circumstances, there’s always room for hope.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Paige Lee, is an educator and self-taught illustrator advocating for mental well-being through her illustrations and words via her Instagram page @a.kinderspace. Her exhibition, “Hi K, I’ve Got This: Drawing Perseverance”,  will be on display at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre till May 1, 2024.