Below, you will see a beautiful picture and the extremely talented person who created it, Kayleigh Ingram. Kayleigh's work can be found on Instagram, @skyhighart_, with all the proceeds going towards an epilepsy charity and a COVID-19 charity.
However, behind such talent and selflessness is a story. One that is not always easy to tell, but Kayleigh's clear desire to help others has also led to her willingness to share her story. So, please enjoy the rest of this piece where you get to know the person behind the canvas, which makes what is on the canvas even more valuable.
Q: Kayleigh, why specifically a charity for epilepsy and a charity for COVID-19?
Kayleigh: Covid-19 has affected everyone in the world right now in many different ways. I wanted to do my part to help. I chose this epilepsy charity as I have epilepsy and have had it ever since I was 14. This completely changed my life. I became extremely ill, having multiple seizures a day. This also affected my mental health as epilepsy itself can have a big impact on your life. This can cause problems in education, work, everyday life, and relationships which all effects your mood. It made me feel embarrassed, anxious, and depressed. But I came to realise that all these emotions are perfectly normal and it's okay to feel that way. This specific charity has helped me adapt to my everyday life and cope with this drastic change.
Q: You mention that epilepsy affected your mental health. If you feel comfortable doing so, could you please expand on that a little?
Kayleigh: I have had depression for many years. This started when my epilepsy was at its worst, my life consisted of having a seizure or sleeping at the age of 15. I was unable to leave the house as I was having seizures constantly. I began to isolate myself from the world, I would not leave my bed, I would not eat, I would not shower or even open the curtains. I began to self-harm. At that moment I knew I needed to get help, I went to the doctors as well as a therapist. The hardest, yet most important part is asking for help or talking about it to someone. That was the moment things began to seem a little better each day. I surrounded myself with my loved ones whenever I felt sad, I would go and cuddle my mum. You’re never too old for a cuddle from your mum, haha.
Q: Having mentioned your own history with mental health, can you share what you have identified during lockdown that has helped you manage during this difficult period?
Kayleigh: Lockdown has made me appreciate everything I already had and having time to enjoy it more such as spending time with your family and doing what I love. I have spent a lot of time in lockdown painting and expressing my creativity as it makes me feel very calm and happy. It takes away all the distractions and I now have time to focus on me, expressing my emotions through painting. Art can be a great way of helping with mental health as it can be an outlet for some people. I feel as though staying busy during this difficult time can also improve your mood. I have taken advantage of the time and have tried to keep myself busy by doing my hobbies more and trying to learn more skills. This could be a great time to finally try the skill you have always wanted to learn.
Q: If you could give someone who is struggling at this moment any piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Kayleigh: This is an extremely difficult time at the moment, try and not be too hard on yourself. If you spend the day doing nothing that’s okay. Do not put too much pressure on yourself. Try and look for the small things in life that make you happy. For instance, the little things I love are sunflowers, funny little garden gnomes, cats, cake, an old couple holding hands, a baby’s laugh, etc. Embrace the little things and acknowledge the happiness it gives you. Try and take one day at a time and remember you are loved.
What Kayleigh talks about is really inciteful. For me, it is the sort of insight that can only come from someone who has actually experienced what they are discussing and it is relatable. A lot of us are struggling right now and it can be hard to find the answers.
At the moment people may feel like they are stagnating or without purpose. What Kayleigh's story highlighted to me, is that just because we are limited in what we can do, doesn't mean that we cannot do something. Kayleigh's paintings have not only provided a creative outlet for herself but also a chance to help others providing even more purpose.
Now, it is important to note that the picture above was not originally on Kayleigh’s Instagram page. During the initial periods of lockdown, my girlfriend and I ventured down at 5:30 am to see the sunrise and took a collection of pictures. This is Kayleigh's interpretation of that scene. Initially, my plan was to just get a print of that picture as I believe it is so beautiful, and as cheesy at it sounds it will offer a reminder of the beauty and the positives that have come from this challenging time.
Kayleigh's interpretation not only takes into account the colour scheme of my room but has additional sentimental value due to the personal touch and meaning behind Kayleigh's motivations to do such a piece. Instead of simply being a memory with my girlfriend. It is now a reminder of how people make the most of the hand they are dealt. It serves as an inspiration to make the most of the unique talents we have and that even when our options may be limited, there is always something we can do. We may even be fortunate to find something that benefits us as well as others.
Kayleigh has found her therapy (so to speak) in painting during lockdown, what is yours?
Thank you Kayleigh for sharing. Please go onto Instagram and check out @skyhighart_.
Thanks for reading, and if you're reading this and would like to share your story then please get in touch. The more stories like this are told, the less alone individuals will hopefully feel.
Lee
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