Fibromyalgia, Art and me

By Joanne Allen

I'm a 46-year-old wife and mum born and bred and still living in East Belfast, Northern Ireland.

I have always been Artsy and Crafty, I took Art to A-level at school and had GCSE coursework displayed at Stranmillis College. After school and college, I ended up working in Community and Hospital Pharmacy, got married, had a family, life was busy and there was no time for Art.

In 2009 I began to take ill and in 2010 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia by Rheumatology in my local hospital and left to the care of my GP. Although my doctor and I worked out a drug combination to keep my pain under some kind of control and also let me function I still suffered with pain, fatigue, insomnia, stomach issues, depression and anxiety and found it increasingly hard to stay in work. I was able to reduce my hours and duties which helped for a little while but eventually in 2014 I had to retire from work due to my continued ill health. 

I felt I had lost everything, my purpose, my confidence and at times my mind. I spent my days in bed, on the sofa, at home, trying to get through one day at a time. I've also developed arthritis, diabetes and had carpal tunnel surgery in both wrists and over the years I have tried many medications, exercise, counselling and flotation therapy and although they helped for a time having chronic pain and fatigue meant that these activities and getting out to do them took a lot out of me. I needed something I could do at my own pace and time and at home comfortably. 

I spent my days watching YouTube and one day I found Acrylic Pouring,  it looked amazing and was so relaxing to watch. I watched a few Artists, Priscilla Batzell is my favourite, they inspired me to have a go, so I tried and I loved it, it was fun and was able to do it comfortably at my own pace.

Then one day I realised how distracted I was, when painting, from my pain, depression and anxiety. Painting made me happy, made me feel alive, made me forget for a while. It gave me purpose and enjoyment, it helped me relax and destress. Although my conditions can be very debilitating and painful I get an escape now when I paint or draw and it has made a real difference to me and how I cope with this new life of mine.

A couple of weeks ago I came across the Dundonald Art Corridor on Facebook and joined the group. It was almost like it was meant to be as they had posted about the Outdoor Gallery and I thought I could paint something and at the same time help raise funds for a fantastic local initiative which includes everyone and involves all kinds of Art and creativity and at the same time making Dundonald beautiful. 

I painted 'Sunflower at Twilight' using the Acrylic Pouring technique and it is now on display in the Outdoor Gallery.

The last 10 years has been a struggle for me both physically and mentally and I think that Art has been a powerful therapy and healing tool for me. I would recommend you have a go at some form of Art, Craft, anything creative, that is enjoyable and suitable for your condition to help enrich your life and help distract you from the bad times.

I have a lot of practice pieces from the last year or so and I am hoping to use them to fundraise for a few local charities starting with the Dundonald Art Corridor. I hope that just by reading this article it will inspire someone or a few to get out there and join in and do what you can to help yourself and others.

Let Art Enrich Your Life !