By: Morgan, 2024 Magnify Voices artist and People’s Choice winner
When I submitted my essay about growing up with mental illness to the Magnify Voices Art Contest, I didn’t expect more than a chance to share my story. The contest turned out to be way more than that.
Participating in this contest is something I could have never imagined as a little kid. I could never believe that there would be a time when I wasn’t surrounded by the darkness and struggle that mental illness brought. For as long as I can remember, mental illness had a strong grasp on my life, controlling my ability to enjoy growing up and to see the beauty that life brings. Through years of psychotherapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment and medication, I have been able to work myself up to a point where life isn’t so heavy, and I can see how I DO have control over my mental illness.
Through this healing process, I also discovered how much I love psychology. I became interested in learning about mental illness and how it affects the brain. By realizing this about myself, I was able to find so much peace with what I was going through. I became passionate about helping others find the same peace I did and supporting them through their struggles with mental health. When I found out about Magnify Voices through a friend at school who had previously participated, it seemed like the perfect way to take my darkness and turn it into light that could help guide others through their darkest times.
Reflecting on my journey has shown me how healing it can be to look back and truly understand what I’ve been through. For example, when I first started writing my essay, I was worried that no one would understand my story or that it wasn’t valid enough to share. This caused me to pause my writing process and consider whether sharing this vulnerable part of me was worth it. While taking time to reflect, I began to see the positives that would come along with sharing my story, and how they would override what I thought the negatives may be. I began to see how people could find my story relatable, or feel inspired to speak up if they saw that someone else could. I thought that if my story could even make one person feel less alone in theirs, then the unrealistic negatives I considered would be worth it. These healing thoughts motivated me to find my voice and submit my essay.
In May, my family and I attended the Magnify Voices celebration at New England College, where all of the artists’ pieces were displayed. Upon entering the exhibit, I was overwhelmed by the amount of raw talent and emotion that was presented. I was moved by the supportive atmosphere that this showcase offered, as it felt like we all understood each other. After viewing all of the pieces and voting for the one that stood out the most, we made our way to the auditorium. There, we learned more about the contest, and then 12 finalists were announced. It was so special to see how we all had different ways of expressing our stories, and how they are all appreciated and beautiful. My friend, Mia, who had previously introduced me to the contest, walked onto the stage to speak on her experience with mental health advocacy and also had the role of declaring the People’s Choice Award winner. I was so surprised when I heard her announce my name as the winner.
I shot up and made my way to the stage, where I read my essay to the crowd. I was touched to look out and see the warm smiles and teary eyes of the audience members. It hit me that I was able to connect with others in such a meaningful way by sharing my story, and this only further ignited my passion for mental health advocacy.
Following Magnify Voice, I became a youth volunteer with YouthWell New Hampshire, which has guided me to countless opportunities. I have been able to become a panel member of YouthWell’s Screenagers discussion and of Dartmouth Health’s Political Drivers of Health Symposium, in addition to joining the Magnify Voices planning committee and participating in NAMI New Hampshire’s Public Policy Committee meetings. Most importantly, I have been able to prove to myself that I am capable of making it through the challenging moments of life – and that those are what help me find my meaning and my voice.
The Magnify Voices Art Contest is an event that not only celebrates the creativity of youth artists but also demonstrates the healing power that art brings. I am so grateful to have been a part of Magnify Voices. It has changed my life and I could not recommend it more.
