stressed
so i like to draw but i am getting alot more frustrated with it because the drawings dont turn out in my head or dont turn out great so i am think of just to stop drawing even tho it helps me alot with me dression and anxiety
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@dragon3 I can imagine how difficult it must be that something that you use as a coping strategy isn't working so well for you right now, I feel the same with my journalling I was getting a bit frustrated because it wasn't helping as much and I spoke to someone and they recommended still persisting but trying a different approach e.g. using specific morning/evening prompts instead of free writing to see if that helps. I know art is a bit different and you mentioned you did try other things but do you think maybe tracing, colouring, painting by numbers on a pre-drawn picture or art apps on your phone like colour by numbers could help you get back in the groove? As for your struggle to breathe do you find that meditation or breathing exercises could help? Something I really love to do is box breathing where you breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts and repeat.
@kraimer I'm so sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. Would you be okay sharing what strategies you've tried in the past, sometimes it really helps to talk through with people to get some different perspectives and maybe even some new strategies to give a go?
Hi @dragon3 I'm so sorry that you're going through that. As someone who also likes to draw, I understand the struggle of not producing satisfactory artworks. Sometimes, when I draw something I'm not happy with, I move on and draw something really simple, like an eye or a face rather than drawing the whole body. Or, I'll begin writing random words or drawing scribbles. This simplified, random and purposeless doodling distracts me from actively trying to create something I would be happy with. This helps me to do drawing just for relaxation, perhaps you could try this out!
You also mentioned that you couldn't talk to your teachers about it. Could you reach out to the school councillor? They would probably let the teachers know about it as well, so they may be able to help you better during class time.
Hi @dragon3 I'm sorry to hear you are feeling this frustration! It can be really disheartening when your art/project doesn't turn out the way you picture it.
You have said that drawing helps you a lot with your depression and anxiety; is there a way that you can focus on these benefits without focusing on the finished product? Or could you watch some youtube tutorials or try another form of drawing like stenciling or colouring that brings you the same benefits without the frustration?
While I can't draw at all, I experience similiar feelings of frustration when I am trying to write in my journal but look back and feel that I haven't expressed myself well or can't get into a good flow, but I just try to focus on the process and the positive effects it has on my mental health rather than the finished product. I think if all else fails, just take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes, and you might find that your work is better than you think!
feel and practice out of it at the moment my mental health isn't somewhat
going good but i am trying to push through it and the school workload has
impacted on my stress as well i am struggling to focus and get it done on
time which is causing my to fall behind in my home economics along with art
in a form
Everyone faces stress in their life. It is very terrible that such insignificant things can affect our health in a bad way. I really understand your condition, I was terribly nervous during my College exams and couldn't concentrate on anything at all. I hope that everything will work out for you too!
Hey @kraimer,
Stress can really be so exhausting 
sorry you're feeling this way and that nothing is helping. Would you feel comfortable telling us a bit more about what's going on for you?
We're here for support 
@dragon3 That is great that you have been giving it a go and exploring different options that might improve your mental health! Do you think you would find it beneficial to set specific times away from study to work on your art or other activities you enjoy? I find that by rewarding myself with an activity after I have accomplished one study task really helps me feel better. If you are struggling with your school work, do you have a teacher, friend or any one else you can turn to for some help?
While school work is really important, it is not as important as your mental health, and if you feel you are struggling to cope it may be helpful to talk to someone you can trust (or a professional) and come up with an action plan to reduce your stress and improve your mental health.
it and i cant really talk to my teachers because they will just say thats
all they can do and at this moment i cant breath i am trying to calm down
my heart
Hey @dragon3
Sorry to hear about your frustration and mental health, sounds like you have a lot going on at the moment. I agree with @Hannah-RO, would be great to take some time for yourself to distress. What activities besides drawing do you enjoy that help you relax?
I do a bit of drawing myself and found that I was always my own worse critique. A lot of time goes into making a piece of art and unfortunately we pick up on every small detail which we don't like. Try to take a step back and appreciate what you have achieved, I have no doubt that you have drawn some fantastic pieces! Do you have anybody that you would like to show? I'm sure they would agree! From one artist to another, they rarely turn out as expected unfortunately, but that's ok as its part of the process 
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Hey @dragon3, sorry you're having a hard time today, did you manage to feel a bit calmer? Have you got anything planned for this afternoon? Might be nice to do something for yourself that you enjoy
