Here is the next of the beautiful, inspiring, special contributions coming in to the #MandalasForMarinke remembrance project. I am grateful for each and every amazing contribution. You are invited to join; learn more here.
Beautiful Crochet Mandala
Maker Kathy says, “My mandala is inspired and based on the Fair Isle Mandala pattern by Sue Pinner of The 8th Gem”.
I love the short spokes on this crochet mandala design, and I love the color choices that Kathy made here that gives it a sunny, floral feeling.
Meet the Maker
This charming crochet mandala is from Kathy Ahlbrandt in Tennessee who writes:
“Wink was such an inspiration to so many crocheters. I have been crocheting for thirty years but still learn new things. Wink was so generous in sharing her talent with the world.”
Words by Wink
In May 2015, Wink felt a burst of creativity again although she was obviously still struggling. She made her Parisian Chique Fat Bottom Bag and shared:
“I have to tell you, it feels SO GOOD that I have created something again, finally! Some of you know I have been in a funk lately due to some personal stuff, which has reflected badly on my creativity, amongst other things… So I am very happy that I am able to show you what I made today! :)”
About Depression
One purpose of this project is to raise awareness about depression so each post will end with some facts, thoughts or quotes about depression, suicide and/or mental health. Why do people kill themselves? Of course there are many reasons and each individual has their own story, but there are some common reasons. Buddhist physician Alex Lickerman says that the six most common reasons are:
- Depression; see information on the link between depression and suicide here
- Psychosis
- Impulsivity, sometimes due to substance use
- Crying out for help
- “They have a philosophical desire to die.”
- They made a choice that was a mistake (such as when kids play The Choking Game)
Most lists of common causes for suicide list additional mental health issues other than depression, including anxiety, bipolar, personality disorders and PTSD.
And it should be noted that many sources distinguish between “causes” and “triggers”. Depression can be a cause of suicide, for example, whereas something like bullying is general considered a trigger rather than a cause per se. This varies from source to source.
All contributions to Mandalas for Marinke are welcome and will help raise awareness about depression while honoring her work in the same way that this great contribution has done today. Details to join here.