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Artist Suffering From Anxiety And Depression Finds Therapy In Turning Her Life Into Comics (30 Pics)
As 2020 has so vividly shown us, living in the 21st century can feel like a meaningless, Kafkaesque exercise. And it's not just the outer world that's such a high-pressure environment; the inner one can become really turbulent too.
While coping with both of these dimensions is something we all have to figure out for ourselves, some things seem to be more universal than others. Like humor.
Of course, mental illness isn't funny. But artist Gemma Correll, who suffers from anxiety and depression, has found that creating light-hearted comics about her everyday life helps her to make sense of it all. Ask any of her 856,000 Instagram followers and I think they will say they get some sort of catharsis from Correll's work as well.
More info: gemmacorrell.com | Instagram | tinyview
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
MiraiJack 4 years ago
Well, think about it; it's easier for people to say positive things, since that does not create conflict. But there is also that one courageous friend or stranger who will tell you the true, no matter how hard it may seem, so you can improve. That said, your model looks like Wally, and you should kill yourself.
Janoel Murrey 4 years ago
as a person with anxiety i relate to this a lot i will have people complementing me the whole day yet if i get one negative comment i will break down
You could say Gemma's strips are like her diary entries. In fact, the comics she draws now are the result of years of keeping sketchbooks and journals. "It's something I've done since childhood, making notes and drawings (it was only at college that I learned to call them comics)," she told Bored Panda. "The short comics that I share are inspired by snippets from my everyday personal life."
Gemma started exploring mental health through her work quite a while ago. Even when she ultimately decided to share her comics with the public, there were only a few artists who dared to talk about these struggles on the Internet. "When I first posted these kinds of comics online, mental health was very rarely spoken about, especially in the comics world, using any kind of humor. Making the drawings felt like a kind of therapy to me and after sharing a couple on social media, not expecting much of a response (and even worrying that they would upset people) I noticed that my followers responded to the comics about mental health very strongly and overwhelmingly positive."
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#2
Janoel Murrey 4 years ago
my mom always says the whole sticks and stones s**t blah blah blah but yet she doesn't know what it feels like to have anxiety and go through that
Beatrice Multhaupt 4 years ago
My grandmother grew up in an orphanage and had a rather severe personality disorder as a result. She kept telling my parents to give me up for adoption so that they could raise my sister as an only child. Whenever i told her what I thought of this, she would chant the ''sticks and bones'' thing. Honestly, it obsesses me to this day (I'm 66). What is the final line ???
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Whenever I see this I get mad/sad It ends with something meaning that words don't hurt. I ve often seen it being used to defend people who bully. 'It is just words....' well broken bones heal psychological harm does not. I would trade having my bones breaking broken every day if that means I would not have to go through everything that has happened. (Obviously if there is physical abuse you have both. But even then it is not the pain of the wounds that leave the scars but that somebody (usually someone close to you) deliberately harms you and makes you go through that. The difference of falling or being pushed down the stairs) )
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Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Sorry... not worse. You can't seriously claim that the abuser has it worse than the person that suffered the abuse...
Load More Replies..."I think being open about these things help to destigmatize them and to also give words and images to feelings that can be difficult to decipher and describe," Gemma said, adding that even though she's happy that her comics are popular, she would continue making them even if they weren't.
Nowadays, there's plenty of online creators who try to be "relatable." But many come across as phony, shallow, or both. You don't get that when going through Gemma's comics; you can tell she's genuine and an expert in curating her everyday life, cutting out the redundancies and focusing on the moments that describe her and her personality.
#3
Andrew Gibb 4 years ago
As the person who pays the bill for the phone I also decide its' use. Or non-use
Ποιητικό Αίτιο 4 years ago
You can also press the volume down button for it to stop ringing without rejecting the call ;)
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Put it under a pillow so you don't hear it... (cant decline the call then they know you were there)
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Or the courage to withstand the conversation. When you know most topics that could come up will be painfull)
Load More Replies..."The only things I don't share are the ones I'm saving for my graphic novel about mental illness, which I'm working on right now, and anything that would paint another person in a bad light," Correl explained. "I also don't believe in making art about mental health issues that I personally don't suffer from. I wouldn't make a comic about schizophrenia, for example, because that's not my story to tell. Everything comes from my personal experience."
"When I have been unable to vocalize my feelings or problems to a doctor or therapist, I have always written them down," the artist added. "Sometimes I might be crying too much to choke out the words, or I might just not be able to articulate them. Writing and drawing are great therapeutic tools."
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ALONA BERGERON 4 years ago
my dad figured this out and now he punishes me FROM my room and takes all the things i like
Bettie-Jean Neal 4 years ago
This was so me growing up! Except I had a doggo. Eventually my parents realized that going to my room wasn't a punishment and they would instead send me to the living room where siblings were playing stupid video games.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Why downvote this and my comment. I truly don't undrstand people. Neither of us were rude. What is wrong if someone feels comfortable in their room or likes nature? Even if you don't yourself.
Load More Replies... Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago (edited)
Room is fine garden is better actual (wild) nature even better. (So not just a few trees in your street)
#7
Gin. No tonic 4 years ago
I keep hanging around TV Peak and River of Excuses, sometimes travelling to Napland, but always avoiding the Laundry Valley.
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago (edited)
I love laundry valley. It’s total procrastination but nobody can accuse you of being lazy, while a machine is doing all the work. Easy and relaxing, and then you get a warm dryer fresh blanket at the end!
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Sadie Shinkle 4 years ago
i hangout around online shopping, daydream beach, MOD, and comfort zone
Giovanna Flores 4 years ago
I tend to be at daydream beach alot and most of the time at Mt. distraction and T.V peak
Alex Serov 4 years ago
There should be a "you are here" sign in the mountains of distraction :-/
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Mine are sites like bored panda. .. Or hanging around in a game looking at stats while there isn't much to do anymore.. and having yet another cup if tea. Rinse and repeat..
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Mrs_ Possum 4 years ago
LOL, the other day I had a dream where loads of people came up to me in a big group. It felt weird, like why is nobody social distancing??? In my DREAM 🙄
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
I have this same reaction when I watch TV! How the fûck did we breathe on each other so much before?!
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Doggo Froggo 4 years ago
That is sooooooooo cool!!!! Not accurate for me but I know a lot of people who that is accurate for!
Catherine Richardson 4 years ago
IKR I get dressed every day just to have something to do. haha
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#14
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
I am not a buyer at all. I don't think I even buy in a year what others buy in a week. But the rest looks familiar. But it is other stuff I try to full it with. Scrolling through funny pages or cute pics etc. It numbs or pauses but never fills
Mimi 4 years ago
Been there, done that. And.. repeat. It doesn't necessarily has to be shopping. It may be the book that turns your live around, the new medication, the next routine. But hey, we'll never give up!!! (btw: my last therapeutic techniques did and do help - ACT, acceptance and commitment therapy)
#15
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
They should draw the first one in an abandoned place and the 2nd muuuuuuuch bigger and more and crowded. And people digging their own, new ones.
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Tami 4 years ago
Brain chemicals are likely. I was a very anxious, withdrawn child. Then the hormones started filling in and I became more confident. Still sort of a loner, but I went out and engaged in all sorts of interesting activities. Then menopause hit, hormones ebbed, and the anxiety came back.
#18
Mohsie Supposie 4 years ago
Lucky you! Normally they just give you a free subscription to the PREMIUM level anxiety if you every try to cancel the standard subscription.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Well I would definitely not call... especially if there is a website..
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#20
Nikki Felix 4 years ago
Holidays, my sister and I would run and hide every time a family member was on the phone getting passed around lmao
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
I hate this one because it’s always a family member in another language that I haven’t spoken in like six months.
#21
*sneezes in pansexual* 4 years ago
me too-- pansexual permanently exhausted pigeon coo
Load More Replies... Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Haha this made me laugh. (Though it is sad... and true...no sleep)
#22
ALONA BERGERON 4 years ago
everyone thinks that they have anxiety or certain things bad but what about the people that are actually diagnosed with it? I have social anxiety disorder and depression and just anxiety I m not trying to target anyone but some people are always lying about what they have to get attention and take the needed attention from ones that need it.
Madilynn Vanells 4 years ago
love that album! oh and you forgot the song, with the lyrics that say; "I cant stop thinking about that conversation I had 3 years agooo" OH! and the one that goes "don't listen to the ones that say you're overthinking it, cause how are they UNDER thinking it!?' aND THE ONE EVERYBODY SHOULD LISTEN TO! "YOUR PERFECT THE WAY YOU ARE, DONT CHANGE YOURSELF FROM WHAT OTHERS SAY, HAVE A GREAT DAY, NIGHT, EVENING, AFTERNOON! AH GEEZ HAVE A GREAT MONTH!" oh I wish that song was on the album..
#23
Madilynn Vanells 4 years ago
I'd relate to the invisible ghost, at least what other people would think.. I think I'd be the mutant one. .-.
#24
Michael Green 4 years ago (edited)
Them: Uhh.. I think you're overthinking it. Me: NO, you're UNDERthinking it.
Madilynn Vanells 4 years ago
I don't know how people can NOT relate to this!! These are so relatable thanks for making these!! (honestly Micheal green, with the comment " Them; uhh.. i think your overthinking it. me; NO, you UNDERthinking it." is so relatable!)
Mohsie Supposie 4 years ago
For every word spoken, there are about a billion thoughts!
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#30
Neva Nevičica 4 years ago
...and a great way to get rid of people you don't like :D
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Anna Bertholf 3 years ago
The tie bricks to her feet and throw her in the river cartoon....that's real life, baby!!
haha laser go brrr 4 years ago
Ah yes, the most accurate way of predicting the future: M.A.S.H
#31
PotatoNinja5000 4 years ago
Certain yoga poses. If I'm late, hands down I'll get it the next day after doing them.
#32
#33
MiraiJack 4 years ago
Since your anxiety/depression does not allow you to think positively of yourself, on the second day you will have nothing else to write, AND is also going to realise that you are not that good at writing lists. Welcome to hell.
KiwiBubbles 4 years ago
Wow you just described exactly how my brain works........... 😢 Kinda nice to see someone who knows what happens tho.......?
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#39
KiwiBubbles 4 years ago
I'd love to be "somebody who clearly just woke up" but I always end up with "Oh God, is THAT what I look like?" 😅
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Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
This, but add a whole aisle from Sephora and a small bag of chips that’s 89% eaten.
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Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Maybe for US republican democrat? Though we shouldn't drag politics in and a lot of times there are already other tells (not always but many times you can guess it correctly)
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#47
Catherine Richardson 4 years ago
I'm worrying, stressing, overthinking, fretting, dwelling, and drinking tea.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Looking at animals no one else notice? That tiny bird in the tree, the little beetle on the fence, the cat in the window.
#48
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
If you are physically able, try to take a walk. Does a lot of good in many ways. If you have agoropgobia even just walking in your house helps
#49
#50
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
For me, the rotten one is Saturday, and the shiny beautiful one is Tuesday.
#52
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Make that 6 hours later. Then 30 minutes of good intentions not being on the phone then rinse and repeat...
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#64
Star of the world 4 years ago
for those who dont get it, warrior 1, 2, 3, and reverse are yoga poses
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#68
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
Yo! I’ve thought this before! Too much to explain here but basically you have to be something big before you can feel like you faked it or don’t deserve it or didn’t earn it.
#70
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
Throw away Vlad and Old Faithful and just wait for a sale. Not worth keeping.
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Disagree! Throw away all but old Faithfull. But give it a (gentle) wash. It can takeyears before you find one that is at least mildly comfortable. Or just go without... tight tanktop (especially when you are in a sweater/ jacket anyway. And obviously not when excersising)
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Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
I admit this year I have gone outside by just putting on a jacket (ad obviously pants) over my pajama. ..
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#78
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
The t shirt and shirt dresses are a fave of mine for wearing something shapeless yet cute.
#82
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
So sad. But unfortunately the state of the world today... Even worse people that go through stuff like this can't even say anything about it (or a bystander) because then they will be called precious and snowflake.. If you don't find abnormal behaviour normal you get attacked..
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#84
Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Omg haha, you have dad humor. But to me this is mom humor... she likes the ones that are just on the edge of being clean and neat. (I'm sure there is a better way to describe in English. Not my first language so sometimes hard to convey what I mean)
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#87
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago (edited)
Then she definitely has straight hair if it’s only brushed and looking nice. Wavy hair could never.
KiwiBubbles 4 years ago
IKR! My friends used to come to school like "man I didn't even have time to brush my hair" and they look FINE (straight hair) but I'm over here with wavy/curly hair and I cannot be comfortable in public without a ponytail or approximately 3 gallons of anti-frizz serum
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Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
I was waiting for this one when I saw the seasonal one up there. I was gonna say something but here it is!
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Martine Remmelzwaal 4 years ago
Wow... you really need to look at your behaviour....
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Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
I love the real pigeon pose, it feels so good! Child’s pose is good too.
#145
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
That’s normal meditation. With practice the side thoughts get quieter or easier to turn away from.
#148
Mewton’s Third Paw 4 years ago
I wonder if Gen Z’s children will think tattoos are corny and for old people.
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Madilynn Vanells 4 years ago
yes! I. LOVE. THEM! IVE SPENT THE LAST 30 minutes scrolling through them! y'know.. I should go back to doing homework like I was supposed to..
Madilynn Vanells 4 years ago
yes! I. LOVE. THEM! IVE SPENT THE LAST 30 minutes scrolling through them! y'know.. I should go back to doing homework like I was supposed to..
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