This is one of the posts made in honor of Wink, in celebration of crochet mandalas and to raise depression awareness. See all Mandalas for Marinke posts here.
This crochet mandala draws me in with the subtle color changes on the edges and the bolder color changes in the center. It’s a version of the 12 round crochet mandala pattern by Wink that’s been crocheted by Leigh.
Leigh says,
“I am 38 years old and live in NorthEast Scotland. I love to crochet and knit among the many crafts I enjoy doing.”
On Instagram we learn that she’s a “Crafty knitter, crochet lover, reader, lover of grown up colouring books, stationery, games, coffee and chocolate”. And on Facebook she notes that she likes to dabble in all crafts.
Leigh wrote,
“I chose to take part in this project as I have some family and friends who have been touched by depression / mental health issues. I loved Wink’s work as it was so bright and colorful. My thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Yahoo! News had an article highlighting the out-of-pocket costs that six people in the United States spend on their depression treatment and what tips they have for saving money. The article notes that depression is said to cost the US economy more than $200 billion annually; and then there are the costs individuals incur. Some of the tips from the article include:
- Spending money on eating better and getting exercise can reduce overall costs by reducing the need for as much other treatment and increasing productivity overall.
- See if it costs less to get fewer bottles of meds. (For example, if you take 450 mg of a pill, it might cost less to get 1 bottle of 300 mg pills and 1 of 150 mg than to get three of 150 mg pills.)
- Avoid making spending decisions in the midst of depression.
I have suffered for 40 years with clinical depression. I learned to crochet just 2 years ago, and it has lifted my depression in many ways. First, it is soothing to me to choose colors, feel the yarn, and surround myself with the rhythmic act of crocheting. Second, I get so much joy out of making things for other people. Third, I learned about making prayer shawls, praying for the intended recipient as I work on a shawl that will bring them comfort.
While I have become something of a yarn junkie (still cheaper than meds and doctors!), my depression is so much better, and I know a great deal of that is because my sister took the time to teach me to crochet!