麻豆社

In the wake of coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter movement, we’ve asked seven Black illustrators to present raw and honest accounts of how they’re coping with their mental health during these uncertain times. These artworks have been produced in partnership with The Open University.

"Sometimes you can try to do everything in your power to stay positive, but the weight of the world will still get in the way. Don’t feel guilty for feeling down, burnout or lonely; be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and take time to rest."

"Keeping up to date with current affairs has been incredibly overwhelming over the last few months, especially in the midst of what feels like a constant stream of bad news. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re finding it hard to digest; you’re not the only one!"

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"Plant Mama: My plants have been a huge unexpected comfort to me. Whilst the world has felt like it’s at a standstill, day-to-day, week-to-week, life has been like Groundhog Day. Yet, my plants keep thriving. Their growth is a reminder that the world is still spinning and some things remain constant. When I see a new leaf sprout, it never fails to fill me with pure joy."

"Lockdown Hair Roulette: These past few months I’ve changed my hair multiple times. In lockdown I’ve felt a loss of control over most aspects of my life, but my hair is something that I have control over. When I need a refresh, a boost or distraction I change my hair. When it all gets too much I know I can take time out of the day to research natural hair treatments, braid my hair or hunt down my next look. I'm currently on my fifth lockdown hairstyle."

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"Finding ways to process some of my daily thoughts and concerns is an exhausting task, from responding to current Covid world affairs to seeing triggering news about the injustice of Black people being killed. There is a lot we have to carry on our shoulders."

"During these times of change I think it’s important to stay grounded and focused on what matters to you. Our physical and mental health is so key and should not be taken for granted. As we all find time to take the needed steps for our personal happiness and progression, don’t forget to be mindful of others and take care of loved ones, while still remembering the cause and our determination."

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"The Wave: Three generations, Grandma, Daughter & Granddaughter long to be held during a global pandemic and Black Lives Matter.

The wall, masks and virus act like a barrier, yet a simple gesture of a wave helps for a moment to heal isolated hearts."

"Yoga at Home: Taking time inwards to connect to the union and harmony between the mind, body and soul."

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"Virtual fatigue really set in a lot earlier than expected. I have been all Zoomed out since a month into lockdown. Netflix party just wasn’t cutting it for me anymore and the novelty of group WhatsApp calls has started to wear off. But there is something blissful and restorative about sitting beside a friend in the park in comfortable silence whilst watching ducks go by."

"You know when you wake up and check Instagram and you keep seeing someone's name being shared on everyone's story. You don’t immediately recognise the name and part of you can’t help but think... "Is this the name of another Black person who has been murdered by the police?" Then you find out that your suspicions were correct and you just think, “Wow, not again.”"

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"Was It Something I Tweeted?

The filter has come off. I have lost any reservations towards calling people out on their racism recently. I have been retweeting and sharing what some see as controversial topics, and others as their reality, to highlight how deep racism runs within our society. I have stopped filtering myself and I just KNOW my need to tell the truth has extinguished any hope I had for being hired by any company with a stringent social media policy - perfect timing now that I’m graduating.

Growing up, teachers told us to be careful about what we post on social media. Things like ‘make sure you’re not naked’ and ‘make sure you’re not drunk’… but no one ever taught us how to navigate political opinions. Today I am tweeting whilst the graduate recruiters I email are denouncing the movement and distancing themselves from the dialogue. I know they search our socials, of which none of mine are private; I know they see my tweets. I would be lying if I said rejection emails surprise me, however it is also a matter of fact that I ultimately have bills to pay - I feel I must decide between my own survival or advocating for my community’s survival."

"Where Were You When It Went Down?

The collective trauma felt across the globe when #BlackLivesMatter began trending triggered shockwaves of panic attacks through me. I already struggled to hold back tears after every demand by strangers online to explain how racism could exist. I did my best to express my anger towards the situation, painting my profiles with posts decrying the current climate, and simply blocking people who wanted to play ‘devil’s advocate’ in a weak guise to express their lack of empathy.

#BlackLivesMatter reminded me just how little the world cares about us and I was sure to let everyone know. But when it came to my friends asking me to go protest with them, I became increasingly self-conscious. Was I a hypocrite because I knew that going to a protest would put me at risk of contracting COVID? Around that time, I could not leave my house without a mask, and when I did my anxiety increased drastically - I still am so fearful that the person walking towards me on the street would spit at me. After all, I have had strangers hurl racist abuse at me, so why not? Why would I now go out to be in large crowds filled with people I don’t know, with health conditions I don’t know, whose passion for justice may have enticed them to go out without knowing they are a carrier of COVID? I know not being there physically is by no means a suggestion that I don’t care, but my intrusive thoughts tell me I didn’t do enough when my community needed me the most."

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"Lockdown has kept some of us away from the usual hustle and bustle our bodies were used to. A lot of energy we would release through the day now feels contained. I find that exercise helps me relax mentally, even if it’s jumping rope in the garden. There has been a lot going on in the news, social media and the world in general and it can be incredibly overwhelming at times. Exercising in the morning makes me feel better physically and mentally and it’s been a really key part of my daily routine through the uncertain times."

"The concept of a routine is often perceived as boring or too strict for some reason but during lockdown, it has helped me to feel grounded and more structured.

As a creative working from home, my routine was great before the virus. As things became hectic I made it a point to make sure I included things like reading and taking walks (when possible) in order to give myself other things to focus on every day.

I like to read a book for 30 mins in the morning and go for a short or long walk (depending on the deadlines ha) when possible and it really helps me process things better."

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