Silent Scream

‘Silent Scream’ is a visual representation of the struggle of being unheard in mental health.

The distorted mouth, blurred by chaotic brushstrokes, symbolises the difficulty of expressing pain and the frustration of feeling silenced.

The monochrome palette conveys a sense of isolation, while the unfinished, raw texture of the background suggests the ongoing battle within.

The subject’s gaze, piercing yet distant, reflects a longing for understanding in a world that often overlooks inner turmoil.

This piece speaks to the countless individuals who struggle to have their voices acknowledged in mental health conversations.

Posted on: 9th July 2025

Seen Through

This piece has been created based on first hand account of being sectioned, shared in our weekly art group.

Our group create a safe space for those who have been in crisis to find community and this often naturally facilitates conversations of past experience.

I noticed most people do not have one blanket experience, they spoke of many layers, the many wards, nurses, doctors, groups and progression within their own illness and treatment through their stays.

Many comments on their experience of confusion, being lost, floating, dreamlike, some describe nightmares, losing track of time, losing sense of self and the outside world.

When their friends are sectioned now, they feel they’ve lost them. As the person sectioned becomes isolated, unlike themselves and refuses phone calls.

I get a sense that these individuals have lost hope and can’t imagine rejoining the world or even conversing with it.

However, some felt safe at times, cared for by kind nurses and content with access to gardens and daily activities. This disparity between accounts I’ve heard over the years of facilitating the group is astounding.

The painting’s colours are depictions of clinical environments and the layers of emotions and safety to fear, confusion and contentment.

Eyes are featured to represent the individuals who added to this accumulated account and the range of emotions felt.

I thank those who have shared and supported each other through these conversations. They’ve consented to this being shared anonymously.

Posted on: 9th July 2025

Reclaiming life with BPD/EUPD

Borderline Personality Disorder. Sounds frightening, sounds unsettling, sounds unmanageable. As someone living with this complex mental health condition, I can tell you that I am not any of these things. And I am definitely not a disorder; I am a person full of love, with so much to give.

The conversation around BPD is very misunderstood and loaded with stigma.

Too many people, including professionals, are unkind, discriminatory, and apathetic. This discourages people getting the support and empathy they deserve.

People living with BPD are not problems, they are individuals with passions and dreams and aspirations. In fact, something that is not portrayed in the media, is that those with this condition have some incredibly positive traits.

We are so compassionate, loyal, resilient, creative, extremely courageous and exceptionally empathetic – just to name a few!

Living with this diagnosis is a daily struggle and has been for as long as I can remember.

I feel huge intense waves of emotion that are overwhelming and all-consuming and can cause agonising emotional pain.

I find it hard to know and accept myself as well as interact with others. I have battled horrible thoughts for many years. I can be impulsive and think in rigid extremes. I am a survivor of trauma.

My mental health story is not beautiful, but my journey in recovery is.

For years and years, every single day was terrifying and painful, I saw no light in my darkest times and merely survived. I believed that I couldn’t carry on.

But my story didn’t end. Hospital admissions, medication and therapy saved me. I am so fortunate to have met some incredible people who showed me hope and kindness and re-ignited my inner strength.

I am now years into building an impactful and hopefully inspiring career. Working for Mind in West Essex has given me so much purpose and I will continue to share my journey forever because I have seen and learnt that sharing my story is truly my superpower.

The last message I’d like to leave here is that although Borderline Personality Disorder might be a condition that you struggle to understand or connect with, one invaluable demonstration of support you can give is to be unshakeably kind and compassionate.

It is in addition, so important to educate on BPD in order to reinforce the right information and also journeys of healing. There are many things that help keep me well, such as having strong social connections/friendships, hugs, journalling, being creative, mindfulness, exercise and dance.

Recovery is possible! It may not be easy, but it is definitely worth it. I am very proud of how far I’ve come, the progress I am continuing to make and the positive influence I’m creating. I now can confidently say that I have built a life worth living and I will continue striving to help others in doing the same.

By Holly Deboo, Online Group Facilitator and Co-Facilitator of Complex Mental Health Conditions Training at Mind in West Essex

Posted on: 8th July 2025

Living in a box

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Posted on: 30th May 2025

To Melancholy

I stand poised without gills, Keep your light from my sorrowful sight, The nutrient in […]

Posted on: 20th July 2023