Reaching Out Is A Strength

This artwork (acrylic on watercolour paper) is part of a “Mental Health Greeting Card” series that counters ongoing stigma around mental health in South Asian communities, and beyond. The aim of the project is to use images, like this one, as a gift to oneself or to a loved one who is experiencing hard times, including anxiety, depression, trauma, a headspace one cannot describe in words, or suicidal thoughts. The image is intended to express love and to affirm that reaching out during difficult times, whether to a trusted friend, therapist, family member, community organization, or hotline, is a sign of strength. The series aims to affirm that being vulnerable and honest with oneself takes true courage and grit.