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
