Self-Awareness and Suffering: A Mental Health Reflection from the Van Gogh Museum

What Van Gogh Taught Me About Vulnerability, and the Power of Asking for Help

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One of the most impactful experiences I had was visiting the Van Gogh Museum. There, surrounded by intense brushstrokes and colours that seemed to silently scream, I understood something deeper than art: I understood human fragility.

At the age of 27, Van Gogh left everything behind to start from scratch as a painter. His art focused on the simple things: the rural, the everyday, the essential. Maybe that’s why he was seen as misunderstood… even labelled as “mad.”

But what struck me the most wasn’t his genius or his suffering — it was his clarity after a traumatic situation. After a heated argument with a close friend, he had an episode of rage in which he cut off his own ear. Yes, an extreme act — but what followed is what truly moved me: He asked for help. He realised something wasn’t right and voluntarily admitted himself into a psychiatric centre. He was able to identify his pain, his imbalance… and take action.

And I ask myself: Are we all capable of doing that? — Of seeing ourselves without filters? Of admitting something hurts, that something is off… and seeking support?

We live in a world that glorifies strength and punishes vulnerability. We’re ashamed of the most human thing we have: not being perfect.

That’s why I admire Van Gogh deeply. For his art, yes. But even more for his emotional honesty. For daring to acknowledge his suffering and act from a place of self-awareness.

Sadly, his story ended in tragedy: he took his own life, believing he wasn’t good enough. — Not as an artist, not as a person. He died with the false idea that his work didn’t matter… And today, he’s considered one of the greatest painters in history.

I’m writing this to remind you of something simple, yet vital:

• Mental health matters.
• Asking for help is not a weakness — it’s a profound act of courage.
• You are not alone.

If today, something inside you feels off, speak up. Write it down. Reach out. Because your story — even if it hurts right now — is still being written.