mental illness

“You Can be Broke and Self-Care” Exhibit Sept 21-26

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"You Can be Broke and Self-Care" Exhibit Sept 21-26
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About

“You Can Be Broke and Self-Care” is The Strange is Beautiful’s photo and interview project featuring 13 people in LA with mind obstacles (that’s what we call mental illnesses) practicing alternative self-care in their home or space. 

Expect to see polaroids, digital prints, 1-4 quotes of each of the 13 people interviewed, 3-5 journal prompts for each one, and self-care community events.

Visit it between September 21 and September 26 at Nous Tous Community Gallery for $5-$30 sliding scale donations (donate only if you’re able). Donations go to The Strange is Beautiful.

A Logical List To Verify It’s Okay To End A Toxic Relationship With Someone Who Also Has Mind Obstacles

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Sometimes it’s hard having a friend or a loved one that also has mind obstacles. Not everyone’s mind obstacles are the same, and sometimes they can clash and cause a need for you both to give each other space or let go of each other entirely. In Fiona Apple’s words from her song “Werewolf,”

“We can still support each other, all we gotta do’s avoid each other.” 

And this is OKAY, healthy and necessary, but it’s difficult to validate that this is okay when all you feel is guilt.

Below is a list to help you think logically through this guilt and rid of all irrational, confusing and negative thought cycles about giving a friend or a loved one space (whether temporary space or permanent space) so you can find solace in the truth. Following the list are the lyrics to Fiona Apple’s song “Werewolf.” <3333

A Logical List
Written by Dorian Gomez:

  • Mental illness Mind obstacles mean some things said are rooted in a deep, irrational pain.
  • It is not necessarily their truth OR your truth.
  • Mental illness Mind obstacles may warp perception.
  • Mental illness Mind obstacles have different forms, intensities and varies from person to person.
  • Each form is valid.
  • Even if another person with mental illness mind obstacles says it’s not.
  • Each person has a different set of needs.
  • Some people prefer to be with people and some prefer to be alone.
  • Coping mechanisms may develop and be perceived as manipulative or unhealthy.
  • Coping mechanisms are deeply ingrained to help survive the toxicity of your own mind and traumatic experiences.
  • It is sometimes difficult to be there for another person dealing with their mental health while you are dealing with your own.
  • Mental health can change very quickly and it is important to be considerate and supportive but be careful not to sacrifice your own mental health at another’s expense.

  • It is not your fault.

  • Ask them what you can do.
  • To avoid triggering each other, take necessary space even though it may be painful.
  • You can not “fix” each other.
  • You can only offer support if you have the mental capacity to do so.
[highlight type=”standard, dark”]Make your own list to end negative thought cycles and send it to strangeisbeauty@gmail.com. We’ll post it on our blog :) [/highlight]

Release with Poetry: “Digital Kiss” by Dorian Gray

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Born into a generation, where apathy is our favorite trait
Watch the world spin as you don’t care at all
But inside we’re screaming as our walk turns into a crawl
A race to a finish line, that we believe so much exists
The demon of effortless perfection takes over through digital bliss
As we count the hearts, count the likes,
Always checking so no approval is missed
As our world slowly fades to black,
As we die by the digital kiss.

Trade and Donate to LGBT Homeless Youth Center

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Trade and Donate to LGBT Homeless Youth Center

The Strange is Beautiful is having a Spring Trade at Pershing Square on Saturday, April 18 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Bring clothes from your closet and zines, artwork, vinyls, mixed tapes or any DIY goodies to trade! We’ll also collect one treasure from everyone for a white elephant gift exchange so we’ll all leave with something awesome xoxooxx. Plus a photobooth with a spaceship + surprises + posi vibes!

All items you don’t want or don’t end up trading will be given to the Los Angeles LGBT Youth Center, a shelter for homeless LGBT youth ages 12-24.

 

Click on the photo of our Facebook event page to RSVP.

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Post photos on the Facebook event page of what you’ll trade.

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Bring a blanket to lay your goods on! We’ll bring a few extra in case you forget :)