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136 Artists Reveal the Dark Reality of Depression Through Drawings
Chances are, some of your friends or relatives are coping with depression. Sometimes, the best start in helping the suffering person is stepping into their shoes for a moment. Depression symptoms have no face. But, understanding these two things: what does depression feel like and how undermining it is, can show the guidelines for help.
However, not everyone is gifted with such great empathy. That’s why we are here! The compilation of depression drawings that we have gathered below might give you a glimpse of what this mental illness feels like.
What is Depression Drawing?
Depression drawing is the artistic expression of people suffering from depression. When such individuals express themselves through depression drawings, it can help them cope with their emotions and improve their mental health.
The artists behind these gloomy drawings have first-hand experience dealing with mental illnesses, and their drawings illustrate it in a very relatable way. From monsters living in your head to feelings of complete loneliness, depression is way more debilitating than one might think.
Compilation of Depression Art with Deep Meanings
Scroll down for these depression artworks by various artists and see how they feel or imagine this mental illness.
Living with depression is hard, but it is treatable, so if you think that you might be suffering from it or spot the first depression symptoms with your relative or a friend, don't ignore it. Get help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and provides free, anonymous, and confidential support. If you or someone you know needs urgent treatment for depression, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call 988 or dial the helpline at 1-800-662-4357, or visit their official website to chat with Lifeline.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Brain Sick
Black Arrow 8 years ago
That's actually so disrespectful to people who actually feel this way.
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Aylin Rooijakkers 6 years ago
Besides the beautiful translation of feeling to image, let's all take a moment to appreciate the incredible skill displayed here!! Such a dark head and still that much detail is skill AF! I applaud you man, this is insane good!!
Power Within You 8 years ago
There is a way to overcome depression once and for all, and I don't mean suicide. I wrote the first post on my blog about this here: http://powerwithinyou.net/how-do-i-overcome-depression
RELATED:
#2
Mind Devour
The painting describes a person with mental problems such as schizophrenia, insanity, depression, or other mental health problems. His endless screaming makes his own mind eat him up.
I have periods in my life where I feel like this. I wanted to make an illustration of my thoughts and my pain within.
Power Within You 8 years ago
I overcame depression and wrote about how to do it here http://powerwithinyou.net/how-do-i-overcome-depression/
Ioakim Ioakimidis 8 years ago
IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH
Janice Joseph 2 years ago
who created this i'm doing research for a school project and need answers
Chuck 8 months ago
In the bottom right-hand corner is a signature. I think it says Sebastian Erikson.
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Olivia Charles 2 years ago
sometimes i cant deal anymore i just feel like killing myself falling not knowing what to do if you see this imdead
#3
Depression
Little letitia 8 years ago
People always say my head is in the clouds. Little do they know those clouds are black and heavy with storms.
Len Cicio 8 years ago
I think we've all been there letitia. The good thing is sometimes and with practice we can move the clouds away. Joni Mitchel had some great lines from her song on the "Clouds" album "Sometimes voices in the night will call me back again. Back along the pathway of a troubled mind. When forests rise to block the light, that keeps a traveler sane, I'll challenge them with flashes from a brighter time." thanks for sharing.
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Power Within You 8 years ago
There is a way out of depression that worked for me, and I wrote all about it on my first blog post in order to help others who are looking for a proven way to overcome http://powerwithinyou.net/how-do-i-overcome-depression/
Alissa Fourtounas 3 years ago
People often don't understand that this is how so many people feel when they are seeming non caring and distant
#4
Colorful Depression
Bobbi Newell 8 years ago
This one. All the color bleeds out of your life, leaving you gray and empty. And you don't even notice until after it's happened...
Sanna K 8 years ago
This is how it feels. The color is the color of life.. The cheer, the positivity, the energy and the lust for life. The drive tog get s**t done. The will to see friends, the mood to party, dance, sing, cook, exercise, grocery shop, cook, shower, clean the house.. ALL OF IT! It leaves you... You are left with nothing. Looking at your life through a dark grey tint. Making you paranoid that nobody was every really your friend. That all your accomplishments are laughed at by others. That you have wasted your whole life on nothing that brings your fruit and for the future, it all just feels like it is too late.. So you just sit there. Wondering whats wrong with you and if anybody will ever help. Cus you can not help yourself.. Continuing the spiral... Making the tint even more grey because now you also feel totally helpless. Useless. Worthless. This piece of are shows the desperation. Very very powerful.
Ruth Gross 4 years ago
When your LGBTQIA+ and your stressed out about coming out/gets invalidated = this drawing.
Claudia Argueta 4 months ago
The world on the outside when everyone else is happy and sees life as it is. Whilst I'm quietly dying inside
#5
Depression Drawings
Olivia Charles 2 years ago
i have to cry quietly i have to hold my mouth so nobody knows the feeling
Sedonah Smith-Toerner 4 years ago
me hiding in the dark, crying my heart out.... my joy falling thru my eyes
Vincent Wiegand 5 years ago
After starring for awhile. I feel this emotion so much. Where your looking out, and you are surrounded by nothing but darkness. Well done👍
Why do Depressed People Make Art?
As we said before, depression has no face. And the people suffering from it find it difficult to express what they are going through. But art is a medium through which they can express themselves. In fact, art therapy is a popular type of therapy that helps people in exploring and expressing their emotions to cope with stress and improve their mental health.
If you are suffering from depression, getting help is always the first step. But you can also try to express yourself through art. Start with depression drawings, easy ones initially, and let your mind flow. It might help you in a way. You can also draw inspiration from the artwork in the list below!
RELATED: 115 Powerful Mental Health Tattoos To Help You Heal
#6
Major Depressive Disorder
DancingToMyself 8 years ago
Then you'll like his all #INKTOBER work. I do, very much so.
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Merv Scanlan 8 years ago
I have had major depressive disorder all my life. People think I'm lazy and useless. I can't make them see.
Elizabeth Penn 1 year ago
its amaizing art, right know i think i can relate to this peice, exspeciually right know
Kai Winters 1 year ago
i had it "clinicly" diagnosed with MDD. Medication is b******t, when you find what you are abl to do like exercising learing new skills, being in uncomfortable situations for a extended peroid of time. Only when you experience real discomfort, you will be able to enjoy the moments of comfort where you are able able to sit outside with the sunshine and the birds singing with the breeze blowing the tree and grass around. Life is hard, thanks to hard work you value toward what you received. " What you obtain to cheaply, You esteem to lightly" - George Washington
Brent Evans 1 year ago
A suggestion: get your heart checked. I suffered from this all my life until I had a heart "issue". They installed an LVAD and ever since I've been great. Four years now.
#7
Depression Artwork
Valerie Lentz 3 years ago
for me this is like when you accidentally do something wrong and you cant get out of the loop of blaming yourself. (I struggle with that!)
#8
Teen Depression
Marcus Delles 6 years ago
Fading, fading, fading, until there is nothing left... oh yeah that's right, there was never anything to begin with...
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
Yes, hurts most seeing young people suffer from it but how to battle someone’s brain.
#9
Falling
A figure sketch from "Falling" a unique art project I worked on from 2010-2014 about my experience with depression.
Lynn Monet Bevino 8 years ago
I can relate to this. This is a great representation of the feeling of falling, helpless, as the agony pulls you in and down. As you submit, because you're too weak from trying to be strong.
#10
Broken Soul
Daria B 8 years ago
This one also points out how painful it can be for your loved ones if they accidentally "step on your soul".
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Justin Eldridge 8 years ago
My son, without a doubt, helps the most in this process of reconstruction. He is my God send.
Alissa Fourtounas 3 years ago
Love this because it expresses healing in away instead of not displaying the way up.
Angelika Okotokro 8 years ago
No matter how many times they try, before they even finish, things will fall apart again ...
Corey Drake 8 years ago
Look at the face. The most depressing part of this to me is that it's impossible to put this person back together the way the face is oriented. Or the person is looking straight up. I wonder if the artist meant to do that.
Richard Petch 8 years ago
Yes, he is going to get carried about again hand an foot AGAIN instead of growing up and fending for himself, THAT'S how I got over my depression, get on with your life and stop thinking you are being hard done by.
How do You Illustrate Depression?
Illustrating depression has no rules. You just explore your mind and try to express what you are going through using drawings and illustrations. So, give your mind free rein and let your emotions flow through the art.
#11
My Depression Looks Like This
On my 27th birthday my depression was finally just too fucking much. After many years of silently treating the severe recurrent episodes of my major depressive disorder, I gave up. I was not well and I needed to take the time to deal with how bad it had truly gotten. So I basically "came out" as the big faker depression had been telling me I was... no more masks,
Caitie Forsyth 8 years ago
I, too, wear the masks. I just don't trust anyone enough to confide in them. They will just hurt me, like everyone/everything else. At times tho it almost seems more exhausting to hide then it would be to just express the overwhelming fear, pain and anger that is felt.
Maria Diaz 8 years ago
I know how you feel, but you will be surprised at how many of us suffer just like you. Test the waters by telling one person and no matter how they react, you will have the satisfaction of owning your feelings and speaking your truth.
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Shetland Tony 1 year ago
Wearing a mask is easier, short term anyway. Hard to think long term when it takes an almighty effort to even get a hoover out.
Bine Luna Queeny Fly 2 years ago
I used to do this too, but two weeks ago my depression got stronger than any mask. So many tears in public, at work, everywhere.
Jade Barrios Isidoro 3 years ago
i can relete because with my friends and in public with my family i put a smiley mask on and pretend im proud of everything but im not and at night i just dry myself out
#12
My Demons
Mei Factor 2 years ago
You mean "whether", as in to express doubt or a choice between alternatives NOT "weather", as in atmospheric conditions like sunny/cloudy/rainy... Sorry, I am not one to call people out on their grammar to be an a*s, I just want to help you to become more grammatical.
Load More Replies... Claudia Argueta 4 months ago
Fighting the demons- but not just any demons. Demons tailored specifically to me.
yasmine (yasminrnjele) 1 month ago
Thats so real... I started to be friends with mine though.. :)
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#13
Can't Escape
Power Within You 8 years ago
Actually, there is a way to escape your own mind, and I don't mean suicide. I wrote the first post on my blog about this here: http://powerwithinyou.net/how-do-i-overcome-depression
Claudia Argueta 4 months ago
No rest from the pain. No rest from the sadness. No rest and no energy to keep fighting yourself.
#14
Fading Into Depression
GJones 8 years ago
No Jasmine, you feel sad. Sadness has a reason. Depression is feeling sad with no discernible reason.
Amber Kennedy 8 years ago
Her sentence was fine, you can feel depressed without having depression.
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Cathleen Tracy 1 year ago
What I get from this is when in my whole body all I can feel is the weight of depression and dont even have a body just weight of sadness and I am numb
#15
Falling Into Depression
Laura Kalnina 4 years ago
I have depression relapse for last two months and it's still going. I've been suffering from it about 15 years. I know that this time it's bad, because I don't cry anymore just laught like a freaking lunatic. You don't feel anything and even blooming flowers doesn't make you smile. You stay alone and push people away because you don't want them. When you have a depression, you just lose the senses like love, respect, compasion. You love noone and you don't care about anything because, you are dead but keep riding your flesh coated body. The life is beautifull, but you don't care anymore.
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Jade Barrios Isidoro 3 years ago
my best friend using me for something then leaving me forever and never being loyal and i cry first then depression grabs a hold of me and take me to their world
Ashley Wiles 3 years ago
I feel like this picture is screaming for help but only silently screaming. I feel like she knows depression is and always will be there; she's just waiting for it to engulf her completely.
What Represents Depression in Art?
Many symbols represent depression in art. As you can see in this compilation, monsters, darkness, tears, and clouds are a few of the symbols that express depression.
#16
Empty
Mia Kliman 1 year ago
Oh wow that’s so… there is no word in the English language for what I am trying to say.
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
Feels like when you feel like a nothing but you are Someone.
#17
Falling Sketch No. 55
This depression in art project is a visualization of personal experience with depression and anxiety. The condition brought on frequent episodes where I felt emotionally and physically out of control. Unable to “release” myself from these episodes, I waited for the physical limitations of my body to end them. Recounting the affected years, I realize how accustomed I became to depression’s influence; many emotions and feelings belonged to it and not my own personality. After an extended, untreated struggle, a diagnosis brought relief, and the process of unearthing myself from the disease began.
Karl Stoll 8 years ago
This looks just like depression combined with anxiety. I know this pose all too well.
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
Feel trapped just looking at it but so glad you are getting well.
Vivienne Greenwood 4 years ago
A score of 47? WHAT WERE THE JUDGES NOT THINKING? THIS IS BRILLIANT! SUPERB! GUTWRENCHING! THE PAIN IS SO EVIDENT! THE MIND SO LOST. THE SOUL SO BROKEN! THE JUDGES ARE BLIND!
#18
Evanesce
Kylan Tremblay 5 years ago
This speaks to me so much. To me it says depression is a hole and you don't mean to fall into it, it just happens and your grasping for anything but there's nothing there so you just fall into darkness
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
Yes it feel like it becomes bigger than you like a tornado tossing you around like a doll-but yours is a beautiful art expression. Feel better.
#19
Cancer Of The Mind
Depression is like a cancer of the mind.
Olivia Charles 2 years ago
i cant untanggle my feelings im so nervous of coming bisxual i cant take this anymore im fcking gonna run away my family hates me so bad
Milla Mazzotta 3 years ago
When your head is full of madness, a mess that doesnt leave, when your head just wants to scream.... can relate...
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
Yes, i never thought of it that way-so smart & detailed.
#20
Black Dog
Sophia Weber 3 years ago
So true, the dog actually reminds me of Cerberus, kind of makes it even more true.
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
The Darkness comes to torment-try hard to face them & slay them.
Is Drawing Good for Depression?
Yes, drawing or art therapy is good for depression. It is a way to cope with your emotions and express your internal struggle. It might also help in improving mental health.
#21
Monster Inside The Head
Monsters don't live under your bed, they live inside your head.
Valerie Lentz 3 years ago
Its hard to get through, to all the people having this feeling, your not alone! <3
Grace Calliope 5 years ago
This oddly reminds of the one Qinni art did, you know the one that looks exactly like this.(yes that is sarcasm)
#22
Drowning In Depression
Melina Pothier 8 years ago
I relate strongly to this. After I've driven myself to exhaustion with my OCD and depression and finally pass out on my bed tired from trying to fight it.
Ashley Wiles 3 years ago
I feel like shes been trying so hard to please the world that she's slowly drowning in her self denial that she is happy when in reality she's so freaking sad. She just wants somebody to pull her out and hug her and tell her it will be OK.
Vivienne Greenwood 4 years ago
Given in, given up to the blackness! It sucks the energy out of you till you succumb to it's deep dark depths! 39...No! At least in the 90's!
#23
Good Bye Depression
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
This makes me feel better & no judging of this very personal expression is needed; anyone who does that invalidates the feeling. This could be forever or this could be just a moment of happiness. Just Enjoy this portrait for its beauty & joy-don’t need to be a “cop” about it. Keep on slaying the dragon-I love this.
#24
Hopelessness
#25
Art About Depression
This dark drawing was inspired by depression and the effect it has on people, its a subject that's very close to my heart and i feel very passionate about it. So I created this image almost to try and explain depression to someone who's never experienced it or can not understand the effects it has on people.
Bluebell Rizzi 6 years ago
Same. It was like looking into my reflection. (I hope you're doing okay, two years later)
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#26
Broken And Alone
Someone somewhere feels less alone when finding that they can relate to something. Mental illness can feel extremely isolating.
#27
Again Insomnia
Really troublesome. My mind can't settle. Sometimes it end up with... twisted dream. I feel so depressed and sad every time I wake up, especially when everyone has gone.
Mine Truly 1 year ago (edited)
Try the SleepTube channel on YouTube. It's not a magic bullet, but I find I have better success falling asleep with it than without it. If you've tried medication and failed, I've found that the only med that works for me is Ambien. Diphenhydramine, melatonin, valerian root, chamomile tea, trazodone, etc are all a joke. Ambien loses effectiveness over time, though,so using it every night is a bad idea.
Sausey Sandwich 3 years ago
this one I really relate to. My depression feels very violent, slowly corroding me from the inside out until i am a puddle of flesh. My mental health is a lot better then it use to be, and looking at these art works helps process things. Thank you for this ❤️.
Sophia Weber 3 years ago
Sleep sometimes feels like the only escape because I almost never dream while asleep, so I don't feel anything. However, sleep can feel like it is one of the hardest things to find at times.
Adrian sanchez 3 years ago
Im glad u have some way of getting away from it... i cant in my sleep
Load More Replies... Vivienne Greenwood 4 years ago
Very powerful! And so sadly true! When you are overtired, overwhelmed and lonely and lost! Is so unbearable! 34, is a sign of a lack of understanding for what you have shown and expressed!
#28
Art During A Time Of Depression
Justin Eldridge 8 years ago
People tend to forget the boredom aspect. It's in that boredom the sick mind runs amuck leading to more hopelessness and emptiness.
Valerie Lentz 3 years ago
if someone is going through a hard time and they say that they are FINE they are NOT FINE
Cenedra Lynn 3 years ago
I tell myself all day it's ok and it's not that bad stiffen that upper lip. It doesn't work
Adrian sanchez 3 years ago
I hate having to tell lies that im fine over and over again each day
#29
November
Emotional_Dumpster 1 year ago
This one hit hard on me- November 2022 has ruined the magic of Christmas for me
Valerie Lentz 3 years ago
this speaks to me, i feel like when i'm felling a little sad and embarrassed this describes how i feel
#30
She's Not Sad. She Feels Empty
CARMELLA NIEDZWIECKI 5 years ago
i literally scared myself looking at this because of how ,uch i feel for it... i used to have this thing where i has my "special corner" and i would just sit there and cry.
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
The covering of the mouth because no one can hear me; achy & crying just looking at it.
Alyssa Finch 4 years ago
It’s so interesting, I see this theme again and again. I have one of my own, actually, but it never got past an idea sketch.
#31
Parasite
Char Gregoire 2 years ago
you think in your head, what on earth have i done to deserve this, as you sit paralyzed in you mind while the demons claw at what is left of your soul, your happiness, like crows leaving you empty and alone.
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Deborah Frances 8 years ago
How do I contact the artist? I am a mental health clinician who suffers from depression. I would love to hang a piece of this artists work in my office.
Emma-Jayne Cianciaruso 8 years ago
https://www.boredpanda.com/my-stickmen-scribbles-gave-me-a-voice/
Load More Replies... Char Gregoire 2 years ago
you think in your head, what on earth have i done to deserve this, as you sit paralyzed in you mind while the demons claw at what is left of your soul, your happiness, like crows leaving you empty and alone.
Adrian sanchez 3 years ago
Your demons wont leave until you find your happy place... most of the time
Jannine Diovisalvo-Sciano 3 years ago
It is a parasite, isn’t it? Never thought of that before.
Vivienne Greenwood 4 years ago
Do not understand these scores! I can only conclude there is zero grasp of the black monster!
Maki Izumi 5 years ago
there are these people who i thought i could trust, giving my kindness and sincerity to them then suddenly, they are just actually like vampires sucking blood, trashing me away if they already get what they want from me... at the end they blamed me... been suppressing this depression a long long time ago until now.. outside i may look normal, but my soul and interest to people is gradually diminishing..
#32
Dissociation Depression Drawing
Brooklynn Swearingen 2 years ago
Like when you feel like you are living in someone else’s body. Beautiful sad art. But true. And I’m sort to say very relatable
Eliana Frank 3 years ago
having multiple faces, and not knowing which one to show- for fear that it's not the right one..
#33
Burden
Callie Callie J. 2 years ago (edited)
This is my most relatable one. The darkness and Hell that exists inside a person with depression. Feeling (or knowing??) that there's no way out...or no way out any time soon.
Valerie Lentz 3 years ago
iv had so many intrusive thoughts just like "DO IT ALREADY" or "JUST UNALIVE URSELF ALREADY" and this image can not be more descriptive about how so many ppl feel!
Ashley Wiles 3 years ago
I feel like hes hiding from the people who claim they love him when in reality they are just using him for their needs and to fill their emptiness up but he clings to the false love they give because that's all he has ever known.:/
Vivienne Greenwood 4 years ago
I understand this! But will someone explain the hands. I interpret it as he wants to but he fears the burden of guilt of those left behind will feel they have blood on their hands because they were unable to prevent it and feel they should have????
Manasseh Douglas 5 years ago
Wow. U have inspired me to pick up art again. This really speaks to me for a lot of reasons including the noose. Just wow.
#34
The Other Bedroom
voice of reason 3 years ago
And she's fed and housed and taken care of. Depression doesn't care.
#35
Dark Isolation
Jasper CarVille 3 years ago
Feels the worst when someone asks you if you need help and you lie because you don't want someone to be mad at you.
#36
Red Art Print
#37
Sickness
I feel sad and cold. But happy, because I have friends. So I feel guilty that I'm sad.
Willemijn DXB 3 years ago
This is exactly how I feel... Because I feel like I am a burden to everyone that sees me, like everyone around me is having a worse day because of me, like picking at everyone
Sausey Sandwich 3 years ago
it beats you into hopelessness and low self-esteem. No escape. Just egregious amounts of pain no words can describe. I relate.
#38
What Does Depression Feel Like…
#39
I Decided To Give Art Therapy A Go To Work Through Some Stuff - This Is My Interpretation Of Depression, Anxiety And Depersonalisation
#40
Crumbling Into Pieces
#41
Brain Fog
Debbie Chappell 8 years ago
I can relate to most of these images. I have my depression mostly under control these days. When it comes now, it is like this, a brain cloud that I can feel the darkness gathering and engulfing me. An improvement from the animal clawing desperation of past days.
George Marceau 6 years ago
Has queen! That is exactly how I feel but I also feel like the cloud has spread to my shoulders and there is a constant weight on my shoulders all the time
Angelika Okotokro 8 years ago
Like you are in a cloud that never moves away - everything is dulled and you can't see clearly.
#42
Morning Kiss From Your Depression
#43
A Mind War
Elizabeth Molloy 8 years ago
I don't know what that quote is from, but it it SO true
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#44
Trapped
James Whitfield 6 years ago
omg I didn't notice it until I saw your comment
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Doc.lightplayer 2 years ago
As a bipolar with mixed episodes (depression and mania together) this image feels so right- thanks
Callie Callie J. 2 years ago
A prison you cannot escape. It's always there. Even when it goes dormant for awhile it's still there underneath.
#45
Dystopia
#46
No Peace From The Demons
Aria Sweet 5 years ago
I've come to talk with you again because a vision softly creeping left its seeds while i was sleeping
#47
Depression Self-portrait
Orion King 8 years ago
By Far the most accurate and precise depiction of severe clinical depression out of all these 100 works, mad props to you bro, take care.
Ruth Gross 4 years ago
Y'know, my mom walked in on me having a panic attack that looked exactly like this, and to the point of where i couldnt breath i was crying so hard. I ended up cutting my wrists so deep it needed stiches. Oh wait, did i mention i am 11?
#48
Depression Is Real
DancingToMyself 8 years ago
"Because, my darling, that is the only thing that's stopping me that I don't take my brains out on the wall."
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Nicholas Bolton 1 year ago
Hey I’m a published author and found your artwork online I would like to use it for my second book cover (Well part of it) is this possible? Can we work something out?
Elecia Windmeyer 8 years ago
"Why are you crying honey?" "Because, I'm sad...that's all, I'm FINE"
#49
Old Man In Sorrow
Aesthetic club 2 years ago (edited)
Classic art. Van gough totally, but it gives such sad vibes
#50
Depressive
Valerie Lentz 3 years ago
i feel like anything i say would be used against me like my mouth should be permanantly closed
Michael Robertson 5 years ago
A lot of my depression drawings look like this. Souless eyes and a large gaping mouth that seems like it could swallow you whole. It's scary how similar they are.
Michael Robertson 5 years ago
A lot of my depression drawings look like this. Souless eyes and a large gaping mouth that seems like it's going to swallow you whole. It's scary how similar they are.
#51
No Escape
H.M. Jordan 8 years ago
you're trying, you're reaching to get out, but it just keeps pulling you back into the pit.
Eliana Frank 3 years ago
feeling like everything is holding you back from reaching the light- i get it, honestly. it's a horrible feeling
Kassandra Landaverde 4 years ago
You try to reach for help but it trys to pull you back into the suffering and pain. Knowing you wont want to get out even if you try , it will pull you back in . When your happy and not expecting it , it will pull back in slowly to make you feel miserable .
#52
Depression Is Terrifying
Caroline Coverett 1 year ago
As someone who just got out of being suicidal depression is terrifying I still get so scared of my mind. This is so real great job.
Axle McDowal 2 years ago
There are some of these that just show me sadness, and others that show fear. This one just makes me fearful
George Marceau 6 years ago
It really can drive you insane. You want to do anything to make it stop
Heather Cox 8 years ago
manic depression for me when combined with impossible demands endused stressed.
#53
Untitled
I'm having a hard time reminding myself why I bother to keep going, I've suffered with depression most of my life, lost my job and my health went downhill, sitting here alone, after years of therapy and trying, I'm just feeling defeated.
Elizabeth Molloy 8 years ago
There are so many pictures, and so many people commenting on them. I think more people suffer from mental illnesses/disorders than don't. We are the majority. Let's stick together and support each other.
George Marceau 6 years ago
It squeezes your head apart with its nasty grimy hands and forces your soul and joy out of your body
Elecia Windmeyer 8 years ago
It feels like you are ripped apart...you aren't you, you aren't anything, anyone, and it's terrifying....all you feel is to much...just to much
#54
Straight Jacket
Elecia Windmeyer 8 years ago
They all called me crazy....but they didn't know the constraints and horrors of my own mind.
Marcus Delles 6 years ago
I've learned a lot in my life, even though I'm still 14. And what I see in this, is that you are confined within yourself, with no escape, something that you don't have any control over... me, yes I have depression, anxiety, asthma, and my life is hell. My asthma keeps me from what I love doing the most, anxiety never let's me sleep, and depression makes me feel like s**t, and it made me want to end it all... I just have one more thing to say and to whoever is reading this, give what I'm saying some thought. Life is hell, school and home suck, people hate me and bully me, yet I still manage to make it through the day, day by day, week by week, and month by month. But that is ok, because sooner or later it will all be worth it... at least I hope.
Jasper CarVille 3 years ago
Having been in a very old fashioned mental hospital for more then half my life, it feels just like this.
Joyce McClements 5 years ago
This captures that anonymous, isolated, withdrawn feeling I've had so often.
#55
Depression Painting
"Depression" - painting by my grandmother
Timothy McCann 2 years ago
To be honest, other art I saw here I mostly just passed by, but then I saw this. I just started breathing heavily as all these thoughts came to my head about this. It's just, amazing and relatable to me.
#56
I Drew A Picture Of Depression
I've always imagined my depression as a sort of creature that hangs around, and when it gets bad it's trying to scoop me up. So I drew it.
#58
Depression Distorts Reality
Morgan Tootle-Speaker 6 years ago
no matter how beautiful life is, you're still trapped in there.
#59
Stress, Anxiety, Depression
#60
The Monster Never Leaves
#61
Clouded By Dark Thoughts
My roleplay character Seth, who struggles with PTSD and depression. This is a simple illustration of what that feels like.
Karl Stoll 8 years ago
Unable to see the light or any kind of future through all the dark thoughts.
#62
Feels
Emily McAdam 5 years ago
When you try to claw your way out of that void, but the darkness keeps grabbing onto you, sinking its claws in, whispering lies, but are they lies? You have no clue if it's a lie or the truth, and you just sink down more and more, trapped in your own head, with no escape;
#63
Bi-Polar Tendencies Of A Depressed Person
This drawing was inspired by an article that talked about the bio-polar tendencies that a depression person experiences.
#64
King Of Depression
DancingToMyself 8 years ago
I hope you're joking. Everyone see it differently, so as it feels different. That's his/hers version of being depressed.
Load More Replies... Aesthetic club 2 years ago
That looks like satan, the king of depression. So creepy but amazing
Vale Shady 4 years ago (edited)
reminds me of the elder demon Ivis Necron in Misfit Of Demon King Academy
Little letitia 8 years ago
They didn't draw it because they wanted to draw something 'cool' these are a real humans feelings. So many people live with this monster haunting them constantly, so maybe be more careful when commenting on such a sensitive issue that millions have to face everyday.
Load More Replies... #65
Broken Wings
#66
Absence Of Hope And Happiness
This painting is meant to depict depression. The raging sea represents anger; and the dark skies and use of only blue and black, sadness. The lighthouse is barely visible in the darkness and there is no beacon, symbolizing the absence of hope and happiness.
Genesis Marsala 4 years ago
I wrote a poem describing a person trying to save someone with depression. He always told me that he felt like he was drowning. I would row my boat out and save him, but he would always walk back into the surf and let the tide take him. Some days I couldn't find him and I would wait on the shore, praying that he would see my beacon and come home to me.
#67
Consumed By The Demon: A Depression Artwork
Daisy Montano 7 years ago
I feel like the happiness inside of me is being overflowed by depression never being able so escape, this photo hits me hard.
Jenni Debi 4 years ago
That mother is depressive and she strangles the life of child to make herself better hence she becomes the child's biggest monster(yeah people really turns blind eye to this type if matter)
Aesthetic club 2 years ago
It's like there is someone in there making you feel this way, and is blocking your happiness. :(
Angelika Okotokro 8 years ago
Nobody can help you, because your demon scares everybody away :(
#68
A Depression Drawing With A Contrast
Lauren Marsland 8 years ago
Love this one because something seemingly innocent can taunt you..
#69
Theft
Kassandra Landaverde 4 years ago
covering my face because i don't want people to see how i really am feeling inside. Because sometimes the masks i wear aren't enough to hide my suffering.
#70
Manic Depression
#71
Move On
Everyone of us suffered, lost loved ones, got harmed, felt betrayed, had a depression... In the end we are all human and nothing builds us better than suffering. However, to enjoy life, one must let go of the past; he must move on.. he must sew the wounds in his heart.. for only that makes us stronger, and so we see life in a different aspect.. We will easily overcome problems; we will be optimists.. The key to a bright future.. is moving on..
Raeann Lorenzo 3 years ago
This drawing speaks volumes for me. It says so much, and I have been here too many times. Very well drawn.
Raeann Lorenzo 3 years ago
good question. Looks like his heart, it shows a rip in his chest and a string attached to it.
Load More Replies... 
#72
Emptiness
Emily McAdam 5 years ago
This is pretty much the current state I'm in. I had to ask one of my family members to take my shaving razors away again because the urge to hurt myself is getting stronger every day. I'm supposed to be better now, but I don't think I got better in the first place...
#74
Aneurysm
Things haven't been going as planned in life and as I sit and dwell on them I only drag myself back into a hole of depression and continue to bury myself within the hole with more worry and more bullshit.
#75
The Cloud Seed
cobalt-Larkspur-kitten-toes 1 year ago
Haunting, relatable, brings out alllll the emotions... Thank you for this!
#76
Seeking A Way Out
cobalt-Larkspur-kitten-toes 1 year ago
Arghhh... I'm gutted by the title... Oh, how I can relate
#77
Chained To Depression
#78
When Depression Swallows You
Laura Gilbert 5 years ago
ok but why is this exactly what my hallucination i named "fear" looks like
Emma Carroll 4 years ago
have you considered it is an actual demon haunting you guys? Jesus cast demons out of people and some form of deliverance/cleansing exists in most cultures. maybe you guys have the same demon.
Load More Replies... #79
Buried In Depression
Elecia Windmeyer 8 years ago
You struggle so hard to reach that light but it sucks you back in
Kailyn Gonzalez 6 years ago
Life is to hard.We are so scared to live but we are to scared to die.
#81
Inside
The best way to make art is not to create what people likes, or what people wants, or what people expect from you. The best way is to create whats inside your soul.
#82
Damaged And Broken
Ching Chang 5 years ago
I just feel like there’s a gaping hole in my chest so I just feel lifeless because my hearts been broken and I can’t put it back together anymore
#83
Time And The Bell
#84
Trying
Brent Kaufman 8 years ago
Plodding through everyday is like trying to walk fast in a swimming pool.
#85
An Endless Darkness
#86
This Is What Depression Looks Like
Emily Kipp 4 years ago
i think that was on purpose. to represent the hard truth of depression, yk?
Load More Replies... #87
Depression: Tired
Susan Barker 3 years ago
Lost myself in narc marriage. Too tired to find me again. Still, I endure and struggle. I will not give up. I remember who I used to be. She's somewhere inside me.
#88
Panic Attack
alexander lash 2 years ago (edited)
this is what my depression is like except, in social settings, i put on a smile, but this is how i feel on the inside.
#89
Depression
AP Wond3r Official 5 years ago
Hi, my name AP Wond3r and a rapper/producer from Zambia . I was asking for your permission to use your art as my cover for a Wednesday Ladies Night Pack The Depressed Edition?
#90
What’s Inside?
Justin Eldridge 8 years ago
This ones amazing. For me, depression wasn't so much how I felt but what I did. One gets used to the awfulness inside, having to explain my actions was a different story.
#92
Seven Gills Of Depression
#94
Bureau Worm
This is about this convulsing urge, this deep push, that hits you from behind, like a big hammer and knocks your motivation, your ability to move, think, talk completely uncontious. sometimes, this depression is born from the work itsself, sometimes it comes from behind, sometimes, it just waits and never really hits...
Elecia Windmeyer 8 years ago
This also to me is the endless tangle of negative thoughts....the I can't, I won't, I'm not...all that damnable thoughts that weigh me down and crush me back into that pit
Susan Barker 3 years ago
Pit is comfortable...or at least familiar. However, habits of thought can be changed and brains, they can be rebalanced chemically. They say, "Learn to love yourself." But how?? It is so hard. When I am there in the pit, I say to myself, "There are many who love me, even if I cannot feel it right now. I will just accept their view of me bc they are not all idiots. If they see value, it must be there for real. I just can't find it right now." Helps me maintain hope when I m exhausted on all levels.
#96
Colourful Depression
Gianna Rosno 3 years ago
Everything unraveling, and nobody even notices because they’re all so caught up on the shining colors produced by my tears, entranced by my sorrow and I slowly slip down… down… down… into the void of my mind.
Joybug 3 years ago
Work to smile, no one cares. Fray, unravel, break each night from the pressure.
Load More Replies... #97
When Depression Pulls You Down
#98
We All Have Monsters Inside Of Us. Some Learn To Cope With Them, Others Are Brought Down
#99
Guilt
January of 2011was an intensive month-long art class dedicated to a single goal -depicting my subjective experience of depression while appreciating that it's not unique.
I wanted to help explain the overwhelming experience to those that aren't depressed, especially the friends and family of a patient.
#104
Drenched: An Art About Depression
#106
Depression Monster
The depression monster floats around endlessly, always covering his eyes to hide itself from the outside world. Because of this it always bumps into people or other monsters causing more distress to itself each time.
#107
The Damned 2016
#109
Splattered Depression
This is the vision I see and feel when I hear the word depression.
#111
Living Through Depression
Been dealing with a bit of depression lately, it helps to make art to help you work some things out.
#114
Depression Beast
Depression is pretty much a big black gooey beast. Its slow moving and very quiet but never shy.
#115
Art During A Time Of Depression
Susan Barker 3 years ago
Everybody wants u 2 b fine, so u fake it. Exhausting. Why do I feel ashamed??
#116
Strangled
Gianna Rosno 3 years ago
It is slowly, ever so slowly closing off your windpipe, forcibly choking off your already strangled scream, ensuring that nobody will ever hear it, and at the same time, the beast also renders you immobile, so that you can never move and attract attention to your dire situation.
#118
A Pull Of Suffering
Gianna Rosno 3 years ago
The farther we try to get from it, the tighter it pulls against our throat.
Mary Donald 3 years ago
Yes, we keep going. The thought of those who are left to suffer is worse than the other
Susan Barker 3 years ago
I can't do this to my kids and family. They would blame themselves. So I don't give up even when I want to. I am strong. Proof? I have suffered from depression from childhood and I am still here fighting it. I will win. Hang in there. Life is like the weather. Hang around long enough and it changes. This presents an opportunity every time it does.
Edward Bragg Jr. 3 years ago
I relate to this so much! Lately a rope has been looking so comfortable. Just want the pain to end.
My True Form, Apparently 3 years ago
So am I, and I feel you. I tried to kill my self a couple weeks ago, but I got scared. I tried to slit my throat. The knife was right next to the artery. Just know, no matter how bad it is, one day you can look depression in the face, and say, “Look, I survived. You lost. As soon as I step away, you lose. And no matter what, I won’t go back to before.” Also, please accept a hug from me.
Load More Replies...
#119
Bloodied
#120
Depression's Mirror
#121
Depressed To The Bones
anna rodriguez 6 years ago
That's what you feel you look like having depression your whole life
#122
Anger And Depression
#123
Detecting Depression
Illustration for depression and advancements in brain imaging to detect it.
#124
Fighting The Demons
Gianna Rosno 3 years ago
Even if you fight the demons, they will always be stronger if you are alone.
#125
Depressed Superheroes
Sausey Sandwich 3 years ago
People who have depression are not weak, they are tired of being strong.
#127
Suffocated And Shattered: A Depression Artwork
Gianna Rosno 3 years ago
You continually strangle yourself with your own thoughts, until you finally crack, then shatter. But those pieces are still there, and you still have to endure every millisecond of that agonizing pain every time one of those pieces brushes against another.
#130
An Honest Depression Artwork
Depression - the personification of one of the modes in man. I do not know how else to call it.
#132
Christmas Depression
#133
Free Sticks (Just Break One Off)
Gianna Rosno 3 years ago
And then there are those people that try to take the one in the middle, or at the bottom, sending all of your being crashing down.
Susan Barker 3 years ago
Everybody wants a piece that you don't have to give. So you feel inadequate.
#136
The Forest Of Fear
Art Therapy for Depression
These depression drawings have come from a tough struggle that people went through daily. If it inspired you in any way, don’t forget to let us know in the comments. Also, if you know anyone suffering from depression, share this with them. The world will be a better place if it helps them even a little.
We would again like to stress that although art therapy is helpful, get professional help if you or anyone you know is suffering from depression. You can find a helpline in your country and reach out for free, confidential support.
Art, in its many forms, serves as a powerful reflective tool for understanding the myriad emotions and experiences we encounter. Just as the secret life of matchsticks brings an everyday object's trials and triumphs to light, artists express their journey through depression by capturing the invisible struggles of mental health through their compelling works.
Comment from Dr. Sarah Meehan O’Callaghan
These artistic depictions of depression or depressive states serve as powerful testimonies to an experience that often feels invisible to the outside world. While it is crucial for those struggling with depression to seek support from professionals, family, or friends when it is safe to do so, extreme pain can sometimes defy expression through words alone.
These images fulfil a dual purpose: they not only communicate the artists’ internal struggles to others but may also offer a therapeutic outlet. Art is more than a mirror of our emotions—it transforms raw feeling into symbolism, allowing for the creation of new meaning. If depression can feel like a formless, all-encompassing entity, as many of these images suggest, then art may offer a way to give it shape—and, perhaps, at least, provide perspective – Dr. Sarah Meehan O’Callaghan
To delve deeper into how everyday objects can become protagonists, explore an artist's portrayal of the lives and struggles of matchsticks.
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What do you think ?
Skunk Drunk 8 years ago
Some of these really spoke to me, and perfectly portrayed what words can't communicate
Gal Meltzer 6 years ago (edited)
A violent and formidable black cloud.
Standing firm and covering my window.
A cruel divide between the world and my world.
And darkness in my room. 421795_101...38827f.jpg 
Tasha Harris 8 years ago
I feel relieved I don't feel as connected to these type of images as I once did,suppressed? As I'm medicated or healing? I don't know? TYou
Aubrey Kempen 1 year ago
If I could draw, it would be like a profile view of a girl, slouching and her face is like a sad/sleep kinda look, with her the back of her head fading into black with sad thoughts in stark white or red, then a mask on the other side, being help by a hand like she is putting it on, that is smiling with “I’m fine” on the cheek in pink. This is kinda what I would draw if I could lol
Puddin Tane 8 years ago
Very thought provoking. As one who suffers with sever depression I can relate to so many of these drawings and can also appreciate them. I know the pain of depression and how hard it is to deal with it even on medication and with counciling.
Monii Cirahup 8 years ago
I see my anxiety and phobias in these. Accurate feelings which can't be described in words, but artists did. Not fun feelings. To all of you suffering from depression, fears, anxiety.. hang in there, make yourself do things you're not comfortable with (what I did) and you'll see it'll get better. Slowly. But it will.
Tiale Viliamu 1 year ago
once you get dragged down no one can save you. that's what i have learned
Skunk Drunk 8 years ago
Some of these really spoke to me, and perfectly portrayed what words can't communicate
Gal Meltzer 6 years ago (edited)
A violent and formidable black cloud.
Standing firm and covering my window.
A cruel divide between the world and my world.
And darkness in my room. 421795_101...38827f.jpg
Tasha Harris 8 years ago
I feel relieved I don't feel as connected to these type of images as I once did,suppressed? As I'm medicated or healing? I don't know? TYou
Aubrey Kempen 1 year ago
If I could draw, it would be like a profile view of a girl, slouching and her face is like a sad/sleep kinda look, with her the back of her head fading into black with sad thoughts in stark white or red, then a mask on the other side, being help by a hand like she is putting it on, that is smiling with “I’m fine” on the cheek in pink. This is kinda what I would draw if I could lol
Puddin Tane 8 years ago
Very thought provoking. As one who suffers with sever depression I can relate to so many of these drawings and can also appreciate them. I know the pain of depression and how hard it is to deal with it even on medication and with counciling.
Monii Cirahup 8 years ago
I see my anxiety and phobias in these. Accurate feelings which can't be described in words, but artists did. Not fun feelings. To all of you suffering from depression, fears, anxiety.. hang in there, make yourself do things you're not comfortable with (what I did) and you'll see it'll get better. Slowly. But it will.
Tiale Viliamu 1 year ago
once you get dragged down no one can save you. that's what i have learned
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