ToBeZine - The Power of Feeling Seen and Heard

I’ve been thinking a lot about how belonging impacts mental health and well-being, especially for those navigating the challenges of mental health issues. In my work as a psychotherapist, and in my own personal experiences, I’ve seen how feeling seen and heard can create a profound shift. It’s like a lifeline—a reminder that you’re not alone, that your voice matters, and that there’s a space where you belong.

Zines can offer that same sense of connection. For those struggling with mental health challenges, creating or reading a zine can feel like a conversation with a friend—intimate, validating, and deeply personal. Through zines, people can express their struggles, share their stories, and connect with others who might be feeling the same way.

Ideas for Zines About Mental Health and Belonging

If you’re inspired to create a zine on this theme, here are some ideas to get you started:

1. A Safe Space in Words Create a zine that feels like a safe space, with affirmations, comforting imagery, and messages of hope for those struggling with mental health issues.

2. Your Mental Health Journey Share your own story of navigating mental health challenges, highlighting moments where you found connection or belonging.

3. The Healing Power of Listening Explore the impact of being truly listened to and seen, whether by a friend, therapist, or community. Use poetry, prose, or illustrations to express this.

4. Tools for Connection Offer practical ways to build connection and foster a sense of belonging, such as joining support groups, engaging in creative practices, or practicing self-compassion.

5. Breaking the Stigma Use your zine to challenge mental health stigma by sharing stories, facts, and personal insights that encourage understanding and empathy.

6. The Community That Saved Me Highlight a community, group, or space that made a difference in your mental health journey. This could be a physical space, an online group, or even a creative practice.

7. Letters to Someone Struggling Write open letters to someone going through a tough time, offering support, encouragement, and solidarity.

8. Finding Joy in Small Moments Create a zine that celebrates small, everyday moments of joy or connection that have helped you through difficult times.

9. Healing Through Creativity Explore how creative practices like zine-making, art, or journaling have helped you or others process emotions and foster well-being.

10. Zine Collaborations Work with others to create a collective zine, where each person shares their own experience with mental health and belonging.

    
    

Why Belonging Matters for Mental Health

Feeling like you belong isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s vital for mental health. When we feel connected to others, our stress levels decrease, our self-esteem improves, and we’re more resilient in the face of challenges. For those struggling with mental health, finding spaces where they feel seen and heard can be life changing. Through zines, we can create those spaces. By sharing our stories, we remind others that they’re not alone, that their voice matters, and that there’s a community ready to welcome them.

A Call to Share

If you’ve created a zine about mental health and belonging, or you’d like to, I’d love to feature your work on To Be Zine. Together, we can use zines to foster understanding, empathy, and connection for those who need it most.

— Annecy Báez

I am an educator, psychotherapist, mixed media collage artist, and the author of "My Daughter’s Eyes and Other Stories." As a facilitator for SoulCollage® and Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA), I integrate energy healing, dreamwork, and writing to promote growth and connection. My work with individuals and groups is focused on empowering people to embrace their unique stories and tap into the healing power of creativity and self-expression.