Courageous and powerful voice from vulnerability

My name is Xanthe Wyse.

Very, very fatigued in this video (mainly from the stress recent bus travel).

My primary diagnoses are bipolar disorder (type 1) and post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, which my clinicians also categorise under a 'mental injury'.

Speaking is very hard for me, which is one of the reasons I did this vlog. I had mutism in childhood and sometimes in adulthood. I always have some degree of difficulty with speaking (my entire life). Much of this is from anxiety and dissociation.

I wanted to read out some kind feedback about my recent speech at a public hearing, to decision-makers about community arts grants.

I have been a recipient of a small arts grant twice.

Will link to relevant blog posts (Note: I have 2 blogs):

Transcript of my speech with video link:
http://www.soarpurpose.com/soarpurpos...

How art helped gave me a reason to live:
https://www.soarpurpose.nz/blog/art-s...

When I decided to make a submission including to speak a hearing:
https://www.soarpurpose.nz/blog/propo...

I will aim to type up the feedback from Libby. I added a bit to the original video, after I realised I'd forgotten to say why I'd felt emotional. I didn't detail in full the reason but basically it was because I'd been told the opposite. So it meant a lot when someone I didn't know expressed appreciation.

My books (inspired by my experiences):
http://www.soarpurpose.com/books.html

The exhibitions:
http://www.soarpurpose.com/exhibition...

My hobby art business (with art for sale):
https://www.soarpurpose.nz/