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Artist Phil Wall, aka Never Stay Dead, has been working on a series that's very close to them. To educate both themselves and their followers, Never Stay Dead has been illustrating disorders and mental illnesses as monsters, following people like shadows everywhere they go.

From body dysmorphic disorder to post-traumatic stress disorder, Never Stay Dead does an excellent job of portraying just how devastating these conditions can be. It's extremely difficult to imagine what people who suffer from them have to go through every day. Maybe even impossible. That's why works like these are so important -- they teach us empathy.

More info: neverstaydead.co.uk | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

#1

Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

neverstaydead Report

Francis
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

whenever someone asks me how i would descripe my depression, i say it is like a demon. some days it is small and just sitting on my shoulder quietly and on other days it is big, sitting on my back, screaming in my head and pushs me down..

alexandraboaru
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the monster should have been made like a demon in the shadow... one you can feel but you don’t really realise it’s weighting on you... as often depression manifests... some realise when is too late :(

somnomania
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

based on this i don't have actual depression, just very strong ennui

GreenCyan
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like depression kitty better

TheVioletDragon
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup. For me it is like a general sadness and hopelessness, that you cannot crawl out of. I didn't have the motivation to do anything I liked. But now I am better, and hope everyone else gets the help they need! Medication worked wonders for me

MiaOokami
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this monster, but to me, depression isn't something that looms over you. It's something that completely consumes you.

Flufflefox
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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"Disorders are something that we live with and are very real, but not everyone can see them or know what we are going through," the artist told Bored Panda. "I wanted to visualise it in a way that everyone could understand easily. As a monster that lives with us on a daily basis."

The series is ongoing and not complete yet, but Never Stay Dead has tried to cover the most common disorders whilst also working towards being as inclusive as possible.

RELATED:
    #2

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    My depiction of anxiety is a disorientating, chaotic, and pearlescent monster. It has many arms to grip you in fear, many eyes to watch you, and many mouths to make you doubt yourself. It is like a big parasite feeding on fear and paralysing you

    neverstaydead Report

    WillemPenn
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me it is the universe screaming in my ear.

    Susanna Casper
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Could you please draw one whispering in my ear "everyone hates you. They think you're a fraud."

    togcrewsc
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me, it's not a monster, it's a parisite.

    J-Yogi-Temp-Mom
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    or, they're all talking about you. that is my demon.

    Artlover
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anixiety is the worst. 😕

    Celeste Grant
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I definitely recognise this monster

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    The artist has done a fair share of preparation before starting the series, too. "I have and I've used my own experiences and the people around me to create the illustrations," they explained.

    "It's a very complicated and sensitive subject and it's not the same for everyone. It's impossible to capture the entire spectrum of a disorder in one simple drawing. Many people find them relatable, and if not at least it’s opening up a discussion instead of ignoring them."

    #3

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    Autism is a developmental disorder, because it is more susceptible to mental health I decided to include it in this series

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    Matt Du
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    The Random Merp
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As an autistic girl myself, this picture definitely shows autism well. It's so hard to communicate to people most of the time, and the only ones who I can seemingly communicate with well are animals

    Livvy-Rose Richards
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Huh. You're a lot like me, except I adore cats but don't understand them. But I can communicate with birds! In their own language!

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    Amber Amlie
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As the parent of an autistic child, this is BEAUTIFUL.

    Nadine Khazaka
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many people on the autism spectrum do not see autism as a "disorder". They are neurodivergent.

    Thunder
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have autism and this is totally true. I sometimes talk to imaginary friends (not bc im lonely just bc i am not good in socializing and what to just say what i feel) and my roommates love it. I also talk to animals. It’s not really childish to do that kind of thing

    Daniel Mason
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg I have the first 4 disorders! Are we playing Disorder Bingo?

    ma li
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    me yeah this is one of my monsters

    Shakira Wheelden
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my best friend has autism but we still get along perfectly

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    #4

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    Insomnia is a Wraith that can manifest from various mental health (including depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD). The monster chains itself to its host leaving it feeling like a ghost inside its own body. Too uncomfortably awake to sleep, but too tired to function normally. The Wraith's body is partly made of stars from all of the dreams it has eaten and it drags a heavy time piece across the ground. Constantly reminding its victims of lost time and the pressure to start a new day tired and restless

    neverstaydead Report

    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So that's why I'm posting on here at 3am.

    Val/Malibu/Dante/Bob
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And that's why I'm replying half an hour before I have to get up

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    Biljana Malesevic
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never thought insomnia is so bad until I started suffering from it. It's much more horrible than you can imagine. It's not just that you can't sleep, it's that you are so tired and exhausted you can barely function and you STILL can not sleep. It's torture, it's even used as torture and for reason.

    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I just can't sleep one night, the next day I make sure to drink a beer and take a Melatonin pill. I rarely drink so a single beer will make me sleepy and convincing it with melatonin makes sure I'm asleep before midnight. I'm sure this is not recommended but it works for me.

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    Elizabeth Orozco
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate insomnia, it follows you everywhere, day or night...

    Steve Barnett
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wraith's caption should be "Well, I won't let you"

    Matt Du
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Roadkill The Brave
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been an insomniac most of my life, its one of the hardest things for people to understand unless they're going through it too. The drag on your body from not getting enough sleep or if you do manage to get to sleep you don't get quality sleep. God Forbid you actually get a good nights rest, then you can't sleep for the next six months. Body: Ah, Got a solid 8 hours of quality sleep! I feel a bit better lets do this again tomorrow. Insomnia: *cackles hysterically*

    Thunder
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have these symptoms but do I have insomnia?

    Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Stars from so the dreams it has eaten" sounds like a story I would like to read.

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    #5

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    OCD is an annoying demon that traps you in repetition

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    Jasmine J
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OCD is more than just annoying, it can be completely crippling and often brings the darkest thoughts and obsessions imaginable. It's not just an annoyance, please please consider that

    Šimon Špaček
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And sometimes it cripples you with constant thought "I stepped on six stairs with my left foot and only five with my right foot and now I need to get one more stair or my feet will be uneven for my whole life" or something stupid and unimportant.

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    Steve Barnett
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've a myriad of routines prior to leaving my house. They involve songs, actions, oh hell you probably know the drill.

    Becca Gizmo the Squirrel
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this with the doors and windows every night. When I lock the doors I have to say out loud you are locking the door. But I still go back to check.

    Ryleigh
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live with a person with OCD

    Павел Котов
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, OCD also means to be literally possessed with the darkest, the filthest thoughts, and this can really ruins one's being. And means to control everyone and everything, so your family and colleagues will hate you as a tyrant. But I want to thank author for undemonising the people with disorders. P.S. Sorry, English is not my mother tongue.

    Kalavathi Krishnakumar
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OCD Feels like being Ella from Ella Enchanted.

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    #6

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    The ADHD monster is a hyperactive ball of energy, finding it hard to focus on one task and easily distracted by everything around it. A daydreamer with a chaotic galaxy of ideas and thoughts

    neverstaydead Report

    Biljana Malesevic
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Requires more chaos, this is too neat. Saying from personal experience.

    NoodleBear
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idk, this is pretty accurate for me. I guess it’s different for everyone

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    Tina B
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, that's about right.

    Edwin Quantrall
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ADHD is more like a 3-year-old in Pee-Wee Herman's body screaming "I'm bored! Ya wanna play?! Huh? Ya wanna play with me?! C'mon, let's play! *HA-HA!!!*" 24/7/365.

    A Dumbo Octopus
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    IMO needs more eyes looking different directions. I have ADHD and it's hard to find one thing to focus on when there's so much to see, hear, and touch.

    Robyn Wilson
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't forget ADD...almost everything that entails ADHD...but with the hyperactivity.

    Les🐝an
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like that I saw this and went "Yeah!"

    Talon
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s not always hyperactive, and is more messy and panicky in my opinion from my own experience

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    #7

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    The BDD monster warps and distorts its hosts perception of themselves. It shows them an exaggeration of any flaw they might find, this will spiral until they become obsessed with it. The Monster can also cause social anxiety, OCD and depression.

    neverstaydead Report

    Bob Belcher
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The worst part is all the corporations that support this problem just to make a buck. I can u understand basic hygiene and wanting to get dressed up once in a while; but to spend $100 on eye cream that's "supposed" to make you look younger is predatory.

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I second that! Our sexist, ageist society demands that we conform to ridiculously narrow ideals of beauty that very few can achieve.

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    TheVioletDragon
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup. This also fueled my OCD, depression and anxiety. Probably the worst period of my life, but even now I have to push those hateful thoughts away. I like to listen to positive songs to make me feel better, and excercise to get stronger and not to lose weight lile I had in the past

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    #8

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    The Addiction monster seems desirable and shiny, but tricks its host by rewarding them with short lived highs that lead to adverse consequences

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    Jenelle castles
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Addiction is so hard, so so hard to kick. And people blame the addict themselves for becoming addicts but seriously- ever single one of us believes that there is no chance of us becoming addicted, coz we know that we are stronger than that. Pffftt. We ALL honestly believe it'll never happen to us. Heroin is the worst. That addiction is alive and it's evil. The devil itself. Mind you... i have NEVER EVER had to steal or lie or rob or lose my morals in any way for my habits.

    Dynein
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While I agree with your general sentiment, I'd like to point out that a lot of people (like me) don't think they'll become addicted... due to not even starting to take these kind of drugs. I'm also careful with medication that can lead to addiction and either opt for something else or pay close attention to how I'm using it. I have sympathy for people who got into that spiral; but when I talk about my own chance to become a drug addict, I factor in that I have absolutely no intent to go any further than coffee (and I hardly drink coffee these days because of the withdrawal headache).

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    Alexis D.
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it's not "desire". addiction feels like a "need" more than anything else

    WillemPenn
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me, it feels like being forced fed maggots, knowing they are going to make me vomit, but then at least I won't notice my feet are on fire.

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    alexandraboaru
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While I am sympathetic of those that struggle with this, I also think that the decision that got you to this point is your lack of care in the heap of the moment or arrogance. In very minor cases it was an actual Case of misinformation or lack of knowledge about the situation. Lack of care of what will the future brings if you DO try and get addicted, lack of care about what others experienced and how would that affect you if you try, lack of care about how this can affect the ones close to you, lack of care of the side effects after the main sensation wears off. Arrogance thinking that you are NOT going to get addicted like the others, or that you are being careful and taking small dose or one time thing, or that you are stronger than so ma y others that could not overcome addiction. Is sad that in this age when everyone knows the dangers of drugs from literally everywhere, there are still cases in which people try willingly without knowing the after effects and long term dangers.

    Matt Du
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #9

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    The PTSD monster was once a confident and strong ally. But it is left severely wounded and broken, every day reliving its pain

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    Matt Du
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    WillemPenn
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is like a monster that takes things that happen now and forms them into bombs that look like the past and drops them at my feet while telling me to dance for my life.

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    Nadine Khazaka
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not about forgetting, it's about remembering it correctly, store that memory where it belongs so you don't have to re-live it and you don't get triggered any given moment. Cause that's so freaking exhausting, it drains the life out of you. It's hard work, but the payoff is....a life that you finally control again.

    Stephany Miller
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish I could forget. That he did haunts me haunts my dreams. I wish I could file this away and sleep. But I cant forget my mind wont let me.

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    Emma Cook
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    PTSD flashbacks, I have to practice, ‘it didn’t really happen, it may have been this body, but it was not me,”

    Ann O'Riley
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are some things you can never forget, but you CAN condition yourself so you can cope better with the memory.

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    #10

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    BPD is a Demon with broken wings, but it often thinks it's an angel. It is complex and usually misunderstood, and can completely override the mind and emotions. It has a fear of abandonment, yet struggles with stable relationships. It is more prone to act recklessly than most monsters which can result in dangerous consequences, addiction and even the suicide of its vessel

    neverstaydead Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    5 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This scares the absolute s**t out of me. My daughters psychologist said he believes she suffers BPD or complex PTSD. She is too young for a formal diagnosis because apparently it is more difficult when kids are going through puberty. So have to wait a few more years for a proper assessment.

    sowisa babyluv
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish you the best. And the best for your daughter.

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    Kristy Holmes
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have BPD. It’s not as strait forward as I love you I hate you. And it’s highly stigmatized in a nasty way. People with borderline love very deeply. We are deeply compassionate people who would go to the ends of the earth for our loved ones. We feel everything much more intense than the average person. The good, and the bad. We are also very intelligent as we have had to learn to be. We are empaths. We are creators. People with borderline personality disorder are not to be feared. We are not psychos who turn out to be killlers. We are FAR to empathetic to be killers. As teens we are wild and quite unruly, however as we age we mellow out and learn to live with our extremes. Borderline personality comes from abuse/neglect, and or trauma as children.

    Veronica Sjöberg
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its really not as easy as love/hate. Its more like... when things gets too calm i get stressed. More than anything in relationships. Even though i know that that means comfort and feeling safe to most people. For example; when my bf (that i live with) and i first met we could have wild sex all day long. Now at night when he sometimes just want to cuddle, watch movies and talk - thats when i get stressed and think he doesnt love me anymore. When he feels most safe and is showing love is where i think i'm unsafe. Both my parents were addicts and commited suicide and i think thats where it comes from. Its not an excuse, its just that life shapes us. Therapy helps though. It really does.

    U r lovely and beautiful 🫶️‍
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me and my friends (one of my friends is finishing up getting a bpd diagnosis and me and my other friend believe we have it and I’m gonna mention it to my psychiatrist) it’s like “they hate me. They aren’t my friends. It’s an act to manipulate me. They despise me and it’s all an act and I never get to see how they truly feel bc they just want to manipulate me”. All of my past friends did actually hate me and put on an act of liking me so that doesn’t f*cking help

    Philly Bob Squires
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Megan Brady
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is bpd? I thought it was bi polar but that's 2 down.

    Dawn Colors
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This makes me cry because it's so f'ing true

    Amanda Lalonde
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This surprisingly connects with me. I was diagnosed with BpD a while back and this image made me think of how to explain it. Thank you

    Sally Appleton
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh man. Sometimes the urge to completely destroy a relationship is so strong.

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    #11

    Mental-Disorder-Monsters-Art-Neverstaydead

    Bipolar is a two headed beast that's splitting into two extreme and contrasting monsters, and neither are fun to be around. They both have a hand on the steering wheel and can divert the ride at any time

    neverstaydead Report

    Peter Ampudia
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have Bipolar Mood Disorder and it's not easy to deal with. But, the picture is a pretty good representation of what I have gone through.

    Павел Котов
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good picture. :) Yes, bipolar disorder is more like box of meth in your head at one day, and personal dementor at another one.

    Pumpkin Spice
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like I might have BPD or at least a mood disorder. But I can't find anything that might explain it because mine is like mania, hypodepression. Mania, hypodepression. Mania, hypodepression...

    Philly Bob Squires
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate you so much I want to push you off a cliff but I love you so much I'd run to the bottom to catch you.

    Coat Guy
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is there 2 pictures about BPD but only 1 for all the others?

    Vix3n
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bpd is borderline personality disorder, not bipolar disorder

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    MacDudu
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Bipolar and BPD (bipolar disorder) are the same thing.

    joan-of-argh
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    BPD is Borderline Personality Disorder - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/borderline-personality-disorder-bpd/about-bpd/

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