I have chosen to try to convey JK’s struggle out of the depths of depression where he was 6 years ago to where he is today in my creative piece. On the left of the painting I have portrayed a derelict, oppressive city scene which is heavy and dark. This is to represent the time in his life that he felt totally alone and purposeless. He had lost his connection to nature and was trapped in the call -centre working in a depressing routine, caught in the hurricane of his own thoughts. On the right of the painting I have painted calm water with light streaming into the scene. This represents his present state of mind. There is light in the future and he has reconnected with both nature and himself. JK has also held onto and made strong again his relationship with his sisters. The boat represents the enjoyment he has found in teaching sailing and in the act of helping others. Although he is now out of the dark his recovery is still an ongoing journey, and the boat is his tool for travelling to where he wants to be. I have depicted the tree in the centre of the painting with a face looking hopefully and calmly to the right, towards the future. The branches of the tree are barren and bare on the left and leafy on the right, showing how although he lost his connection with nature during the dark time, the branches are still there and will grow leaves when given the chance and the tree has a strong root system. I believe that JK has now established a resilient foundation so that if depression comes again he will be able to remember that the branches are still there waiting to grow. JK now has the tools to face adversity knowing who he is and what he needs to do to help himself.

JK gave consent for the use of his story.