This self-portrait reflects my daily battle with anxiety, particularly social anxiety. In the painting, I’m surrounded by colorful and beautiful cacti. While they may look appealing, they represent the anxiety and fear I feel because I know that getting too close could hurt me. Scars from past experiences are also shown, making it even harder to approach these flowers.

At times, this anxiety can spiral out of control, pulling me into darkness and overwhelming my emotions. In these moments, I feel like I lose touch with who I am.

Through this artwork, I want to highlight the importance of talking about mental health, especially anxiety, and encourage others to take steps like seeking therapy. Raising awareness about mental health is vital, as many people struggle silently every day. This painting aims to draw attention to this issue and inspire action.