Artist Henrik Wahlström does everything from personal lectures on mental illness to funny sketches on social media. He is a writer, director and artist and founder of the Upside Down campaign. In an interview with Henrik, we talked about the pros and cons of social media, glimmers in everyday life, what makes him angry and the importance of daring to talk to SOMEONE if you are not feeling well.

Hi Henrik! Who are you?
– I am a multi-tasker who has worked in all sorts of creative fields such as author, visual artist, composer, lecturer, sound designer, screenwriter, director, podcast producer, actor, etc. But most people recognize me from social media where I have large accounts.

You have an internet presence that is both fun and important, what do you think is the best and worst thing about social media?
– I think the best and worst thing is anonymity. On the one hand, it allows people to express and ask for help with issues they otherwise wouldn't have dared to raise. At the same time, it allows people to spread hatred in a way they otherwise wouldn't have dared to stand for, or to give advice on issues they are not sufficiently knowledgeable about.

You've been open about your bipolar disorder, is there anything you wish more people knew about?
– That those of us who have the disease are everywhere in society, but the vast majority of us keep quiet about the diagnosis if we can. It is not a very common disease, but the fact that 1-3% of the population has it means that you will probably encounter us sometimes in your everyday life. Most of us can have a well-functioning life with the disease! In general, it is wise not to sit in the coffee room and speak critically about medical conditions, because you do not know what the people around you are actually living with.

You founded the Upside Down Campaign, tell us more about it!
– It is a kind of pride symbol for mental illness, a small heart that means that the wearer has an open and accepting attitude towards mental illness and different diagnoses. It can be a way to show that you are an ally and a person that no one needs to mask their feelings in front of. All profits from products sold go to the organization Mind, which runs the suicide hotline, so far the symbol has raised over half a million and is worn by thousands of people!

Which of your recurring sketches is your favorite and why?
– I like the National Federation of Shitty People! I meet new people all the time in my everyday life who qualify for membership...

Who is your role model?
– Teddy bear.

What makes you happy?
– Seeing people come together to try to change society and the world, even though it's going downhill on so many levels.