At first glance, DestinyBlue's art may only strike you as colourful, somewhat melancholy Anime-inspired portraits. If you look a little closer at the sad drawings, however, you'll notice hidden messages that tell the story of the British artist's harrowing struggle with signs of depression.
DestinyBlue, whose real name is Alice De Ste Croix, has been posting her work on DeviantArt since 2004. She's become massively popular due to the vivid characters she draws from imagination, and her ability to tell emotional stories with imagery. 'Blue,' as her fans affectionately call her, creates all of her art from scratch using Photoshop CS6 and is completely self-taught. Struggling with this mental illness, Blue finds her inspiration from her own experience, and that's probably why her deep pictures touch so many of her fans.
Take in some of DestinyBlue's most well-known depression art pieces below, as well as our interpretations of their deep meanings. Let us know your thoughts on each one of these depression drawings in the comments!
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Depression
I have depression, too. I've learned that people truly want to hear what you are feeling, and that you are not burdening anyone. They want to know, because they care and they want to help you. It's not your fault, that you're upset. If you feel this way, you feel this way, and it's best to deal with it in a healthy way, such as talking about it, going for walks or whatever you still enjoy.
This needs the top spot! Sound and healthy advice. My best wishes to you, and anyone who can relate to this post, on your journey forward.
Load More Replies...This ones personal: Where I first opened up about my depression. I wrote my story and spilled out my heart: http://fav.me/d8u7vu2
There are a lot of people in the world who are going to ask you ‘Are you okay?’ but only a few actually mean it. It is easy for someone to ask, but often it’s hard listening to others problems. So once they get their ‘I’m fine.’ They are going to take the easy way out and not question further. Always tell someone if you are hurting inside.
I tell everyone I'm okay because I don't want their pity. Am I alone? No. Do people care? Yes. DO I hurt? also yes.
spirituality definition the true inner meaning, Quality of being related to human soul or soul as opposed to material or material things The meaning of spirituality has evolved and expanded over time, and different meanings can be found with each other. https://www.thegyansagar.com/spiritual/spirituality-definition-true-inner-meaning/
Quality of being related to human soul or soul as opposed to material or material things The meaning of spirituality has evolved and expanded over time, and different meanings can be found with each other. Spirituality definition the true inner meaning
This reminds me of "R U Ok" Day. For those that really aren't ok, their answer is all to often "I'm good thanks :)"..
Forever Is Over
This one is deep and ambiguous. Forever is over. It can be taken both positively and negatively, and it many ways. I like this one.
What do you do when the cracks come through? When what once was true is now just dust... When forever is over? Redecorate.
nothing is forever but that's sad and nice at the same time. Good things are not forever -> enjoy them as long as you can. Bad thnigs are not forever -> hold on, it will be over :)
one of the deepest messages I have ever seen. Forever is still there, I am just trying to hide it.
This one just destroys me! After loving a man my entire adult life, promising forever with him 39 ½ years ago, I sit here, alone. He chose to toss all of those decades of marriage in the dumpster, set it on fire, and walk away without a care in the world. No chance of counseling, no chance of ever getting a second chance... and no hope left for me. I must face 25ish years of pain, loss, heartache, and emotional destruction, and he doesn't even think I deserve spousal support? This is the worst pain I've ever felt in my life - the worst I could even imagine!
"O...VER" is ... OLIVER? an orphaned child needing a home that you're protesting against ? WTF ?!
Grow Again
Oh I love this one. I haven't seen it before it's so beautiful and meaningful. That little bit of hope when we have been going through hell xxx
This picture touches so deeply. It's like the flower is your last speck of hope and happiness in a void of dark and shadows
She's Broken
Both, and neither. We are strong to put on the brave face, but it's also tough to deal with the problems. See, it's healthy to deal with the problems directly, though, and can help situations out a lot :)
Load More Replies...This happens too often, and even though when you try to feel better, you just can't seem to make it.
Friends Set You Free
That's very truee! The army is everywhere lol
Load More Replies...The only reason for me to keep going to the school (well it was, now I'm not studying anymore so)
I'm really just waiting for this to happen to me. Thank you and its beautiful. :')
Anxiety
Anxiety, I feel in the pit of my stomach. It is not something I enjoy. I try my breathing exercises. When I go home I cuddle with my kitty 20160325_1...c2e1cd.jpg
Depth
I see what you did there. ^_- (although possibly unintentionally)
Load More Replies...You can be oceans apart from the one you love but your hearts beat as one 💕 ❤
What is this supposed to mean? Sorry, it's a sentimental yet stupid graphic. Do all people on islands fall in love ? What does it mean ?
What? No, atleast that's not how I see it, more like there's alot more to love that what shows at the surface, like a true relationship is based on a strong and deep foundation/link that one may not even be aware of, hence the analogy with the "froidian" iceberg, with the unconscious submerged supporting all there is to be on the consciousness parts of our lives. Judging from the tense poses of the characters, you can also interpret it as "at the surface" they both seem to feel distant from each other, but "deep down" they're ever closer together, but this is more of a possibly secondary perspective.
Load More Replies...Trust
It's difficult especially if one has had very bad memories of trusting someone who turned out not to be worth it.
That's true. But I will tell you from experience? It's good to try to trust again, because never putting yourself out there to possibly get hurt is also never putting yourself out there to become happier. You have to risk it to be able to find happier situations, even if it means being hurt again. However, I don't know your situation, so if that's not easy then please know that it's your choice, I'm just an internet person who has gone through things too :) Hope things get better for you all
Load More Replies...I've noticed the truly happy have the strength to continue to trust. Life goal, hoping to get there someday?
People sometimes put all of their trust in others, causing them to trust and believe in themselves. This person is considering putting the key in to trust themself, maybe? This is so deep and beautiful
I'm Fine
SAME, especially after my baby alpaca died and took my entire source of happiness with him... he wasn't even two months old yet
Load More Replies...If Tears Left Scars...
Every heartbreak, rejection, pain --- you may forgive but will never forget.
Yes. Really there aren't so scars that actually would be in every face. ╥﹏╥ ⊙︿⊙ (ㄒoㄒ)
Load More Replies...Very deep If this actually happened, my face would scattered everywhere down to the neck. Sadly.
I'm Complicated
Me too. Being complicated might be difficult but it's also beautiful.
I completely agree! Not many people have solved the puzzle of me yet.
Load More Replies...Trapped By School
I can relate to this. I mean school is so boring with the lessons, and if there's bullying involved, it is even worse.
You need more votes. I like learning, just not school.
Load More Replies...I love how this image contrasts with the image that's (currently) directly above, also about school. It's the people who are there with you that change the day, when you're unable to find the strength to change it yourself. I've been left isolated, and I've grown unimaginably, both due to my classmates and friends. People, care. Everyone, remember that people care.
Stuff that we will never need in our life but we are forced to learn
I was sexually harassed in school. I completely understand this. I mean I really didnt want to go to school after my experience
Bulletproof
Imprint
I know this is deep and everything but it reminds me of Dean Winchester
I love this one. When you're sad and hopeless remember that there is always at least 1 person that cares about you and would be very sad if you were gone.
One Of Us Can Be Free...
This is so sad for me. I so long for one day to be free from the pain I feel.
As a 40 yr old woman who has dealt with depression from the age of 16; things can be better. You need to talk to someone you trust.
Load More Replies...dress is nothing with out you. Free those chains instead. Work on that lock
Irene, clearly freedom is the priority for anyone. But you have to see the symbolism and complexity that lies within this drawing. From my perspective, I see that the girl is a representation of ourselves, our ideas, our everything. And that piece of cloth that she cut from her dress, is symbolic of that one part of us. Yes, any of us in that situation in real life would work on getting free by grinding the chains on the ground or whatever. But I believe the chains in this picture is forever. They can't be broken, and therefore you can't get free the chains. The only thing you can do is let some part of us be free, and not be captive by ourselves such as imagination, let it run free and do whatever. While not facing depression, I can still somewhat understand what they might be thinking basing on the crucial elements that are in the drawing chiefly, the chains, the light, the piece of cloth from her dress, the darkness and setting that the girl is in.
Load More Replies...Warpaint
I have to say that this picture touches me, the most because as a woman makeup is like war paint.
I have always felt the same way - I only put on makeup when I'm feeling low or insecure. It does feel like I'm putting on battle armour before facing the world.
Load More Replies...I feel like if I look at her eyes long enough, I will be sucked into her soul.
Sew Closed My Soul
Love is made of glass, can be easily broken if weren't handled correctly
wow! this is so deep. making me sad. in a good way. this is just so me. wow
Not Alone
I love how the butterflys wings a torn and scathed, but it gives off the impression of joy and peace <3
A butterfly can survive and thrive with up to 75% of their wings damaged. Life lesson
It's about self-harm. It's not uncommon for self-harmers to draw a butterfly on their arms to discourage them from cutting. The lines on the butterfly are representative of how the girl has harmed herself, and you can also see the scars on her arms.
She has self harm scars, and the butterfly is scarred... but they’re still together
All Wrong
If someone told me this was an MLP:FiM fanart, I'd believe them. I mean, she looks like a very sad human version of Pinkie Pie. Especially with a ballon.
Lose Yourself In Me
Don't judge people by what they seem they could be different on the inside
thats me, im different when you actually know me
Load More Replies...Broken Window To The Soul
The smoke is coming from her fingers (I'm guessing) because that is what she used to break her " eye" it's like how every one says the eye is the window to the soul of it is broken the soul is damaged like a house with a broken window
Last Piece
The missing piece is out there. Someone may put it there for you or you will have to put it by yourself.
Yourself. Looking for the last piece to make you whole in others just breaks you more.
Load More Replies...Open My Heart To You
I don't find anything disgusting about it. To me it looks magical and pretty... Buut... that may just mean there is something wrong with me xD
Load More Replies...Paint Your Wings
Golden
She looks so peaceful and beautiful... I want to hope she's the same girl from the higher-ranking depression photos, and that's she's finally found peace. I know anxiety rarely goes away completely, but even in the midst of it you can have joyful, serene moments, and eventually, it can fade and leave you feeling more like this with every little gift in life. It's not easy - medications and therapy and selfcare, repeat and rinse - but it's possible
What I've Seen
GIRL, KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED FOR YOUR SELF AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL ART WORK!
You art is beautiful which can only come from a beautiful soul. No matter what is done or said to you - you are still you - and your talents are awesome!
It comes from her soul and all of the arts have pain in them.Idk... Maybe she feel this pain in her artwork.(╯︵╰,)(个_个)
Load More Replies...I have seen and experienced some terrible things. As someone suffering from mild PTSD from sexual harassment, I can really relate to this.
I struggle with depression and I have to say these have hit home for me. Luckily at the moment I'm ok and taking my medication as I should but I know how it feels when in depression I have to try and put a brave face on it soo as not to be a burden. I always say I'm ok even when I cry all day and don't sleep, don't shower or brush my teeth and don't really want to live. These beautiful illustrations show exactly the struggle that depression puts you through when u don't feel good enough and your brain is telling you how pathetic and how useless you are. Hopefully people will start to talk more about the struggles with mental health
You just put in words what I couldn't when I went into this post an hour ago. Suffering from depression - or any other mental illness - is not something I'd wish upon my worst enemy. It's a constant struggle inside your head you just can't escape.
Load More Replies...I love your art, Blue! Keep up the great work, and keep your head high! Much love <3
Load More Replies...This is what I feel every day. And the only reason I manage to stave off the daily plans to kill myself is to hopefully spread awareness that depression isn't just some exaggeration of casual sadness.
That's so true. Unfortunately a lot of people still think I can 'just be happy' or 'get over it'. Thank you for helping change that. Hoping you have some better days soon <3
Load More Replies...Those are extremely beautiful. I love the lines and especially the colours. Beatuiful pieces, I hope you win with the depression, keeping my fingers crossed tight!
Thank you, it's a tough fight, but one which is worth the struggle 💙
Load More Replies...Your artwork is inspired. It touched me on so many levels and in so many ways. I'm 70 now and have struggled with depressions since childhood. It's controlled with medication so life is doable. Everyone gets "the blues", but there is no way to explain the sheer helplessness and desperation that comes with true clinical depression. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Ms. Blue, thank you for your art and your insight. It was beautiful and brings hope.
Please know that there is always a way out. I've struggled with depression my whole life. However, despite my struggles, I am able to challenge my self-deprecating thoughts and suicidal ones, too. I am able to see past what I can't do, and I accept my losses (when i can't get up in the morning, for example), but I also am so proud of my victories (challenging self-deprecating thoughts). Just because you have depression does not mean that you can't live a good life. You've got this. It's so, so hard to get there, but you can do it. Yes, I mean you. If I, with depression/anxiety/social anxiety can make it through life this far, so can you.
These are so beautiful. Ive never dealt with depression, but its a prison in and of itself. Each illustration speaks volumes, and I hope that they see the same beauty in themselves <3
Everyone at one point goes through a depresional time in their life, I hope for all of you that yours will help you to become stronger and better. Love you and your art. KEEP GOING!
I struggle with depression and I have to say these have hit home for me. Luckily at the moment I'm ok and taking my medication as I should but I know how it feels when in depression I have to try and put a brave face on it soo as not to be a burden. I always say I'm ok even when I cry all day and don't sleep, don't shower or brush my teeth and don't really want to live. These beautiful illustrations show exactly the struggle that depression puts you through when u don't feel good enough and your brain is telling you how pathetic and how useless you are. Hopefully people will start to talk more about the struggles with mental health
You just put in words what I couldn't when I went into this post an hour ago. Suffering from depression - or any other mental illness - is not something I'd wish upon my worst enemy. It's a constant struggle inside your head you just can't escape.
Load More Replies...I love your art, Blue! Keep up the great work, and keep your head high! Much love <3
Load More Replies...This is what I feel every day. And the only reason I manage to stave off the daily plans to kill myself is to hopefully spread awareness that depression isn't just some exaggeration of casual sadness.
That's so true. Unfortunately a lot of people still think I can 'just be happy' or 'get over it'. Thank you for helping change that. Hoping you have some better days soon <3
Load More Replies...Those are extremely beautiful. I love the lines and especially the colours. Beatuiful pieces, I hope you win with the depression, keeping my fingers crossed tight!
Thank you, it's a tough fight, but one which is worth the struggle 💙
Load More Replies...Your artwork is inspired. It touched me on so many levels and in so many ways. I'm 70 now and have struggled with depressions since childhood. It's controlled with medication so life is doable. Everyone gets "the blues", but there is no way to explain the sheer helplessness and desperation that comes with true clinical depression. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Ms. Blue, thank you for your art and your insight. It was beautiful and brings hope.
Please know that there is always a way out. I've struggled with depression my whole life. However, despite my struggles, I am able to challenge my self-deprecating thoughts and suicidal ones, too. I am able to see past what I can't do, and I accept my losses (when i can't get up in the morning, for example), but I also am so proud of my victories (challenging self-deprecating thoughts). Just because you have depression does not mean that you can't live a good life. You've got this. It's so, so hard to get there, but you can do it. Yes, I mean you. If I, with depression/anxiety/social anxiety can make it through life this far, so can you.
These are so beautiful. Ive never dealt with depression, but its a prison in and of itself. Each illustration speaks volumes, and I hope that they see the same beauty in themselves <3
Everyone at one point goes through a depresional time in their life, I hope for all of you that yours will help you to become stronger and better. Love you and your art. KEEP GOING!
