A New Beginning

     I haven't touched this blog in over two years. I guess I got busy and it just wasn't something I really wanted to devote my time to anymore. Recently, I started mulling around ideas of how to make this blog more meaningful, important, relevant. And like The Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz once said, I really "had the power all along" to make this blog better! I have shared some of my family's journey here, speaking about our struggles with mental illness. I've mainly shared it with you through some of my art, which was inspired by my daughter, who has Borderline Personality Disorder. I've also talked about my childhood and how I believe my mother has BPD, also. Recently, my sons were diagnosed with anxiety. Without going through these challenges, I don't think I would have been as inspired to be the artist I am today. So what better way to take these life events, that are shared by many-1 in 4 adults in the US have a mental health issue at some point in their life-than incorporating mental health awareness into my art blog.

      I was also inspired to do this after I began reading a book titled, "Remnants of a Life on Paper: A Mother and Daughter's Struggle with Borderline Personality Disorder" by Bea Tusiani, Pamela Tusiani and Paula Tusiani-Eng. The mother and sister wrote a book about their daughter/sister, using excerpts from her journals, since she is no longer with us. The book was so powerful and raw, I could relate to it so much. It was painful, I'm sure, for them to write, but they felt it necessary to share their journey, much like I feel the need to share mine. Thankfully my daughter is on the path to recovery, as are my sons, but there are still challenges along the way. Recovering from mental illness is never easy. But I want people to know they are not alone on their journey and that recovery is possible. I have had many people email me or make comments on how my art has touched them, due to the fact that they themselves or someone they know has a mental illness. Statistically speaking, we all know someone with a mental illness whether we realize it or not...it could be your neighbor,someone at your church or work place. The more mental illness is talked about, the less difficult it will become for people to get help without fear. That is my goal...to share my art, my journey and to make this blog a place where people can discuss mental health issues freely. I hope you join me on this journey!

Hidden~18" x 24" acrylic~ by Juli Cady Ryan
One should not feel they have to hide their mental illness. The beautiful surroundings in this painting contrast with the little girl who is fearful and hiding with her stuffed bunny. A lot like real mental illness, where many suffer without getting help, pretending they are fine as the world moves around them.