This was taken early morning on the Peninsular many years ago. It’s one of many flower photos I took before I started studying at Rutherford as a satellite to MIT. There were many photo opportunities on the Peninsular. I took some of a baby hedgehog I found on my walks. Unfortunately my youngest son wasn’t…
Author: Mandy
Mandy's Recovery Journey is a real, ongoing story of healing from addiction and mental health struggles to a life of empowerment, self-respect, and freedom from cravings. This space is for honesty, hope, and the reminder that recovery isn’t about being perfect – it’s about not giving up on yourself, or your family.
Healthy
Healthy. That’s the word that keeps echoing for me today. My latest blood tests came back clean — no diabetes, no red flags, nothing to monitor. Just a simple confirmation that my body is stable and well. I also received my WINZ Disability Allowance form back from my doctor, stamped and signed. Under “Substance Use…
OCD Repition Video
This is a video I made at the end of year 2 at Unitec. I really enjoyed making video and repetition is an important part of creating art. That is something I learned in my time in MIT Satellite at Rutherford College when I was doing my Diploma in Visual Arts. People with obsessive compulsive…
Mental Illness and Creativity as Part of Recovery
Over the years I’ve worked with different therapists, and many of them used drawing to help me express feelings I couldn’t easily explain. It wasn’t about making art — it was about finding a way to show what was happening inside me. One of the most helpful times was at Piha, where I had around…
Final Year OCD Video
Created in my final year at Unitec, this film uses noir style to explore the inner world of OCD. It’s rooted in my mum’s experience and stands as a personal tribute to her and the impact her journey had on me.