The Painted Brain

Ever wonder how it would be to live the life of someone with a mental illness? Do they see what we see? Do they experience the same things we do? The first step to truly understanding people with mental illnesses is accepting them, and not making them a stigma. " Through our activities, the painted brain creates a community of young adults to break down the isolation of mental illness.  we actively challenge the prevailing stereotypes or about mental illness."

 The painted brain takes a social class and makes it a community instead. Their " target population is young adults with mental illness, especially people with isolating illnesses like depression, schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder, but we do not seek to define mental illness.  (young adult refers roughly to 18 to 30 year old.)" As someone who is studying psychology, it is rewarding and makes me happy to know there are people helping others with mental illnesses. There is a reason why I want to enter this career to give a voice to the voiceless and a place of acceptance. In many ways it is re-socializing the people of Los Angeles so they can not look upon others with mental illnesses.

If you ever want to experience the art, poetry, and culture of The Painted Brain you can enjoy it in Down town L.A the third Saturday of the Month! 

- Jessica Ruiz