Planning for Artwork 4

ALWAYS BE KIND TO YOUR MIND

This artwork is going to be all about how we should not judge others for how they chose to treat their mental illness. Whether it is homeopathically or pharmaceutically, as long as they are getting the help that they need.

Why do we judge those who have a serotonin deficiency but not those whose pancreas do not produce enough insulin?

For this artwork I have decided to create 3 embroidery pieces. The biggest hoop will be for the brain and the smaller hoops will be for the chemical composition for dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine and serotonin are involved in similar bodily processes, but they operate differently. Imbalances of these chemicals can cause different medical conditions that require different treatments.

Brain

What we lack in some areas we make up for in others!

I chose to use the brain in the biggest hoop because it is one of our essential organs for living. Yet we do not treat the brain as we treat all of our other organs. A system that is not working optimally must be treated until it is restored. We have to start prioritizing our mental health as well as our physical health.

Serotonin

"Happy hormone"

Chemical formula : C10H12N2O

Serotonin is a mood stabilizer that is most commonly prescribed to as an antidepressant to treat depression and other depressive related mental illnesses.

I chose to include the chemical composition for serotonin because I have a serotonin deficiency myself and that is why I struggle to regulate my moods without the help of medicine. It has lead to many outburst and depressive episodes in my past.

Dopamine

"Feel good hormone" / "Reward chemical"

Formula : B8H11NO2

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is important part of your brain's reward system. In addition to its association with pleasurable sensations, dopamine is also associated with learning, memory, and motor system function. Too much or too little dopamine has been linked to a variety of different mental illnesses.

I chose to include the chemical composition for dopamine because I have a dopamine deficiency myself and that is why I struggle with the motivation with completing certain tasks. Dopamine also plays a role in motivation and reward driven behaviors.

Even though low levels of dopamine may not directly cause depression, symptoms associated with depression may result from low levels of dopamine.