On World Mental Health Day, Juanjo reflects on how art can be a powerful tool in facing the challenges posed by mental health issues, while advocating for greater empathy and social understanding.
Juanjo, 50, dedicates his days to the Valorarte project of the Laborvalía Association, supported by an employment program. With his computer and paperwork, he manages the creation of murals and organizes exhibitions across various towns, all at his own pace. His colleague, Pilar, a training technician at Laborvalía, emphasizes Juanjo's support in navigating technology, humorously calling herself the 'queen of computing' due to her struggles.
For Juanjo, working at his own rhythm is crucial. His personal story and contributions to Valorarte symbolize the fight for mental health and disability awareness. His creation of 'La Hacedora,' a character representing the journey of those with mental illnesses, has emerged as a visual and emotional tool for visibility.
“It was a proposal from the Ciudad Real Mental Health Association (Apafes), who wanted superheroes to represent mental health associations,” Juanjo recalls, explaining the origins of La Hacedora. This character not only reflects artistic expression but also encapsulates the internal challenges faced by those with mental health conditions. Initially hesitant, Juanjo decided to present a deep reflection rather than a simple drawing, stating, “La Hacedora is me, it could be you, and it can be anyone.”
La Hacedora serves as a mirror to internal processes. “When you go to a consultation or an association, you are forced to confront yourself, and that is scary,” Juanjo shares. The character compels viewers to face their fears and challenges. The cane carried by this superhero symbolizes the tools offered by mental health support, from medication to books and counseling. “It’s like having a bag of things inside you that you didn’t know were there, some good, some not so much. You have to confront them to move forward,” he adds.
Juanjo’s work transcends art; it is therapeutic. His time at Laborvalía has led to positive personal and professional growth. The association has provided him a safe space to develop skills and engage in projects that would have otherwise been difficult to imagine. “Initially, I felt overwhelmed, but over time, I learned to manage my spaces and work as part of a team,” he explains. In this second phase at the association, he has taken on more responsibilities and now coordinates activities independently, a significant advancement he once thought impossible. “My first stage here was very tough and different,” he reflects. The importance of work and autonomy has opened doors Juanjo never knew existed. “The problem with this illness is that it’s like a rollercoaster. At first, you can’t even hold yourself together, and everything that comes next is terrifying,” he contemplates. However, with time and support from professionals and peers, he has found balance. “Work has been my therapy,” he asserts confidently, describing his experience with one word: happiness.
Juanjo is also aware of the stigma surrounding mental health issues. “Society needs more information. There is much fear because mental illness is not understood, which generates rejection,” he elaborates. This lack of understanding, “fueled by media and the stigmatization of these issues,” as Pilar comments, complicates the journey for those suffering from these disorders. “When mental disorders are reported in the news, it’s always from a negative perspective, perpetuating fear and ignorance,” she laments.
Despite the challenges, Juanjo finds solace and motivation in his close circle, including family and associations. His evolution within the Valorarte project has been steady and fruitful, making him a role model for others at the early stages of their treatment. “I used to need constant support; now I can be the one to support others,” he shares. This process has strengthened his independence and provided him with new perspectives on his future, which he now envisions with hope: “I didn’t think about the future before, but now I do.”
For Juanjo, the La Hacedora project is more than an artistic creation; it symbolizes how people with disabilities and mental illnesses can transform and find their place in the world. “The vest worn by La Hacedora represents everyone I’ve worked with, and that’s what matters most: the imprints we leave on others and the ones they leave on us,” he explains, noting that ultimately, we are all part of this transformation and mutual support process.
Juanjo recounts an anecdote where a colleague mentioned not understanding La Hacedora, to which he responded that they too were represented in her. He believes that processes are lengthy, and when one is unwell, it can feel like “a spiral tower with many doors, and you never know what you’ll find behind them.” For him, mental health “is a very deep job, and there’s no quick solution. It’s a process that takes time, but in the end, you can always find something within yourself to help you move forward,” he concludes, with the calmness of someone who has looked in the mirror, recognized their problems, and decided to embark on the journey, even though “fear is always there.”