Former Tooting resident and 'Draw My Town' artist describes his battle with mental health

A former Tooting resident and artist has spoken openly about his mental health struggle in the lead up to World Mental Health Day.

Ben Poultney, the creator of art business 'Draw My Town', has revealed his struggle with depression through an update email he sends every week to his followers.

"The worst thing about clinical depression? It makes no sense. The truth is I had (have) an awesome life with an amazing family and the best friends anyone could ask for," Ben said.

"But for many years I spent every second of being awake thinking that death today might not be such a bad idea."

Ben describes himself as 'fortunate' to live in a country that recognises mental health and living 'in an era with ever-increasing medicinal benefits' - so was thankfully able to recover after a few years.

Ben shared his illustration called 'Sorrowing Young Man', which is a modern interpretation of Van Gogh's 1890 oil painting entitled 'Sorrowing Old Man' (or At Eternity's Gate).

"He painted this just two months before he took his own life, and you can feel his pain and anguish just looking at this painting," Ben said.

"It's well known that Vincent suffered with mental health problems, and I drew my version during a period of realisation of my very own mental illness."

The illustration features the same colour palette and posture to the original - showing that the very same health issues still persist in the 21st century.

Ben will be writing a full rundown of his mental health battle over the next few days. He says that anyone who is struggling is welcome to talk to him.

Ben concluded: "I've got a far better understanding now of which way the right direction is, and I should be able to help you."

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