SM Stationery Art Fest: How Art Helped Me Deal with Depression

As a former corporate working woman, freelancer, aspiring blogger, and full-time momma, there are days that I find myself sad in one corner, asking myself, “What will make you happy? What will set you free from all the stresses this world has (and can possibly) give?” Don’t get me wrong: I love doing what I do, and embrace the challenges that come from the different hats I put on. But as much as I show everyone that I’m okay, of course there’s always that part of me that feels unfulfilled…that feels like there’s a hole, waiting to be filled.

I’ve always been a stationary hoarder. However, I [mostly] wouldn’t use anything I’ve bought. I feel like once I start, I wouldn’t stop. Or even if I try, I wouldn’t be as happy (since all I would still be thinking about are my problems, my woes, and the negativity). I felt like it would be a drag to work on any art projects I’ve always wanted to do (there are hundreds, trust me). Maybe because I feel insecure about my skills. Maybe I feel pressured with all that I’ve been seeing on my Instagram or Facebook feeds — that I could never compare to people like Abbey Sy, Alexis Ventura, Tippy Go, and the like.

I was diagnosed with depression a few years back. The weird thing is even if I take all of the medications my doctor would prescribe, and even if I go to countless therapy sessions, nothing would really change or shift the way I felt. Maybe I didn’t want to be “cured.” Or maybe this wasn’t the answer.

My therapist asked me, “What do you wanna do? What would make you feel better?” I told her, “I’ve always loved journaling, doing arts & crafts even if I’m not good at it. I loved collecting stationeries, taking photos, and making scrapbooks out if it.” 

Then she told me, “Don’t limit yourself to the idea that art is measured by how good you are compared to those who’ve seemingly set the bar for it. Remember, art is a form of expression. You don’t have to be good (unless you wanna pursue this professionally). Try isolating yourself — no laptop, no cellphones, no people. Ask your hubby & baby to go out. Remove all things that trigger any form of stress. Then bring out your tools, and start….No pressure. Let your emotions guide you to the direction of what you want to do. Then tell me how if felt the next time we see each other.”

I brought out some tools that I got from the SM Stationery’s Art Fest which I attended last April 13-17. Crowds of people actually made their way to SM Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall to browse arts & crafts collections from brands such as Faber Castell, Pentel Arts, IFEX Fine Papers, and Titus Pens! I was very fortunate to have been free to visit and check out stationery heaven!

SM Stationery’s Art Fest at Mega Fashion Hal, SM Megamall

Today’s generation is all about pursuing different art & crafts, such as doodling, painting, calligraphy, comic book illustrating, and a lot more. I’m very blessed to have family & friends that are artists in their own ways — all of who’ve inspired me to take this step in getting better, to help me deal with something that sometimes is out of my control.

That day, I wanted to write a letter to myself through hand lettering. I read Abbey Sy’s The ABC of Hand Lettering to guide me with this. What I created was something I never thought I’d be able to do. I’m not an artist. I’ll probably never consider myself as one, but art therapy helped me. Everyday, I’ve been doing small exercises that could take the emptiness, the heavy feelings away.

I’d love to thank SM Stationery for having these materials during the Art Fest…and for having it available nationwide. I find it therapeutic just walking into their stores, and seeing all the good paper & art tools I could use to deal with depression. I even tag my hubby & son along so we can do art therapy together. I write random love notes to the people at home, and have started working on mini-art projects that I want to give to those I hold most dear.

At least, I could say that the world’s becoming a brighter place. Depression isn’t something you can shrug off (contrary to other people’s beliefs). It’s something that could possibly haunt you, and even lead you to do things that are irreversible. But this new found love for the arts, for inspired creativity, and using it as a means to getting over my condition has been worthwhile. Finally, I get to do something I love, something that genuinely helps me, and something that’s allowing me to create stronger relationships with the people I love.

SM Stationery Art Fest

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