Jenny Jump's Story

Jenny Jump is on a mission to change her life, starting with self-compassion and self-love. Facing mental health difficulties since puberty, Jenny Jump's struggles have been exacerbated by negative self-talk. A family tragedy would prove the unlikely catalyst to show herself greater kindness. 

“When I’m not well, I always feel like a burden and an outcast. I tend to pull away and isolate myself, which makes things worse. This was the situation I found myself in two years ago, following my sister’s suicide. It was the worst thing I've ever been through and I was at rock bottom.” 

“I realised something needed to change and I needed to learn to love myself. Acceptance was the first step – accepting that bipolar, depression, anxiety and PTSD is always going to be a part of my life, but I can love and accept myself despite my illnesses.” 

Cognitive behavioural therapy has proven a vital piece of the puzzle, alongside art, taking care of animals and spending time with friends. Jenny Jump finds the more she flexes her self-compassion muscle, the more she wants to engage with the world. 

“I find the kinder I am to myself, the worthier I feel. These days, I cherish spending time with friends and truly value human interaction. That’s something that has brought great joy to my life. I meet up with friends every Thursday at Art From The Margins and we have a great time.” 

"Cupig Flying Pig Spreading Love and Joy" by Jenny Jump on display at the 2022 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition.

Art has always been a core part of Jenny Jump's life, and her relationship with different techniques and mediums has evolved over the years. 

“Receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts was a long time coming - I started a visual arts course in 1991 but dropped out due to the impact of my mental illness. With the right supports, I went back again and graduated in 2005. It was a struggle, but I am proud of myself for persevering!” 

“Previously, I have been struck down with creative block whenever I have been unwell. When I was suffering following my sister’s death, I couldn’t even reach the solace I usually found in art. I took my camera out into nature and discovered that I enjoyed taking photos of little everyday moments – observing a bee on a flower, or a spider on a plant.” 

Jenny Jump has been an exhibitor in the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition for a decade and was a supporter of the event even before she started showcasing her work. 

“Many years ago, when the event was still focused on schizophrenia, I obviously couldn’t apply, but I absolutely loved the fact that people with mental illness were being celebrated for their capabilities. A lot of the time, there is a focus on what people can’t do when they live with mental illness. I’ve always felt inspired by everything the exhibition stands for.” 

“My piece in this year’s exhibition is all about the joy I've experienced these past few years by creating art and learning to accept myself. I think a lot of people don’t think they can accept and love themselves until they’ve overcome their mental illness. Yet the reality is, many of us will live with these conditions forever, so why not love and accept yourself now?”