As the prevalence of mental health issues increases and affects an ever larger number of our friends and family, it becomes essential that we create spaces for folks to talk about how they overcame or persisted despite mental health challenges. Here, we’ve tried to create a safe space for people to come together and discuss their stories, experiences, triumphs and failures with managing their mental health issues.
Taylor Rains
Hello! My name is Taylor Rains, and I am so honored to be featured for a third time in a Voyage interview! The creative space has always been more than just an outlet for me, whether through music, ministry, fashion, or social media…my intention is always to encourage, inspire, and bring a little extra sunshine wherever I can. Read more>>
Christopharo
I never intended on becoming a self-published author, mostly because of mental health issues (for as much as I hate to admit it). For over 20 years I was a professional Illustrator & Designer in the toy and entertainment industries and produced work for brands associated with companies such as NBCUniversal, MGA Entertainment, Van Group, Marvel Comics, and Starz Encore. Read more>>
Sadie Ross
In 2021 I suffered from my first season-pausing knee injury, a partially torn right patella tendon. I was out for 3.5 months of a short 7 month season. Everyone told me it was supposed to be “my year” which made the devastation so much worse. Read more>>
Dan Barone
As a child, I believed that something was wrong with me. Nothing I did seemed to be good enough for my Dad. I struggled to live up to his expectations and his approval always had strings attached. I felt like I had to be something other than myself because I wasn’t enough on my own. Read more>>
Lindsey Wellman
I started this Micro Bakery as a way to not only bake bread for my family but to provide nourishing food for those around me. I wanted to take care of people in a way that I wanted to be taken care of. Having a difficult pregnancy led to Post Partum depression and the Stronger Than Your Mind Academy. I credit Nicola Parker’s strategies with saving my life and helping me create this business. Read more>>
Kendra Visioli
In 2016, my husband and I welcomed twin boys, joining their big brother who was only 17 months old at the time. In the midst of intense sleep deprivation and the overwhelm of 3 under 2, I found myself in the dark pit of postpartum depression. We didn’t have family nearby, but co-workers and friends rallied to support us and to keep showing up for our family. Read more>>
Joni Johnson
This question is nineteen years in the making, and counting. Where do I even begin? Full disclosure- Because of my philosophical, spiritual + abstract mind that loves new ideas + creating unseen possibilities, I deeply struggle to navigate my historical, autobiographical timeline with ease. So, for the sake of guessing when things happen + it being inaccurate, I will just leave them out. Read more>>
Sarah Herrin
Beyond The Veil Press, an indie trans-owned publisher of poetry and art, persists despite mental health challenges by building community and reminding others that they are not alone. We launched during the pandemic at a time when many of us were forced to look at mental health struggles head on, at a time when we were the most isolated. Read more>>
Vee Blooming
I’ve overcome by changing habits ,first is therapy super helpful! Most importantly just staying positive and making sure my support system was solid. Then there’s boundaries! Set those boundaries…NONE NEGOTIABLE to not allow anything make you feel away! Read more>>
Stefani Beckerman
Honestly, I feel like my ability to breakthrough mental and emotional barriers began with a choice. A decision I made at an early age to know, trust and believe there was a way to transcend the pain. I just knew there was a way to feel better, and I trusted that if I could see the root of the problem I could shift it. I’ve been committed to this path for a long time. Read more>>
Mark Krstich
(I wanted to preface my response to this as I had difficulty choosing between this topic and finding my purpose. Thus, I’m going to tie in both questions and how they are linked ) For more than a decade, I struggled with substance abuse and addiction which nearly cost me my life. Even after my near-death experience, I was back to drinking and drugging within a few months and it continued to spiral from there. Read more>>
Itiayo Ogunsanwo
I just go back to basics. Every time I’ve experienced creative block, it has been because I was putting pressure on myself/trying to re-invent the wheel for external validation. Whenever you have a successful project that gets really good reception, you automatically feel that the next one has to top it. Read more>>
Carly Kreiger
As a videographer and creative business owner, creative blocks are one of the toughest things to overcome. Because solving people’s problems through creativity is my job, there is a lot of pressure to consistently perform at a high creative level and always have a new and different idea for a client. Read more>>
Xingrui Xu
Creativity is a wonderful thing, and I think a lot of times it’s just a flash in the pan. I think most young artists don’t stick to the rules, at least I’m not. I am willing to accept new things, in fact, I especially like to chat with my nephew, and sometimes with some children who learn pottery from me, I think their minds are always jumping and flying. Read more>>
Rebecca Sloan Blanton
I believe that maintaining a calm state is crucial for creativity. It’s essential to release negative emotions or triggers to return to a state of relaxation, calmness, peace, and playfulness, which can truly unlock creative potential. I’ve learned to recognize when I’m in a triggered state and take steps to calm down before diving into a creative flow. Read more>>
Megan Mbengue
As a content creator who has grown my business from scratch with short-form engaging and educational content, creativity blocks can happen! Microdosing has been my most successful tool in overcoming them. Read more>>
Tony Lockhart
When I have a creative block, I step away and try to do non-creative activities that can inspire me or aid in creativity. I leave my creative bubble I am often in and go live a little. A few activities that have helped me were simple as playing board games with friends, people watching, music bingo, going to a concert, walking a trail, archery, or going for a drive. Read more>>
Quinn Vasileva
Creative Blocks happen to everyone, no matter what type of artist they are. It’s a common thing, which is why it’s important to figure out how to get past it. As a writer and an actor, I’ve had to push through my fair share of blocks. I am a very creative individual, and I always have “plot bunnies” jumping around in my head. However, even as someone who has a very active imagination, sometimes I just can’t get on paper. Read more>>
Aaron St. Louis
My most effective and, thankfully, easiest method for overcoming a creative block is simply enjoying someone else’s art, especially art that is outside of my own method/style/approach. Being able to find inspiration any and everywhere is what keeps my writing robust and exciting for myself. Experiencing, consuming, & digesting art from sculptures, to paintings, to instrumentals, to simply conversations with peers, newcomers and predecessors feels like I am entering new worlds of creativity, where I get the chance to be the wanderer, rather than the orchestrator. Read more>>
Katourie Walker
Meditation and creating art is what I do to nurture my self-care. . Practicing meditation and doing art has impacted my overall well-being tremendously. Ever since I was a little girl my mother taught me to be still, breathe, and be mindful. At the time I didn’t know how much it would impact my life. as far as relieving stress, anxiety, and fear. Read more>>
