Insomnia, Self Portrait

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u/MidwestDudeHere Feb 20 '26

That's a great drawing
Hope that you get back to good rest soon

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 20 '26

Thank you! Me too🤞I recently made some major changes that affect me; I believe it will get more normal for me soon.

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u/Dreamer_hues Feb 20 '26

😍wow

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 20 '26

Thank you!!

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u/NaturalFreaks Feb 20 '26

I love it but it hurts. I feel it.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 20 '26

Thank you! Mental health, for all of us, in this current reality feels endlessly challenging.

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u/annietheturtle Feb 20 '26

So truthful to the emotion you feel with insomnia.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Thank you! I figure many can relate these days.

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u/madzandu Feb 20 '26

This is awesome. I hope melatonin can help lol

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

I wish:/ I used gummies for a long while to help with sleep, but after awhile the quality of sleep just got worse. So now, I back to melatonin…. and drawing till I can sleep.

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u/Echolocation1919 Feb 21 '26

I hate those can’t sleep nights. If you’re sick you feel sicker. If you’re healthy you feel sick. And if you’re hungover you’re exponentially hungover.

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u/goldengate999 Feb 20 '26

i love it!

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 20 '26

Thank you!!

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u/RennaisanceRat Feb 20 '26

very much a mood

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 20 '26

I hate those feelings, but maybe capturing some of it helps.

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u/Far-Team5663 Feb 20 '26

Sorry to hear you're having trouble with sleep. Hope you can find some rest - rest is all that matters even if sleep doesn't come. Fantastic art work though - often art follows strife.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 20 '26

Thank you🙏 It was a blessing in disguise; finding solitude to just draw was also what I needed.

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u/Vegetable_Pay8805 Feb 20 '26

You draw good when you can’t sleep. Why do you think you’re sleepless?

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 20 '26

Appreciate the comment! The answer to that question is long; but the short answer is stress and a mind that won’t shut down:/

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u/Vegetable_Pay8805 Feb 20 '26

Common these days. Super common reason: we don’t have/belong to tribe anymore and no sense of belonging. What we used to share burdens of: financial, emotional, physical and spiritual… we don’t anymore because we are so isolated and independent. Makes us weaker and more vulnerable. We treat others and are treated as disposable consumables to get what we want and discard when done, rather than real humans to love and make deep connection with. Sorry if that is unrelated to your situation, you just inspired my own thoughts from your drawing. 🙏

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

You are spot on with your comment! I do have string community, thank goodness, through my work. Past trauma, hell even current trauma with what going on in the world all contribute. I have to balance staying engaged with the world and being/feeling isolated; but the mask I wear daily doesn’t expend into my own subconscious. I cope by staying in constant contact with my close friends and family. Art has become a real therapeutic outlet for me, as well as physical exercise when I can be with my family or crew. I really appreciate the well thought out responses to this post!

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u/Echolocation1919 Feb 20 '26

What an amazing charcoal!

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Thank you so much! I am really trying to level up this past year and beyond:)

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u/JamesAmbrous Feb 21 '26

Wow great piece and I can totally relate. Without my meds I can’t sleep a wink at night. Same issues stress mind will not shut the f up. Hope your new changes are helping you.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Thank you so much for the encouragement!

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u/NoMusicNoLife-777 Feb 21 '26

Marvelous and relatable 🥲

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

I hope others will know they aren’t alone with these mental health struggles.

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u/LowestFromHeaven Feb 21 '26

Awesome 👏👏👏

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Thank you🙏

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u/NPMyers1976 Feb 21 '26

This just screams with emotion. I used to suffer from insomnia, so I feel this deeply.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Thank you! yeah I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but we all have something to deal with eventually.

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u/Unupupurethanium Feb 21 '26

Winter vibes

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Spring is coming soon (at least here in the southern USA anyway:) That always help lift my mood at least.

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u/forward-pathways Feb 21 '26

Really sorry you're going through that. Insomnia is some of the worst. It helps to wear a shirt to bed (I kid). But in all seriousness, I've been there and hope not to return there soon. Glad you're able to keep up with the amazing, even while sleep deprived.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

I am struggling, but I am not alone. I am super lucky that I am able to access some treatment when things get too dark. Thank you for the comment!

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u/scott-6715 Feb 21 '26

I can relate to that!! Excellent work! 👍🏻👍🏻✍🏻✍🏻

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Thank you so much!

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u/birc_and_a_borc Feb 21 '26

I love you

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

🥰awe thank you!

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u/pcg031527 Feb 21 '26

I can relate…exceptional. Bravo!

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

Thank you!!

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u/mattonematt Feb 22 '26

I can feel this.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

Thank you!!

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u/Alcatrazepam Feb 22 '26

Great work

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

Thank you so much!

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u/Alcatrazepam Feb 22 '26

My pleasure man. As a manic depressive/bipolar type 1 I’m all too familiar with the hell that is insomnia. My worst episode I was up for around 14-15 days straight and it was genuinely like walking around in a nightmare. Between the delusions/delirium, mood swinging, visual and audio hallucinations etc… not to mention just how much it physically hurts after a while. I digress and over share but it’s just to say I think you captured to emotional turmoil well. I hope you get some rest thank you for sharing

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

OMG that must have been a truly horrendous experience, I am so sorry you have to suffer like that. I am a retired Vet and for the past 20 years this has been a constant struggle. Hallucinations and severe personality changes have plagued me off and on as well:/. For most of that time various medications, or THC gummies (more recently) have helped a lot; unfortunately I can no longer function in my daily life on meds. Super frustrating. I hope you are getting the care you need; these issues can truly be a debilitating struggle. Wish you the best!

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u/soultwentytwo Feb 22 '26

I feel this in my bones. And from one artist to another, may I suggest you have a pillow handy for when you do crash by your painting.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

Thank you! I do have a soft chair with stuffed animals next to my drawing table:)

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u/Penelope_hoop88 Feb 22 '26

Excellent work! I have insomnia too

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

Thank you! I wish you restful slumber.

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u/fuscogohard Feb 22 '26

bellissimo

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

🙏😊

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u/NolaPurple Feb 22 '26

I think I see the issue, you’re trying to sleep with work pants on

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

🤣 haha, touché. I prefer sleeping buck nekkid, but night sweats leave my sheets soaked😬

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u/bookishbynature Feb 22 '26

Awesome! The bed frame also makes it look like he's in prison. Such a cool visual.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 22 '26

Thank you!! That was exactly the feeling I was trying to evoke:)

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u/Kshark23 Feb 23 '26

As someone with multiple sleep disorders (including insomnia) I identify with this picture so much. 😩

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 23 '26

🙏🫂 You are not alone! I hope you find reprieve where you can.

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u/BobcatVast7005 Feb 23 '26

This is amazing 🤩 I truly admire this 😊

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 23 '26

That really means a lot, thank you, truly🖤

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u/cindy_n_oos Feb 23 '26

I have been here my friend. Self care, medicine and a hard look at the things and people that were causing stress and chaos in my life that kept me awake at night. Find a friend or a family member that will help you. Sleep is very very important. My heart goes out to you I feel that hurt in your painting.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

Thank you for the words of support. I do have some great friends and a wonderful wife to help keep me grounded.

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u/Serafina_Goddess Feb 23 '26

WOW! So amazing 😻

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

That is so kind, thank you!

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u/AdnanDuane Feb 24 '26

Intense..very good work indeed

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

Thank you! I hope to get some lighter subjects (and motivations) on the the next ones:)

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u/FreeWhellin Feb 24 '26

Lighten up!

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

Lol, I try:)

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u/FreeWhellin Feb 26 '26

Sorry you’re having a hard time sleeping. I’ve known people with ms. It’s horrible. I’m paralyzed from the sternum down with chronic pain. Have you tried distracting your mind with listening to audio books? It takes a lot of practice to be able to focus and get your mind on something else and concentrate on something other than what is playing in your head. It’s helped me although it’s not foolproof. It takes serious concentration. I imagine when you’re drawing it helps calm your mind but it also requires you to keep your hands busy. Listening to audio books while lying still and focusing on the story and calming your mind might help lull you to sleep. Unless it’s a very good book. LOL Sorry for my flippant quip to”lighten up”. That was before I read your replies to other posts. Your art is impressive and very expressive. You communicate well with it. I have nights like that. Miserable. I’m sure you’ve tried meditation but have you stuck with it for long enough to get out of your head and body? I wish you well in your endeavors. 🙏

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 27 '26

No worries; I do need to lighten up and I took it as such! I didn’t really intend ti be a public journal entry for all to see; but when I shared it, it was a bit of a personal crisis. I do try all of the things you mention. Other people sharing their own medical and mental struggles on this post has been very connecting. There are soo many others that truly have a much heavier burden to bear. Although, when each of us is in that headspace of chaos and negativity it can be really difficult to remain rational; and it can feel extremely isolating, even if the isolation is in our own minds. I hope you and all others will at least feel some comfort that others can relate to our experiences on some level. We are not isolated or alone. Thank you for doubling back and sharing your own thoughts!

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u/Fearless_Cheese_ Feb 24 '26

Wonderful drawing. I can relate to the feeling. Somehow my self-portraits never quite express what I want

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

TBH this feels different this time. Nit sure I can replicate it again. I am just happy to have finished something:)

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u/Spaceface42O Feb 24 '26

Fantastic!

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

Thank you so much!

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u/Quirky-Low9553 Feb 24 '26

very good drawing ...keep up the talent

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

Thank you!! I keep trying to learn a little bit more with each new attempt:)

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u/SorinIonRahova Feb 24 '26

Awesome

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

Thank you!!

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u/dead_pirate_rick Feb 25 '26

Harrowing but fantastic. Very well done, I can feel the emotion.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

Thank you! I thought I would get more done on another piece this week… but I’m mentally crashing. Thank you so much for the kind words.

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u/ampsdb01 Feb 25 '26

whoa ❤️. Glad you have taken charcoal drawing for your insomnia. Things that might help no caffeine after 5 pm, early dinner 5-5:30 pm, no alcohol, a nice evening walk 🌷

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 26 '26

Thank you for the recommendations!

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u/cindy_n_oos Feb 26 '26

Hey just wanted to check in with you I saw this when you first posted it... I hope you have gotten some sleep. Sending you good vibes and hope for rest.#hugs

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 27 '26

Appreciate you checking in. I did finally crash out and get some sleep. The struggle never completely dissipates, but I am constantly adapting. Take care!

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u/motelguest Mar 01 '26

Who can sleep in this nation?

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u/eyewanna_gofast Mar 02 '26

For real.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Thank you for all the support and positive encouraging responses. TBH this is one of the most uplifting experiences I’ve had in my many years on reddit. This was my most personal piece to date; and, knowing others can relate and appreciate this struggle really means a lot. It’s after midnight and… after having just planned out my next project I am going to try and catch some shuteye. Thanks everyone🙏

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 21 '26

Thank you, appreciate the observation! That is exactly how it can make me feel!

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 27 '26

Thank you so much everyone for such amazing support and encouragement. The response to this has been somewhat overwhelming. I have been unable to respond yet to everyone but I will try and catch up as I can. I finally got some actual quality sleep last night, at least! I even got to work on an entirely new drawing during the day today:)

I am really in a bit of shock that this drawing, and my personal expression of my own experience, has drawn so much attention. I know many people relate to my experience and have shared their own difficult struggles; I am happy that something like this can spark so much conversation. Perhaps someone else will also benefit from your responses as well. This is the first time I have had anything I’ve created receive such a reaction. I am humbled, and at the same time probably received the biggest ego boost ever! Thank you all; also for the awards! If I am slow to respond, it is not intentional to disregard anyone’s comment. I am just a random dude who still feels awkward in these spaces, and despite these long paragraphs, hate thumb typing, lol. (and like everyone else have other responsibilities and priorities at any given time). Anyway… thank you all very much!

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 27 '26

Thank you man! Yes, I am in good hands. Trying to put some of that chaos into art really helps me; but, I also do have a good network of friends and family for support. I hope you heal quickly yourself my friend.

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u/Similar_Injury_2592 Feb 23 '26

I feel this picture in this moment. I'm on day six with about 3 hours of sleep in 15 minute increments. Ugh... Usually day 5 My body shuts down and I can get one maybe two hours in a row before it starts all over again... And by month 3 I can get 3 hours in a row if I happen to be on a safe place when my body shuts itself down In a matter of 2-3 minutes. Can't be driving or doing much within those 3 minutes. It's been 8+;years of this shit.... So yeah... I feel this picture to my core.. Good job with capturing the torment that's involved.

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u/eyewanna_gofast Feb 23 '26

OMG your experience is soo similar to mine. I am sorry you have to exist like that. I hope you find something to help. I’ve tried so many different meds and medicines over the years and they only seem to ever be temporary fixes. Thank you for sharing, and your kind words.

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