**Trigger Warning:** Please be advised that this episode discusses sensitive topics including hallucinations, exploitation, helplessness, anxiety, depression, and paranoia. If you find these topics triggering, please exercise caution while listening. For immediate support, please call 988.

**Episode Summary:** In this compelling continuation of Ruth's story, we delve deeper into her personal struggles and triumphs. Ruth, an artist and author, shares her heart-wrenching yet inspiring journey through severe mental health challenges. This episode explores the transformative power of resilience, creativity, and the search for effective therapy. Join us as we uncover the depths of Ruth's experience, from harrowing lows to moments of profound insight and artistic discovery.

**More About Ruth:** - Background as an artist and author, transitioning from a career in architecture to a profound journey in art. - A life-altering event involving a PCP-laced brownie, setting the stage for years of mental health challenges. - Ruth's continuous battle with paranoia, anxiety, depression, and multiple mental breakdowns. - Her experiences navigating the complexities of the healthcare system in search of effective therapy. - The evolution of Ruth's coping strategies and her path towards healing and understanding. - Ruth's memoir, "Journey of the Self-Memoir of an Artist," published in 2020, offers a window into her experiences and reflections. Get the book here - Discover more about Ruth and her work at her website: https://www.ruthponiarski.com

**More About our Podcast:** Subscribe for exciting content, giveaways, and updates: https://sh-t-that-goes-on-in-our-heads.ck.page/f844f11eea - Official Website: https://www.goesoninourheads.net - Merchandise: https://www.customizedgirl.com/s/Sh1tthatgoesoninourheads - Support: Donate Here: https://donate.stripe.com/8wM4hy4js24y9b26oo - Advertise: https://www.passionfroot.me/goesoninourheads - Edited by NJz Audio

**Closing Remarks:** Ruth's story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. Her journey from darkness into the light of artistic expression and self-realization offers hope and inspiration to all who face similar challenges.

**Call to Action:** We encourage our listeners to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your engagement helps us bring more stories like Ruth's to the forefront, spreading awareness and understanding about mental health.

#MentalHealthJourney #ArtHeals #ResilienceStories #RuthsStory #OvercomingAnxiety #DepressionAwareness #HealingThroughArt #MentalHealthRecovery #ParanoiaSupport #MemoirOfAnArtist #MentalHealthStruggles #TherapySuccess #CreativeCoping #RuthPoniarski #JourneyOfTheSelf

S05E11 - Part 2 - From Despair to Healing: Ruth’s Battle with Mental Illness and Her Path to Wellness