Click an image to view artwork
displayed in the exhibition.
About the Exhibition
An interactive exhibition about chronic pain and mental illness by a woman navigating life with ADHD, chronic pain, and so much more. This show is educational, raw, a bit serious, uplifting, and funny. My ultimate goal is to expand this show and exhibit it in other universities and organizations. I plan to share more stories about my journey from childhood to the present as this project develops.
Visit my shop to pre-order limited edition prints of original works that are not for sale in the exhibit.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder begins slowly, often in childhood or the teen years, however, it can begin in adulthood, as well. It is more common in women and frequently runs in families. Individuals with GAD often have another mental health condition such as depression.
GAD develops when an individual cannot cope well with internal stress or trauma. Experts discovered that the areas of the brain that control fear and anxiety are affected.
In some cases, the symptoms of GAD can occur as a side effect of a medication or from substance abuse. It can also be linked to other health conditions (such as hyperthyroidism) that increase certain hormones. This can cause the body to become more excitable. GAD can be triggered by family or environmental stress. Long-term chronic illness and disease also triggers anxiety.
Symptoms include: Trouble falling or staying asleep, trembling, twitching, tense muscles, headaches, irritability, sweating, hot flashes, lightheadedness, trouble breathing, nausea, frequent urination, lump in the throat, fatigue, trouble focusing, trouble making decisions, inability to concentrate, easily startled, unable to relax.
Source: “Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 16 Apr. 2024, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-anxiety-disorder.
Learn more about GAD
All at Once, 2025
Self Portrait, 2010
Trichotillomania (TTM)
Pronunciation: tricho·til·lo·ma·nia
Trichotillomania is the repetition of pulling out one's hair. TTM falls under the umbrella of behaviors known as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). BFRBs are considered self-grooming behaviors in which an individual pulls, picks, scrapes, or bites their hair, skin, or nails, resulting in damage to the body; not to be confused this with self-harm. Hair pulling can occur on any part of the body.
Trichotillomania usually begins in late childhood/early puberty. The disorder presents itself equally among girls and boys, however, by adulthood, 80-90% of reported cases are women. Hair pulling varies in severity, location on the body, and response to treatment. Without treatment, hair pulling tends to be a chronic condition. It may come and go throughout a lifetime. Research show that approximately 1-2 in 50 people experience trichotillomania in their lifetime.
Source: “Hair Pulling: Trichotillomania: BFRB.” The TLC Foundation, www.bfrb.org/hair-pulling. Accessed Aug. 2025.
The TLC Foundation
Learn more about BFRBs
Depressed Cherry, 2025
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depression is more than just a "bad day," or passing sadness. The most prominent symptom of major depressive disorder is a severe and persistent low mood, deep sadness, or a sense of despair. The mood sometimes presents as irritability or the person suffering may not be able to enjoy activities that are normally pleasurable.
Symptoms are defined as lasting at least two weeks but usually go on much longer, often months or years. A variety of symptoms accompany the low mood, and these symptoms vary significantly among individuals. Many people with depression also have anxiety. People with depression are at more risk for abusing alcohol or other substances.
Depression likely involves alterations in regions of the brain responsible for mood regulation. In some areas of the brain, nerve cells may not be functioning properly. Disrupted communication between the cells or nerve circuits can make it more difficult to regulate emotions. Hormonal imbalances may also contribute to mood disturbances. Additionally, an individual’s life experiences and genetic factors influence how prone someone is to developing depression.
Source: “Major Depression.” Edited by Howard E. LeWine, Harvard Health, 7 May 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/major-depression-a-to-z.
Bee Brain, 2024
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
Predominantly Inattentive Type
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a form of neurodivergence that affects how the brain works. In adults, it typically involves a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. The three types of ADHD are 1. Predominantly inattentive type, 2. Predominantly hyperactive or impulsive type, and 3. Combined type.
It is estimated that about 5% of adults have ADHD. Even though symptoms may appear differently in adults, the impact on daily life is just as real. Adults with ADHD often struggle in various areas, including focus, memory, time management, and organization. Experiencing these challenges does not mean an individual is lazy, irresponsible, or unmotivated. It simply means that the brain is wired differently.
Common Signs of ADHD:
Trouble focusing or paying attention, chronic lateness, poor time management (time blindness), frequently losing things, risk-taking and impulsivity, hyperactivity, or restlessness, forgetfulness and memory issues (brain fog), emotional outburst and irritability, and trouble listening, following directions, and prioritizing tasks.
Source: Team, ADDA Editorial. “10 Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults (and When to Get Help).” ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association, 16 June 2025, add.org/signs-of-adhd.
Learn More About ADHD
in Children & Adults
All the Pain They Cannot See, 2025
Photography by: Nick Robertson
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region and on occasion, elsewhere in the body. Endometriosis affects many women globally from the onset of their first period through menopause. The disease can decrease quality of life due to severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and infertility. The debilitating pain experienced prevents some individuals with endometriosis from going to work or school. The pain and symptoms of endometriosis can occur during any stage of the menstrual cycle.
Screening tools and various tests have been proposed and tested; however, none are currently validated to accurately identify the disease. Laparoscopic surgery is the best way to confirm a diagnosis. There is no cure.
Symptoms include:
Pain during a period, during or after sex, and/or when urinating or defecating.
Chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding during periods or between periods, trouble getting pregnant, bloating or nausea, fatigue, depression or anxiety, migraines.
Source: “Endometriosis.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis. Accessed Aug. 2025.
Other symptoms that I like to refer to as “Electro-Bootyhole” & “The Pole.”
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Electro-Bootyhole = Literally feels like my bumhole has been jolted with a blast of lightning.
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The Pole = Feels like a rod is being pushed from my arse up through my abdomen, making for a really bad time.
Learn More About Endometriosis
Your Labs are Normal, 2025
Fibromyalgia
This one leaves me perplexed. Don’t even get me started. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that involves widespread body pain along with fatigue. My rheumatologist believes I have secondary fibromyalgia triggered by endometriosis. Women are more likely to get fibromyalgia than are men. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have… hold on, *checks all boxes*
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Migraines
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Jaw and facial pain due to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS – I Be Shittin’)
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome)
My symptoms include: Widespread pain, burning sensation in legs and feet, skin feeling bruised to touch, fatigue, brain fog, restless leg syndrome, frequent urination, and migraines.
There is no cure.
Learn More About Fibromyalgia