23 Mental Health Awareness Illustrations That Help Me Express My Own Struggles
Recently I decided I want to illustrate my personal frustrations and voice my suicidal ideation and experience with dark thoughts. When I began, I thought I might share them with my friends but got the courage to share them with everyone that I knew. When other people saw the work, they connected with the stories from their viewpoint.
Talking about suicide and people's experience is very important. I want to continue creating my images to hopefully be able to help and reach out to others struggling with dark and suicidal thoughts. If you're interested, you can find the whole project on Facebook. I hope you enjoy it.
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Many Days I Feel Like I'm Just Watching Everyone Else Go By
Getting Up Is The Hardest
I'm On A Different Planet
There are more people with you on that planet than you realize, but you just can't see them
It feels more like there's a planet for each of us. Own it! You have a whole planet to yourself! And within the universe, we're all connected by gravity and whatever else is yet to be discovered. So, enjoy the stars, everyone. ★☆☆★♥
Load More Replies...Of course you're sick and tired of vapid little cheery get-well suggestions, but....here's something without any side effects: Steve Nobel's You Tube posts. Just as the idea of treating mental/emotional issues as strictly physical via medication is absurd, neglecting spiritual issues (NOT religious) is unproductive. Every problem's solution requires all four perspectives: the physical, mental, emotional and the spiritual. The very best of luck to you!
I get this...it's like you're watching the world through a fishtank. It's a feeling of total disconnect.
So I Spend A Lot Of My Energy Hiding My True Feelings
It's A Struggle To Get Out Of This Thinking
Yeah... defifinately.. I think a huge part of my not seeking help is fear of how people respond... fear of a bad response.. fear of rejection.... and previous bad or unhelpful responses...
Load More Replies...You do know that brain chemistry is causing this. Right? Brain chemistry can be sinister. It doesn't ask permission. It just causes toxic thinking/emotions. If only there was an easy way to figure out which treatment would work best without all of the trial and error. For me, kittens and music helped a lot.
im not sure its always brain chemistry... Sometimes it life situation... hopelessness, repetitive failure, trauma and abuse..lack of hope or relief... sometimes things are out of balance but i think more often than not its a symptom of a sick and unhealthy society... Depression and suicide is an. Epidemic of these last few generations... —> have our brains all short circuted or is it a sign of something else thats fallen out of sync... Animals are always the best therapy.. the amount of times its my dog who has been the saving grace
Load More Replies...I had two cats, but I didn't start to snap out of depression until I was caring for 7 motherless kittens 24/7.
Load More Replies...Sometimes I don't even want to be pulled out of the rabbit hole.
And The Fog Just Takes Over So I Can't See At All
I Just Deal With The Bizarre Ways They Make Themselves Feel Like They're Doing Something To 'Help'
They want to help, don't know how and hate feeling helpless (but knowing that still doesn't really help or make a big difference)
Looking back and having hindsight and empathy for peoples weird responses has been helpful... but peoples lack of understanding and knowing how to respond has been sooo damaging for me... its. Like people ‘do their bit’ and dust. Their hands
Load More Replies...My cat helps me from suicide. pretty much because everyone comments bad things to me here WIN_201910...4dbaeb.jpg
glorytherainwing, you are amazing the way you are. The people who do things like that just don't know you personally. (I don't either, but innocent until proven guilty, right?)
Load More Replies...Somedays, I Wonder How I Survive Them
If I'm Doing Ok.... I'm Sure To Be Reminded That I'm Actually Not
Depression is when we feel like s**t ALL THE TIME and it lasts for wayyyy too long. *s**t: highly technical meaning: no pleasure in things we used to love doing , looow self esteem, sleeping too much / too little, thinking it is all so bad that suicide might be a relief.
Load More Replies...And Don't Get To Close. If You Do, I'll End Up Pushing You Away
Thats the one thing i wish i could change about my experience is pushing people away.... its like a compulsion - but looking back - ive lost some wonderful friends... Its the saddest part, for me to my journey. I wish id know how not to push people away.
Load More Replies...I think it *might* help to think of friendship as a spectrum or a dance. It is not an on / off situation. Sometimes we can have fun with X person sometimes not. Some people deserve our total trust, others may get to borrow my bicycle , but not my house keys. Sometimes we are close in the dance, sometimes a bit away.
So I Feel A Bit Stuck In My Own Thoughts
When I Have Braved People To Talk, I Realise There Isn't A Lot Of Point To It
Thakyou. =0). Maybe foxxy is having a s**t time... venom has to come from somewhere..
Load More Replies...Surprised by how much common expereince there is - <3
Load More Replies...People Meaning Well Hurt Me More Than They Could Ever Imagine
My mother does this. She even goes so far as to try and relate and say that she's sad too because "you're only as happy as your saddest child." I'm not responsible for your life!
Geez @emmaB thats mentally messed up... Not sure how she thinks that relating.... sounds very burdensome. i think your mum needs help - blaming you for her feelings is just not cool. Its funny how ‘trying to relate’ is so toxic...
Load More Replies...If I Don't Hide My Feelings, I Have This Magical Gift Of Draining Everyone Around Me
You won't drain people if you show your feelings, trust me. I know it's hard but talking to people helps, and one of your friends or family might actually be going though the same stuff as you and might be able to tell you ways they deal with it :).
i think sometimes talking to the wrong people.... or people who think things should ‘go away’ or don’t understand... not everyone wants to listen or be supportive... i think this one is in response to times when ive reached out to Those that dont understand... People do get tired of people that are sad and struggling... especially in this age of positivity and self-help. people struggle when people are struggling... and im ok with that.. now. I know many people are supportive too though.
Load More Replies...This is the depression talking hun. On the other hand some people may be toxic and should be avoided.
Yeah - sometimes.... some people just dont get it or know how to support.. I think it really scares some people when they feel the uncomfort of another persons pain.
Load More Replies...The World Moves Without Noticing Me
yes. I, too, feel like a useless speck on earth with no use whatsoever
Yeah, i hate that feeling where i know im just a waste of air
Load More Replies...I too feel this. At parties, my 'friends' will go abandon me to go be with everyone else and say, "we'll come back' but they never do, and i usually have to uber it home. And the bad thing about it is that I have to pretend that it's okay, when it's not. I always have to fake smiles. But that song by Ariana Grande says 'F**k a Fake Smile!' And it's so relatable!
I Reach Out For Help But No One Really Has Interest Or Time
There used to be a course about mental health first aid. A lot of people just don't understand, want to help but don't know how: and can say some fairly horrible things. Also it is very hard for us to tell people what we need.
Very true - i think alot of peoples ‘odd responses’ is about them not understandong how to respond... being afraid to respond or say the wrong thing... or having it touch to closely to feeling theyre feeling themselves... or they’re too busy in the rat race of life.... I think my depression has taught me how to slow down and to stop and to hear people... Knowing the isolation and what it feels like has been a catalyst for change in my own responses to people.... which in an odd sence - is what helps. i think too - trying to get help and getting burned or getting a bad response makes it harder to reach out in the future..
Load More Replies...So I Keep Up The Lies
This is me facing the truth... Ive spent sooo many years hiding and pretending... it quite exhausting tob be honest.. its scary sharing my mental mess... but its strangely releasing...
Load More Replies...They Really Have A Way Of Making Me Do What They Want
Sometimes I Just Can't Stop What's Going To Happen
@Foxxy I am so disappointed in your words and hate. Certainly not the person I thought you were.
@ Foxxy I like them. I think that they are a good way to show depression without being scary.
@foxxy usually you are so much more positive.... woah there can't we all just get along?!?
F**K THE F**K OFF FOXY I'VE BEEN HAVING A S****Y DAY TOO, BUT I'M NOT ACTING LIKE YOU!! THIS IS AMAZING ART AND IF U CAN'T SEE THAT THEN F**K OFF AND HATE SOMEWHERE ELSE I THOT U WERE BETTER THAN THIS BUT NO! OKAY, SO F**K OFF!
Grrrr, I have been happy putting up with troll Foxxy for a while now but their comments on this are disgusting and a way to ruin MY reputation. This has gone too far now, you are just a pathetic a*****e with no life. Just a poor excuse of a human being. To everyone who has been effected by my trolls comments I am so very sorry. As someone who suffers severe depression and chronic stress I can’t express how much I appreciate these posts. I may not always comment on them but I do read them and value them. So thank you.
I Feel Trapped And Enticed
Oh yes!!! Not many people understand that I get confused when I am sick and that this is actually common in depression.
Yes! I feel the whole experience is a mess of confusion - Ididnt realise it was a common experience.!
Load More Replies...Blankness And Emptiness
Its nice not to be alone in my expereicene - It was a hard choice to share these - so thanksyou.
Load More Replies...It's Just A Mess...
Somedays I Do Things Better
Lol - yes - me too at times. i know what. I should do but i just cant bring myself to do it at times.! One step at a time... each hour each day...
Load More Replies...thanks 4 sharing it, I will share them to make my people understand more about it
That was some heavy stuff. Trust me, you're not the only one who feels that way (even if it often feels that you are)
Painfully accurate, recognized a lot of my ex in this. Tried to help her for many years, she still managed to push me away in the end though.
Thankyou :0]. It is a shame about your ex. Depression is cruel in how. Isolating it is. Hopefully she find her way... You're a good sort for trying to help her. :0]
Load More Replies...I know I have talked a lot on this thread. It is because I live with depression and I want to share what has helped me. I see it as a life time disease. Kind of like diabetes, or asthma. ( I have asthma) 1--We need to learn several strategies, 2--Monitor conditions constantly, 3--Protect ourselves from toxic situations /people. 4-- Know our personal warning signs. 5 --Recognise how far we have come. 6--Find good professionals who know what they are doing and are a good fit with us.
1-- have an emergency plan. Those do not go in that order, you will have to personalise it and put them in order that works for you. Or just dump the lot and move on to YOUR way of coping.
Load More Replies...Please remember that it just feels like no one is willing to help, and that you are the only one going through it. Please remember that it's so hard to try to help and yet be repeatedly lied to and pushed away. That most of us don't want to make you feel worse, in fact we try so hard to help you get better. We know it's the illness and not you but that doesn't stop it hurting us when you blame us or when we see you suffering. We know that we aren't to blame for your suicide attempts but it feels like we've failed you, that we should had done more and that sometimes you and other people us blame for not doing enough when we feel we could not do any more. Loving someone with depression and suicidal thoughts m is really hard too
All of this. I felt all of this. I'm getting help through a therapist/counselor but someday's it doesn't feel like enough because the people around me just don't under stand what goes through my head or how I feel inside. I can put on a smile, that's easy. But to actually FEEL okay is another thing.
@kaykay I totally agree... i think a lot of my struggles have been from people not understanding what going on in my head. Feeling ok is the hard part. i know there are certain triggers for me that I will struggle to pull through... Its weird... sharing my journey.... and creating a MASS of strategies that I’m always sifting through.. a lot of trial and error and trying new things...it what keeps me moving... I dont think it will ever leave me... It just learning how to manage ‘me’ . Thanks for sharing and the support =0)
Load More Replies...I've struggled with Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety, ADHD, Schizophrenia, and suicidal thoughts since I was 11. I can relate to all of these posts. I've gone through 14 different therapists, and none of them helped, so now I rely on my dog, Dakota, to help me through it. It's kinda like @glorytherainwing, but with my dog. She's the only one that keeps me going. I've failed my family and friends. So Dakota is the one thing I live for.
Thank you for sharing John. Things have really been tough for you. My understanding of ADHD and Schizophrenia is that they are mostly genetic and life time conditions. Treatment is aimed at managing the most comfortable way we can. Hold on ! And please check out this site >>>https://www.metanoia.org <<<<<<<<<< If you give any human enough pain physical or mental we WILL think about suicide. The trick is to move past that. I still think about it, but now i have 3 drs who want much better for me. Just knowing that helps. ( psychologist , phyciatrist, gp )
Load More Replies...Thank you Chrissy I can relate to so much of this. This is my favourite site that taught me a way to turn around in a new direction. If it is not your cuppa , maybe someone you know would like it. >>>>>>https://www.metanoia.org/
Thanks for sharing @magpie - the site looks good - im just exploring it now.
Load More Replies...Malgorzata Grief is hard and different from depression , though kindof related. We all do grief a bit the same and a bit different. Part of the process is that things will NOT " return to normal" . It is all about adjusting to a new normal that we don't like. Please be patient with yourself , and do something kind for yourself daily if you can. Think what would you do for a friend who was grieving? Now do that for yourself.
Load More Replies...I lost my ex to depression and now I am struggling with it. Therapy doesn't seem to work.
I’m so sorry to hear.... Sometime support groups - or meeting up with others who have experienced similar loss can help you process what’s happened and the whirlwind that takes over...Grieving is a normal part of losing someone you care about - It takes a long time to settle and piece the world back together again.... Being around other grieving people can help you feel less alienated in your experience...
Load More Replies...🙃... I used to be at these phases before and still struggling with my overthinking things when I make a mistake. I already succeed in exiting my safe zone. It doesn't feels alone because I have myself! I surround myself with good people. Sometimes I will hurt them especially when my emotions are not good. ☹️😞 Half of them started to make my emotions badly and I exposed all of my feelings about it. I never even been that satisfied before.. 🥲😭 it such a good reliever!
That was some heavy stuff. Trust me, you're not the only one who feels that way (even if it often feels that you are)
Painfully accurate, recognized a lot of my ex in this. Tried to help her for many years, she still managed to push me away in the end though.
Thankyou :0]. It is a shame about your ex. Depression is cruel in how. Isolating it is. Hopefully she find her way... You're a good sort for trying to help her. :0]
Load More Replies...I know I have talked a lot on this thread. It is because I live with depression and I want to share what has helped me. I see it as a life time disease. Kind of like diabetes, or asthma. ( I have asthma) 1--We need to learn several strategies, 2--Monitor conditions constantly, 3--Protect ourselves from toxic situations /people. 4-- Know our personal warning signs. 5 --Recognise how far we have come. 6--Find good professionals who know what they are doing and are a good fit with us.
1-- have an emergency plan. Those do not go in that order, you will have to personalise it and put them in order that works for you. Or just dump the lot and move on to YOUR way of coping.
Load More Replies...Please remember that it just feels like no one is willing to help, and that you are the only one going through it. Please remember that it's so hard to try to help and yet be repeatedly lied to and pushed away. That most of us don't want to make you feel worse, in fact we try so hard to help you get better. We know it's the illness and not you but that doesn't stop it hurting us when you blame us or when we see you suffering. We know that we aren't to blame for your suicide attempts but it feels like we've failed you, that we should had done more and that sometimes you and other people us blame for not doing enough when we feel we could not do any more. Loving someone with depression and suicidal thoughts m is really hard too
All of this. I felt all of this. I'm getting help through a therapist/counselor but someday's it doesn't feel like enough because the people around me just don't under stand what goes through my head or how I feel inside. I can put on a smile, that's easy. But to actually FEEL okay is another thing.
@kaykay I totally agree... i think a lot of my struggles have been from people not understanding what going on in my head. Feeling ok is the hard part. i know there are certain triggers for me that I will struggle to pull through... Its weird... sharing my journey.... and creating a MASS of strategies that I’m always sifting through.. a lot of trial and error and trying new things...it what keeps me moving... I dont think it will ever leave me... It just learning how to manage ‘me’ . Thanks for sharing and the support =0)
Load More Replies...I've struggled with Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety, ADHD, Schizophrenia, and suicidal thoughts since I was 11. I can relate to all of these posts. I've gone through 14 different therapists, and none of them helped, so now I rely on my dog, Dakota, to help me through it. It's kinda like @glorytherainwing, but with my dog. She's the only one that keeps me going. I've failed my family and friends. So Dakota is the one thing I live for.
Thank you for sharing John. Things have really been tough for you. My understanding of ADHD and Schizophrenia is that they are mostly genetic and life time conditions. Treatment is aimed at managing the most comfortable way we can. Hold on ! And please check out this site >>>https://www.metanoia.org <<<<<<<<<< If you give any human enough pain physical or mental we WILL think about suicide. The trick is to move past that. I still think about it, but now i have 3 drs who want much better for me. Just knowing that helps. ( psychologist , phyciatrist, gp )
Load More Replies...Thank you Chrissy I can relate to so much of this. This is my favourite site that taught me a way to turn around in a new direction. If it is not your cuppa , maybe someone you know would like it. >>>>>>https://www.metanoia.org/
Thanks for sharing @magpie - the site looks good - im just exploring it now.
Load More Replies...Malgorzata Grief is hard and different from depression , though kindof related. We all do grief a bit the same and a bit different. Part of the process is that things will NOT " return to normal" . It is all about adjusting to a new normal that we don't like. Please be patient with yourself , and do something kind for yourself daily if you can. Think what would you do for a friend who was grieving? Now do that for yourself.
Load More Replies...I lost my ex to depression and now I am struggling with it. Therapy doesn't seem to work.
I’m so sorry to hear.... Sometime support groups - or meeting up with others who have experienced similar loss can help you process what’s happened and the whirlwind that takes over...Grieving is a normal part of losing someone you care about - It takes a long time to settle and piece the world back together again.... Being around other grieving people can help you feel less alienated in your experience...
Load More Replies...🙃... I used to be at these phases before and still struggling with my overthinking things when I make a mistake. I already succeed in exiting my safe zone. It doesn't feels alone because I have myself! I surround myself with good people. Sometimes I will hurt them especially when my emotions are not good. ☹️😞 Half of them started to make my emotions badly and I exposed all of my feelings about it. I never even been that satisfied before.. 🥲😭 it such a good reliever!
