The Silver Lining

Pihu was diagnosed with Bipolar at age 18 after battling depression for more than half of her lifetime. She self-harmed a lot as a highschool student and was sent to the school's counselor countless times by the school authority.

"My mental health has always been a mess. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 18 and have spent most of my childhood in and out of therapy. My school's counselor kept on insisting that I was acting out".

Not knowing her diagnosis, and being on a rollercoaster of emotions, she got into drugs to help her. Unfortunately for her, she overdosed and almost lost her life.

"August last year, I woke up in a hospital and was told that I had been in a medically induced coma because of the damage heroin did to my organs. After I was discharged, I decided to look for a way out. At that point, I realized I really didn't want to die and my self-harming was just me crying for help.

Pihu sought therapy. With the help of her therapist, she could pin point the exact cause of her problem. Art therapy was recommended for Mena because she had a thing or arts.

" I express myself through my arts now. My paintings and drawings became an outlet for me to fully express myself and help keep my mental health in check. My works have been displayed in art galleries around the country, and for every time I receive praises for my work, I think back to the story behind it and my progress so far".

There are hundreds of women like Pihu who are confused about their mental health and can't seek help because of the stigma attached to it. Sometimes, it leads to them taking their lives. End mental health stigma by seeking help. You just might be like Pihu, who found help in the beauty of arts.