Now that it is May and World Collage Day is almost upon us (May 14!), I wanted to share an insight that I’ve discovered over the past three months.

First, we had Februllage, (@februllage), an entire month of collage prompts organized by Miss. Printed and Rhed Fawell. Then there was Marchollage, organized by Rachel Morris (@FiveByFiveCreativity) because Februllage became a lifeline for her after her parents’ passing. She created Marchollage to cope and to connect with other artists. She is not alone in creating collage as a coping method. I am one of them, and we are many. I was unable to participate in Marchollage because I signed up for CollageLab’s Spring Fling, a month long collage extravaganza, but I will definitely try to participate next year!

In getting to know the other artists who were participating in CollageLab’s Spring Fling, many of them had a similar story to mine and Rachel’s: crisis led them to collage. I began collage at the beginning of my struggles with mental health, and several participants and instructors in the Spring Fling echoed that they had taken up collage to cope with mental health issues, the pandemic, or personal crisis. Now that I am a part of the Pittsburgh Collage Collective (@pghcollagecollective on IG), several members have also said that collage helped them get through their mental health struggles, whether from circumstance, brain chemicals, or addiction.

Collage is mindfulness meditation in action. It’s very satisfying to take unlike parts and create something entirely new. The action of cutting requires all of your attention, as does the composing. It’s hard to think about anything else but the present moment when cutting, composing, or looking for that something yellow that needs to go just right there. It’s creating order from chaos, or the other way around. It’s also a way to play! In the Spring Fling, we learned about just playing to see what kinds of effects we could create with different materials. Collage can be anything that is attached to another thing, and the options are endless. No rules except your own. If you have been struggling in some way, tear something up and glue it back together. It may help a little. <3

If you have looked through my artwork, then you have probably realized that I am affected by a mental illness. I was finally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder last year, and as you know from my painting, "It's an ongoing process!" Because I have recently needed to reacquaint myself with some of these coping skills, and because it is winter and holiday season, I thought I would write about the things that I do to make myself feel better.

1. SLEEP/nap/lie down in a dark room and listen to ocean waves. If you can't actually sleep, just lying down in a quiet dark room or listening to relaxing sounds without the pressure of trying to sleep can still provide some rest for your body and mind.

2. Take a long, hot shower. Just stand there or actually use soap, doesn't matter. If you have the energy, take the time to comb your hair and brush your teeth afterwards. Grooming feels good when you haven't been able to for a while, and it is something that you can control if you feel otherwise overwhelmed.

3. Journal. Write down everything that you need to get out. Don't feel pressure to do it on a regular schedule. Just use it when you need it to make sense of your thoughts, emotions, life, etc.

4. Make art. I strongly recommend getting a huge piece of paper and something to draw with, then just scribbling with no intention or purpose other than to release that energy and emotion. Also, when I was at my darkest, I realized that just setting up my work area for making anything was--and is-- a simple pleasure that I enjoy. Making anything is good for you, whether it be a to do list or a nice meal. (Side note: I make lists for everything to keep me organized and to keep me from getting overwhelmed, from grocery and to do lists to the things I need to do to finish an artwork.)

5. Talk it out. I have said many times that everyone needs therapy and improv classes. So much of living with a mental illness is learning to retrain your brain's negative thought processes and replace them with positive/more constructive ones. Talk therapy is vital for that instruction and encouragement. Talking with a close friend or family member is good, too. And in desperate situations, a crisis hotline can also be helpful.

6. Sit outside in the sunlight or go for a walk. We need our vitamin D from the sun, especially in winter. I like to hang out with my dog in my yard. She gets to bark at things, and I get to enjoy the outdoors and her barking at things. <3

7. Clean. I don't particularly enjoy cleaning, but I do take pleasure in the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. Plus I like containing the chaos that occurs when life becomes a shitstorm and my house reflects it. Set a timer for ten minutes and you will be shocked at how much you can actually get done. Set it for longer when you feel more able. Or, just make it task oriented and set a goal to do dishes one day and a load of laundry the next.

8. MUSIC! Here is a lil playlist of a few songs that make me feel better through listening, singing, and dancing:

Ace of Base, "It's a Beautiful Life"

Phil Collins and N'Sync, "Trashin' the Camp" (Tarzan Soundtrack)

James Brown, "Get Up Offa That Thing" (Harriet the Spy Soundtrack ;))

Ricky Martin, "La Copa de la Vida/The Cup of Life"

Mary Mary, "Shackles"

Nappy Roots, "Good Day"

9. Treat yoself like Tom and Donna from "Parks and Rec." Do something just for you! Do something that you love doing! Go on a little road trip, see a movie, GET A MASSAGE! Get a milkshake or a peanut butter hot chocolate. Take a class or read a book. Dye your hair!

10. Remind yourself that you are a human being and that you are worthy. You do have value, even if you cannot see it in the current moment. Also remind yourself that nothing is permanent. Change is gonna come, and the darkness can't last forever.

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