How Creating Art Helps Me Cope With Anxiety and Depression

My name is Rivka Korf and I am a female artist living in Miami with a husband and 2-year-old daughter.

I have struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. I paint when I am anxious and it’s really therapeutic for me and a release for my emotions. My paintings are surrealistic and expressionistic by genre, but really all just ways of expressing some of the feelings and what’s going through my head.

Although I do graphic design and illustration for work, my paintings and drawings were always private and personal. My husband encouraged me to share it with others, which I reluctantly did, and people seemed to connect, especially those dealing with their own struggles in life. With the positive feedback, I felt more encouraged to share more of my art, although it also means exposing the depths of what I try so hard to hide inside myself.

Sharing has helped me accept my struggle, empowering me to feel more confident that I can continue to overcome.

Here are some examples of my work:

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Photos via contributor.