I tried really hard to avoid any triggers and keep this video as upbeat as possible while still sharing my mental health struggles. Please recognize that this video is made from a place of love & vulnerability and I’d appreciate it if you could withhold any negative comments. Love y’all 🫂
I sincerely appreciate you tacking such a delicate topic SO WELL. Thank you for being vulnerable and putting this out there, because this is the kind of thing that can legitimately help someone else. I'm grateful you took the time to share.
P.S. I journal every day, and it's incredible, when I'm down, to read how UP I was before. Or when I'm UP, to read how DOWN I was before. When we're in the valley it's like "This is me now." So the journal - keeping track of how I feel each day, whether good or bad - reminds me "Nah man, this will pass." HOPE. That's critical. A person must maintain some degree of hope, I believe.
Thank you so much for watching - I do really hope this video helps others feel less alone 🥹 I love the journal idea! When I was doing a mood journal and tracking my feelings it was super easy to see my patterns and remind myself the hard times would pass and happiness was just around the corner. And I totally agree that hope and looking forward is incredibly important 💫
Thanks for this. You shared your story so beautifully and it's certainly not easy being vulnerable like that. While I have not been diagnosed with anything, I certainly have my struggles with mental health as well. It's very encouraging to see videos like this and goes a long way for a lot of people like me. Keep up the amazing work Raq, you're an amazing person with so much to offer!❤️
When I saw your thumbnail for this on my RU-vid, I went "hell yeah!" Because you were putting it out there, which I know was a hard decision for you - and as you said in your video, this is step to being fully yourself. It's not all kittens, puppies, and rainbows in real life, even if we want it to be. I'm so glad you got your diagnosis and it's giving you the facts and tools you need to feel better and be easy on yourself when needed. A lesson we could all learn - be kind to ourselves, as well as others. :)
@@RaqrexArt It's been easy to go into a doom-spiral these past handful of years, so reminders that while we're all different, with flaws and super-powers of our own, we can choose to put in the work to make our (and our surrounding) world a better place. Kudos for putting yourself out there.
@@voidwraithprime8521 Thank you! And yes exactly - sometimes all we can do is brighten up our own little corners of the world but every little bit helps ☀️
Thanks for sharing! I wish I had seen a psychiatrist years before I eventually did. It’s never too late though and I’m glad I did. Team Major Depressive Disorder!…. It’s like bipolar without the upsides 😂🥹😭😐
Thanks Jeremy - I certainly feel a bit of remorse/loss for getting diagnosed so late in life but to echo what you said I’m sure glad I finally saw a psychiatrist to get help.
Nice work, it's good to put out this kind of information. Yes, there certainly seems to be some link between creativity and depression. I have been walking through the dark woods for years and it's only now that I am getting to see a little light. Crafting does help. I've also been working hard on myself for about 12 years or so now and though I can't see progress from day to day, I can see how far I have come over those years. There's still a lot of work to do but hearing about your struggles (and struggles from other creators) really does help. Raqrex bravery FTW! Thank you!
Thank you so much 🥲 It means a lot to me to hear how you relate. Progress is often not linear in the realm of mental health but if you work at it consistently it will trend positive over time 🤗
I'm so glad you "came out" with this. What a silly notion, huh? Mental illness needs to be addressed and normalized by our society. The world needs to KNOW that living with disabilities or illnesses that don't show are just people like everyone else. Everyone has their struggles and we need to love each other. That aside, I love how you put this video together. The imagery is spot on.
Haha exactly! You wouldn’t HIDE a broken leg yet society expects us to keep discussions about mental illness hidden. I agree that we all have our struggles and support and love is the best path forward 🫂 ✨
Bravo for sharing your struggles! Making music and art are my therapy and it helps significantly when my mental health is not at its best. Thank you so much for making this video!
Thanks for sharing this Raquel. Such a good video. So many of us have Mental Health issues that go unspoken, and that are afraid of either the stigmas behind them, or admitting weakness. I think if there is a silver lining to the pandemic, its really demonstrated just how prevalent mental health issues are and also how important our social support systems are. I think the veil is finally dropping in society, and the need to understand and de-stigmatize things like this are finally happening. Its nice to see someone putting themselves out there and being a part of the solution. If each of us can just talk about it a little more, show that its not something to be embarrassed about, and get even just one more person to start talking about their issues, then I think we're all on the way to a better world. Thanks for doing your part to not just find an opportunity to express yourself, but to also look out for the rest of us.
Thanks for watching and for the thoughtful comment. I agree with you completely - going through the stress of the pandemic really heightened a lot my negative feelings and pushed me to take more action than before. And yes we all have to start the conversation to reduce the stigma and help others feel less alone 🫂
As someone who was diagnosed with both ADHD and a dissociative disorder last year, on top of being an autistic adult, I feel this rather deeply. It was very brave of you to share this with us. Thank you so much, you are most definitely not alone.
Thank you for sharing! People truly need to get passed the stigma of mental health and be more open. I've had my issues over the years (anxiety, depression, etc.) and - while I'm still a wip - I've managed to get the right help over time and be in a stable existence. Unfortunately, not everyone does and I've lost a few over the years. Most recently, I lost my aunt on 5/30. We weren't aware of her mental health issues, but she had it difficult the last few years between teaching, covid, losing my grandmother and then battling breast cancer. Even with a wonderful family, great kids, amazing husband, financial stability, getting her physical health back...she just broke. Apparently, she had just started seeing a psychiatrist, too, but she refused to take anti-depressants and, in the end, made the decision to take her own life. It's almost cliche, but she really was the last person I thought would do that. It just goes to show that you never know what people are battling in their heads and it's that much more important to be open about your own issues and to seek help.
Thank you for sharing this story. Really sounds like the world lost a very special person 😔 I hate to say that I have experienced similar loss in my life. Several of my friends lost their battles with mental illness. However, it does teach us just how important it is to manage these things and take care of each other. I wish I could bring those people back but since I can’t I will just try to brighten the world for others. Sending you a virtual hug and lots of support 🫂
As someone with ADHD and depression, I want to say thank you for sharing. I just lost my job a few days ago, and I’ve been considering making a RU-vid channel. You have fully convinced me that I can do this, and that I can enjoy my life a bit more than I currently do. So thank you! I have subscribed 🥰❤️
Thanks for the sub Josh and welcome! I’m sorry to hear about your job but hopefully a new door will open for you. RU-vid is a tough beast - still just a side hustle for me and I work full time at a day job but I find it incredibly rewarding to make artistic and supportive videos 😊 Best of luck!!!
PS there are lots of fantastic tutorials on YT about editing and filming that I wish I had watched before just jumping into my channel and learning by failing…so I recommend doing some research and learning from my mistakes haha
Thank you for sharing this! It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable with your challenges, but it's so important that we realize everyone has them. You mentioned how people compliment you on your positivity, and there's something there that I think a lot of people may not realize. Sometimes, I'm the most positive outward when I'm struggling the most inside. And it's because of a desire to prevent my pain from affecting others, because it makes me feel good to make other people happy, and a little bit because I'm hiding the fact that I'm hurting. We really never know what someone is going through unless they tell us.
Thanks for watching and for sharing your story with me. I 100% know that feeling and it can be heavy. I love being a ray of sunshine for people but sometimes it takes so much energy to be that person. Here’s hoping we can both create more balance in our lives 💕
Rock on! Crazy is good - you're not alone. Heck, look at the "normal" folks, they're gone down the road WACKO! For what it's worth, the two most beneficial "therapies" I've found are making stuff and bonding with nature. Thanks for sharing your world along with your cool creations!
Thank you SO much for sharing this! Since my ADHD and ASD diagnosis it has been a weird an tough journey of acceptance, frustration, anxiety, ... Reading and watching people's stories is in itself therapeutic. I hope find the calm and rest you need and the creative flow to keep doing the amazing art you do. You're not alone and we're rooting for you :)
You’re so welcome and thank you for watching! It’s a big wild world and it’s important to remind ourselves that whatever we are going through there is probably someone out there who has gone through it as well 🫂
Super amazing of you to be so open about this, definitely think it's something that isn't talked about enough. Making things and being creative doesn't only look one way, the coolest part is seeing how differently everyone works~
Agree! And actually one thing I love about your videos is seeing how differently you make things and create than I would…for example singing and making floors that no one will ever see 😉 Thanks for watching my friend…whoops I mean fiend…
I really relate to this Raqrex. I grew up like that, miserable as a teen. Everyone else just grew up a lot more positive than me for some reason and even now as an old man... Despite the whole 'I have no friends' spiel on my channel, it's kind of true. I find it really hard to relate to positive people, they always come across as ingenuine to me. Even if they aint.
Hi old man 💕 I’m glad you were able to get something out of my video - I find it very hard to relate to or even understand people who are able to create, work, or even socialize consistently. Like I mentioned in the video consistency is really tough for me.
I still see a gorgeous,wonderful, magnificent, talented amazing woman, I get depressed alot, procrastinate, fall into a sad dark hole....You motivate people and make people happy. keep smiling that beautiful smile ❣
I’m sorry to hear you fall into the darkness as well but I’m glad you seem to grasp the other side of it as well 🤗 Thank you so much for your kind words and I will do my absolute best to continue making happy and inspiring content 💫
Thanks for sharing! the brain goblins can be real troublesome and having the reminder that other people are out there doing the best they can is always good!
Mental health awareness, it's a conversation that needs to be normalized and accepted so everyone can get the help they need. Nearly everyone has some mental health issue even if they don't see it. To me, normal is just this bizarre state of trying to justify why I feel different than I expect I should based on observing others. I've struggled with it for years but as more people open up with these issues it's becoming more clear I'm not the only one and I need to accept my own feelings and attempt to deal with how I work. Not always easy to do, however. Good video, appreciate your words.
Thank you Chris 🫂 I’d love to live in a world where you show up to work and someone asks “oh how’s your sprained ankle healing up? Oh and how’s your mental health today?” Mental health struggles are just as important and “normal” as physical struggles and we should be supporting each other during any type of healing. Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience 💕
I am an artist/creative with BPD so I feel you on all points and find the ups and downs makes things hard sometimes. But it's also my superpower in the creative space, as it allows the ability to back and forth with styles and ways of creating
I loved the kittens of Bipolar! Lol. I thought you conveyed your message perfectly, it was really upbeat and also really honest. It's pretty brave putting yourself out there. I have schizophrenia, but I guess I'm one of the super lucky ones that kind of made a full recovery. It's important to see posts from people like you. Man, you seem like you're crushing it. Love your videos. Thanks dude, have an awesome week. X
Meow 🐈 🐈⬛ Thank you! I’m so happy to hear you’re on the up & up. We need to hear more stories like that to give people hope 🥹 Appreciate you for watching and commenting!
Bipolar Disorder Type 2 here as well, diagnosed late in life. Hypomania is an AMAZING feeling. My Dr described it as close to what it feels like to use meth. I compared it to having the energy level and "WOO HOO" feeling of coke. I could get *everything* done, it was the best feeling, pure awesome positivity and productivity and creativity. The depressive cycle is agonizing. 100% distillation of dull uncaring agonizing gray. Telling me to smile or change my attitude was not the wisest thing for people to say to me during that phase. Therapy apparently wasn't helping me so I was put on Lamotrigine. And like magic, within a few short weeks the swings went away. No more hypomania, no more low level suicidal ideation, no more weeks of tears due to the hopeless gray. Unfortunately, it also killed my creativity. I was never an "artist", but painting and writing and RPG worldbuilding and miniature landscape creation...all of those flowed out of me. Now, no matter how many motivational vids or "how to deal with X" vids I watch, no matter how many times I pull out my unpainted minis and the paints and brushes and all the rest....nothing. Nada. On the other hand, my work and family life are TONS better :). Seriously, that drug saved my marriage, my relationships with my kids, my job, and on and on. So I watch creators and artists such as yourself, and live vicariously through you :) And I truly am grateful for that outlet. Thank you for this vid, thank you for being a creator and showing us your art, and thank you for actually reading this long post (y'know, if you actually did, lol)
Sorry for my slow reply but YES I READ THE WHOLE THING haha 😂 I appreciate you sharing your story and I’m so happy to hear medication has helped you out so much! I can really relate to your description of Hypomania and I have also started medicine that has changed my life, improved my relationships, and my self esteem! It’s a bummer though that it has messed with your creativity. Do you get much exercise? I find that I get all my best ideas when I am moving around walking my dog, going on a hike or riding my bike - maybe that could help you? Wishing you nothing but the best of luck!
Thank you for sharing. And you are who are, and that's good. I found that it was a great relief when I found out about that darkness that seems to come out of nowhere. I am not bipolar but depression is a constant companion for 37 years now. Often I can't ask for help but I guess it's part of my journey. The things that need to happen will do in just time.
I think the “bipolar feelings” I describe in this video are feelings that most of us humans experience in some capacity. Talking about mental health certainly helps me crawl out of my darkest spots, I think it helps most of us and I’d love to see it happen more often. I’m proud of you for sharing your story with me and working on yourself as well 💙
Thanks for sharing! Coping with mental illness is such a struggle become the human thing to do is to package it into neat boxes, but everyone is affected differently. I'm in this weird space between bipolar disorder, ADHD, and OCD. I believe openness is usually a good thing and that hiding it only causes more stress. I love your description of your superpower! I get get that, would be rad to finish projects though. Cool eyewormies
Thank you for sharing your story as well! And yes different disorders and struggles hit us all differently but sharing our common ground makes it feel more “normal.” And thank you about the eye worm creatures haha one of them has already been re-homed to live in a potted plant 🪴
Thanks for talking about this with such an open heart. I know it probably was difficult, but you did great. The parts about stopping to ask yourself why you can't be as consistent as others and having to pause time to create all you wanna do hit home. Thanks again for this video. :)
Thanks for watching and for your support 🤗 This video was in fact very challenging for me but the outpour of positive comments has already made it feel worth it 🥲
❤️❤️ Thank you for making this video! I also was diagnosed with Type 2 Bipolar disorder about 5 months ago. Since my diagnosis I've been on a mood stabilizer, which I'm happy to say has helped me manage my highs and lows. I've been able to focus on art to a degree I haven't done since elementary school, and it's so good to be myself in that way again 😌
Wow! We’re on such a similar timeline 😂 I am also on a stabilizer and it has helped me IMMENSELY. It’s wild. I’m able to focus and get a lot more work done than before. And now that I know what is going on I can feel at peace when I’m not capable of getting things done.
@@RaqrexArt Couldn't agree more. Also, as an outlet for the negative things when even meds, good friends and your favourite album isn't helping the ability to just visualise something that puts how you feel into more than words and project it can actually shift the funk in a really meaningful way. In all honesty, without taking up playing music, blacksmithing or art... I probably wouldn't still be here.
@@RaqrexArt Me too, things are much better now I have meds that work (although side effects can suck at times but that's a whole other kettle of fish). Glad to see you deal with Bipolar in such a positive way, it has so much stigma still. Some of my favourite celebs are people who have lived with it, and still been hugely successful (Jim Carrey, Carrie Fisher, Stephen Fry)... sure it can be rough but the stigma is totally unwarranted. Love your content can't wait for more!
Thanks Raq, you made a very good and touching video. I loved it. And thanks for sharing🤗 I just got my second diagnosis. I think your view actually helps a lot.
As someone who has struggled with depression my entire 50 years on this planet, I can very much relate. I commend you for being brave enough to share your story; and let others know that there is help out there and that they're not alone. ❤️
Thank you for your kind words 🤗 I think most of us have something going on behind the scenes and hiding it just adds too much weight to it. Here’s to encouraging others to be open and get help 💫
👏👏👏 It's great to hear that you're doing well and learning to deal with what you have going on inside this alien head of yours. You always bring me joy with the cool videos and even cooler personality. Can't wish you nothing but the best =)
Thanks for sharing lovely. I must admit whenever I say I am waffling a bit much and say have an anxiety disorder on my little channel, I wonder what my listeners are hearing and thinking. Self acceptance for being different than "normal" (whatever the fuck normal is), is an interesting journey, but I feel it's one that us creatives can embrace more easily. Firstly because we think about things deeply, and secondly because it is part of our skill-set to pull all sorts of ideas from everywhere and cohese them into an art form. I love how we are all different and to me it's way more interesting than supposedly "normal".
Ahhh yes “normal”…what is that?! Haha Different minds and ideas are what make this world beautiful 💙 Kudos to you for sharing your mental health struggles on your channel as well - the more we all talk about it the more others can feel empowered to take care of themselves.
I’m sure it was scary as hell to put it all out there, but it was really well done and honestly uplifting. Those little monsters deserve an ‘odd couple’ show in stop motion, so cute! Someone get to work on pausing time…
Hi Raq!👋🏻 I know about bipolar disorder because my mother has it, the social stigma towards these disorders is really a problem. You were right to make a video like this, some time ago I made a video in which I made a creation whose proceeds from the sale went to a support association for the families of people with mental disorders. Hope you can find a cure that stabilizes you as best as possible! ✌🏻 Good everything.😊
Hello 👋 and thank you! That’s so wonderful that you did that with one of your videos! And so far I’m on some medication that is really helping me 🥲 The future seems bright.
Inappropriate, one eye..... Ooohh shoot missed opportunity.😏 But seriously I am proud of you that you made this really personal video. People need to know that there is nothing wrong with getting help or talking about something that might not be the norm. Also you are not your disorder. If you had crones decease that would define you so why would a mental disorder be any different. My ex has border line disorder and she has had so many therapy groups and sessions. She always says don't hide behind you disorder and that seems to be a general truth.
Someone had to attempt to make a joke about them 😂 Also how am I to keep up with all your screen names?! Hahah And yes 100% - any sort of condition is not you. Humans are more complex than that. We are all so different and that makes life beautiful ✨
