This is the real story behind my COVID-19 drawings. Here’s a closer look.

Hi, artists out there! I may not fully call myself one, but art and I have a long romantic relationship with each other.

It began when I watched Barbie movies as a child and binged on anime series simultaneously. So, my past time became drawing Barbies anime-style. I wish I could show you those, but it got lost in time.

Instead, I could show you these drawings from January 20, 2022, onwards. A series of sketches that saved my mental health back when I contracted the coronavirus.

Staying sane amidst sickness
COVID-19 is more than just a physical battle, but is a mental one as well. The World Health Organization (2022) said that reports of psychological distress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress increased during the pandemic.

Unfortunately, I was one of the people who got the virus while having a vulnerable state of mind. I was fresh out of my grandfather’s funeral, which was where we probably contracted the virus.

Upon arriving at the apartment, my throat was hoarse, and I instantly had a fever. My mind went to a hundred different places all at once.

“What if my symptoms worsen?”
“What if I need to be put inside an isolation facility?”
“What if this is it?”

But something deep inside of me said I wouldn’t give up. I will heal. I just have to cope. So I escaped reality by watching ‘Our Beloved Summer,’ a South Korean romantic comedy television series where BTS’ V sang their official soundtrack titled ‘Christmas Tree.’

The male lead character, Choi Ung, was a building illustrator. And here’s where you could tell that I assumed I was him.

Drawing helped my mental health
It began with a Japanese-style café, which was not bad since I hadn’t been drawing since college.

What started to be a quick art session after taking my meds, napping, and waking up with dread, became a mindful time to focus.

Raypole (2021) said drawing is a form of art therapy that “helps you tune into and express painful or difficult feelings you have trouble putting into words.”

It was a creative process where I explored different lines, shapes, and pen hold – I saw buildings in a new light.
There was an instant stress relief, and Raypole (2021) cited research that backed this up:

• 20 minutes of drawing improved negative mood symptoms (2007)
• 45 minutes of art therapy resulted in lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol (2016)
• Mindful coloring relieved text anxiety (2018)

Personally, it was important to be mindful when my thoughts could be one and then a million in just a split second. When I feel present, I’m not worried about what’s to come or what was lost.

Drawings as a testament
Now, I can reflect on these drawings and be reminded of my inner strength. I could even laugh about how serious I was about becoming a building illustrator like Choi Ung.

These pieces of paper now belong to a memory where I could lose my grip on life that easily, but I didn’t.

Thankfully, I recovered from COVID-19, and I wish to help others who are negatively impacted mentally. Maybe this is your sign of giving yourself an art session – take a break. Listen to music. Do some art. Whatever that may be.

Thank you for reading 💜 Have a healing day!

Leave a comment about art below and how did it help your mental health?

All photos are mine unless stated otherwise.