I’m my own worst enemy, and my most difficult battle in life has been the one against my own soul. My anxiety knows all of my worst fears and insecurities, and it plays them on repeat as I lie awake each night wishing I was one of the lucky people who can gracefully fall asleep as soon as they touch a pillow. I’ve begun to hate evenings for that reason.

I’m always on edge and irritable in the mornings from lack of rest, and I blame it on insomnia to justify it to the outside world. It’s more socially acceptable to many people than anxiety attacks. Despite the nuisance of mental illness, I’ve led a fortunate life. I enjoy my life here in Berlin, I find comfort in making my art, I have wonderful friendships that I cherish. I think it’s really important for people to know you can live with these disorders and still find great joy in life.