Written and illustrated by Avyashi Agarwal, a grade 5 student

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10^th October every year. The objective of this day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The World Federation for Mental Health decides a theme for this day every year, and this year’s theme (2022) was: making mental health and well-being for all a global priority.

As a part of my effort toward this theme, I have made a portrait signifying the importance of thoughts and emotions.

My painting is a depiction of the use of  Art Therapy for portraying various human emotions.

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting, drawing, or modelling, used as a remedial or diagnostic activity. I have used the colour theory used in Art Therapy to represent some emotions:

• Grey and Yellow: Anxiety and stress            
• Red: Excitement, stimulation, agitation
• Blue: Peace and tranquillity                
• Pink: Hope and Love                     

What is the significance of my artwork??

NOTE: To understand the true meaning and significance of this painting, kindly refer to what some of the colours represent in Art Therapy (mentioned above).

Globally, anxiety and stress are the most common mental health disorders. As mentioned above, grey and yellow represent anxiety/stress and since they are the most commonly encountered, they both take one complete half of the human brain, while all other colours are put together to take the other (right) half.

Also, grey and yellow are seen more on the bottom because feelings of anxiety and stress weigh you down, and thus, are not good for your health. Blue, representing peace and tranquillity is dripping from the forehead.  With this, I want to signify that all the complex negative emotions of the mind can be controlled and won over by positively training our mind with techniques such as meditation and psychological counselling.

It’s most important to address these issues and seek help.                                                               

I hope you understood the message this artwork carries!! Let’s come together and raise awareness for mental health issues!!!

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