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I Draw Comics To Explain What It’s Like Living With Depression And Anxiety (30 New Pics)
I was blown away by the support on my previous post about mental illness, so I thought I would make another one with my new drawings.
I’ve been living with mental illness for as long as I can remember, and it brings many weird and dark thoughts.
I’m really bad at explaining these thoughts, so I started doing it through drawing which has always been a lot easier for me.
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I reached out for professional help 3 years ago when it became too hard for me to hide my problems and handle them. Now, I see a psychiatrist regularly and have medication to take daily. My treatment changed a lot in the last 3 years because finding the right medication can take a long time. However, it's not useless. Even though many told me they would have lost hope and given up. It's very hard to stay patient when in pain but eventually I saw an improvement.
For me it's because I'm too anxious to speak to a complete stranger about my problems. It takes a lot of courage to seek help.
@Sunzilla While that may be one solution to a mild depression there are many variables that need to be examined closely. Sometimes depression isn't just depression. My "depression" turned out to be bipolar I disorder. Before this was discovered I was placed on a typical anti-depressant that threw me into a downward spiral and made me severely suicidal. I ended up being hospitalized twice for over a week in a short period of time. My GP no longer felt comfortable treating me. I ended up with multiple people trying desperately to pull me through. More than one psychiatrist (to find the right treatment plan), a therapist, my GP and a social worker. I was on MULTIPLE psych meds and lots of different therapies. I know my case was on the extreme side of things, but I think it is important that EVERYONE be vigilant about any shift in mood that isn't considered "normal" and for GP's to know when to pass on care.
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A psychiatrist doesn't bite. Seriously. And the pills they give really help. I am not joking here I am depressed right now. Though I admit I waited whole 8 months to do so. Now I am a bit angry at myself I didn't do this earlier...
I was on Venlafaxine for years and felt like an emotionless robot. Numb. It's taken me the best part of three years to come off the level I was on and I am now actually capable of feeling things. Sad is often one of those thing and I keep leaking tears when something sad happens on TV but it's better than being numb. So pills aren't always the answer and ideally should be prescribed alongside talking therapy.
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It may be annoying when someone says "Be Positive", but in many cases, it works. The current theory about happiness is that you decide to be happy NOW, not wait until you have your first million (when, of course, you will still not be happy, because you will then want to make your next million and on and on, getting greedier and greedier until you are one of the 1%.)
This happened to me earlier this year. Knew I should have gone to the hospital but because I had people screaming for me at work I got in the car. Started crying straight away and to cut a long story short ended up having a breakdown in my car outside the office building. Very scared and upset colleagues and one ambulance ride later I was in hospital. Nearly 9 months later I'm still not fully okay but back to a semblance of a life.
I struggle with this a lot. But for me is the anxiety to lose my son. He has no where to go and I don't want any one to know this. And then I go on and wait when I have my appointment with my social worker. Starting my traumatherapie any moment now, hopefully the anxiety and depression will get less when I have worked on my traumas.
This is exactly how I felt at one point. I thought that if anyone I worked with knew I was mentally ill I could lose my job.
Always go to the hospital if you think you need help, soecially if you're in risk of hurting yourself. Be safe.
Drawing aside, I try to find comfort in music, writing down my thoughts and talking to my friend. The latter helps a lot.To me, staying alone is the worst way to deal with these things.
Also, hearing "just be positive" or other random advice (please, stop with the mediation) is not helpful at all. It depresses me even more. I feel guilty because that doesn't work for me.
I would also like to add that everyone experiences depression and anxiety in different ways, and there is no one magic solution. Everyone's path to recovery is different.
This is why I I go to bed listening to Brainsync and other medition on headphones. Otherwise my nights are filled with thought racing and days seem scary.
I've worked so long to cultivate the facade of a kind of carefree goofy person that sometimes I wonder what my real self is like...
I dont use social media like Facebook because I know everyone is doing better that I know. Don't need reminders that I f****d my life up
Every night... here's my little prayer: "Please, whoever is out there. I do not ask for much. I just ask that I close my eyes for the last time tonight and drift off. Please do not let me wake up. Thank you."
I have somatic anxiety so when I get upset about something I can go from throwing up to seizures and everything in between hot sweats cold sweats passing out you name it somatic anxiety is one of the worst mental disorders I think anyone could be burdened with
I was told by "friends" in University: "Don't actually tell people how you're feeling. They just want to see you smile, just BE HAPPY for crying out loud. You're just driving people away by being down" - well... thank you and welcome to unhealthy coping mechanisms...
Omg I know how this is. I didn't know anyone else knew what it's like to be tired yet u get sleep.
At least depression is something being acknowledged there... while many country in Asia didn't. We don't even know where to seek help without being viewed as weak and crazy, family and friends reaction varies from... there's no such thing as depression, it's just over thinking, stop putting unnecessary pressure on yourself, don't hide it, talk it out, it will make you better... to... stop self pitying! They don't understand sometime it just out of our control.
Note: this post originally had 68 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
Well now I'm crying. This was a very accurate post on how everyday life is for me. Sending my love to all that suffer every day. We all need a little love
I relate to some of these, dang. I really hope things get better for you author. It's never easy, but I hope that you will push through
These hit me right in my heart. Thank you for your art, it is helping more people than you probably recognize.
You are not your mental illness... That's the most important thing I've learned during my therapy. To not identify myself with all the thoughts my inner troll slips to me. And clearly you're not your thoughts either, you're putting an effort, you're still fighting! For what it's worth, I'm proud of you for doing that! :) And I want you to stop for a second and think it through. To really see that you're doing everything you can. It may seem too little or not enough, but it doesn't matter. What really matters is that you keep on fighting the good fight, even if sometimes it takes a form of sth seemingly insignificant, like brushing your teeth. You ARE more than your thoughts and you ARE fighting! Appreciate yourself for that! Be proud! You DO have something to be proud of! <3 Also, I really like your style :) The piece in the reddish fog is stunning!
My teenage daughter is struggling to get over depression and axiety. It is a torment for a parent not to ne able to help. Thank you for these, they help me understand what she us dealing with. Hugs to those who suffer and their families. Hope you get better!
I'm really happy I could help you understand. Lots of courage to you both.
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As someone who has struggled with both anxiety and depression since I was 8 or 9, I can relate to much. Those are beautiful.
If the first meds don't help go back and tell them that. It takes time to get the match between your body and the meds right.
I've tried many meds in the last 3 years. I'm still hoping to find an effective one. But we're get closer.
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Many of these drawings hit home for me. It's really hard dealing with depression and anxiety on a daily basis and it's even harder that society still puts a stigma on it.
A friend of mine has severe depression. I can see her in each and every post. My heart is crying! I wish I can do more for her, but I'm afraid me being there for her, just doesn't seem to help any more.
Being there for her as a supportive friend is already a lot !
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Thank you so much for these. Even though I feel sorry for every single person, it felt so comforting not to be alone in this. You even managed to sketch some feelings I couldn't have described any better. And to all of us: have you ever thought of the immense strength we do have - just to keep going?
I wish that more emphasis was put on education about anxiety disorder. So many dont understand it. It's not rational or easy to fix. You can't just calm down or trick your brain to be happy. I get so annoyed when people say "dont worry, just relax! Dont think about it!" The fears of anxiety are real and debilitating and physical. Ive been dealing with it for 20 years.
It's still a huge taboo, but there are organizations who try to raise awareness. I had the chance to chat with a some of them thanks to my drawings. I don't know if there is one in my country yet but I'm happy to know they exist
Load More Replies... My god! You are me and I am you! Its so nice to know that someone out there understands! Trying to explain any of this to someone who doesn't suffer from anxiety or depression is just impossible. So I just don't. I also put on the happy go lucky facade that I am well known for.
Thank you, beautiful work. I am going to share with my family (might help some to understand.).
Just when I feel I’m doing better I start crying. I can relate to all of these. I wish I had the talent to draw out my feelings, but I’m not good enough.
I wish there was something I could do for you sow-ay, and others who suffering. damn. Here's a virtual hug for you. Hang in there. Maybe the next med your doc trys on you will be a huge hit. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Thanks for the hug <3 don't worry, I'm doing my best every day
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I've lived with it for a very longtime bipolar depression/ depression sucks, too hard to explain to people who don't have it. Being a room with people and feeling absolutely alone. I use to wish and pray everyday I would wake up and just be normal or what I think is normal, waking up is a crapshoot now I just hope when I wake up I'm just in the middle instead of crying constantly or ready to get into a bar fight. Even the highs and lows are hard to explain, someone so open to sharing day to day struggles makes me feel less alone.
Happy that you are are able to say and draw what so many of us feel, but keep to ourselves. It's a lonely condition. I'd like to be able to share some of your drawings. What is the best way I can do that? I wish you success with your efforts. Thank you for sharing!
I have ambigous feelings. Major Depression is not a joke. I understand that it may be a part of the therapy the joke making from the MD, but I think it is not very funny. Sadly, a lot of cases ended with suicid actions, and the psychiatrics doesnt know the exact causes of MD. I feel deep empathy with whom suffer/struggle with this thing. I think the psychotherapy and/or drug threatments arent enough by own. I see, that is very important to look this thing from spiritual aspects. (Negative chackras energies, bad waves from our parents, childhood, previous life, spiritual microcosmos etc.)
There is efficient medication for depression and anxiety but not all medicines work for all people. If one type doesn't work, tell your physician, he will try another.
So what would you expect from good friends? I have some friends with depression and sometimes I feel useless. Should I trust them when they say they don't want to see anyone? One acquaintance, an aging woman, refuses to take meds. She is very, very dark, critical and complaining. Says people who want to help make her even more miserable. She often talks about those people in a negative way. At the same time I have a feeling she's angry that she's left alone. I don't know how to behave, I don't want criticism, I'm quite vulnerable myself. Any tips?
I would want my friends to listen. To let me be open about how I feel. To text me just to say hi and to see if I feel like doing something but if not to just check in with me. The older lady you mention sounds like my mother and all we could do there was let her rant a bit and get some of it out of her system. She was lonely. There is only so much you can do though and people who are genuinely depressed need professional help. Briefly I'd say a) listen and b) don't let it get to you.
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people here-husband and his parents-just want me locked up indefinitely, as if that wouldn't make it worse, but maybe that's the idea
S**t....never thought to find drawings that express what I feel inside
I relate to all of this... It is so strange to read this. Thank you.
This is so relatable. I hope this person and anyone else suffering seeks the help they need. There is so much support out there. Reach out and take the first step. Medication may help too, It certainly helps me. I probably wouldn’t be here otherwise.
Thanks, I am seeing a psychiatrist regularly and have meds to take everyday. And I hope people reading this will also seek for help
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In reality, it's even worse. This is just a surface. It's much, much worse, especially if you have chronic illness and no friends at all. And in reality people leave you when you are depressed. They do not try to help you. In reality, no one cares, everyone has their own problems, people just need someone to make them feel better not worse.
It's different for everyone. I have the chance to have friend and they did care and help. And there is help. People can turn to professionals, there are organizations helping, apps and websites. Not everyone doesn't care and support is available for everyone.
Load More Replies...
Well now I'm crying. This was a very accurate post on how everyday life is for me. Sending my love to all that suffer every day. We all need a little love
I relate to some of these, dang. I really hope things get better for you author. It's never easy, but I hope that you will push through
These hit me right in my heart. Thank you for your art, it is helping more people than you probably recognize.
You are not your mental illness... That's the most important thing I've learned during my therapy. To not identify myself with all the thoughts my inner troll slips to me. And clearly you're not your thoughts either, you're putting an effort, you're still fighting! For what it's worth, I'm proud of you for doing that! :) And I want you to stop for a second and think it through. To really see that you're doing everything you can. It may seem too little or not enough, but it doesn't matter. What really matters is that you keep on fighting the good fight, even if sometimes it takes a form of sth seemingly insignificant, like brushing your teeth. You ARE more than your thoughts and you ARE fighting! Appreciate yourself for that! Be proud! You DO have something to be proud of! <3 Also, I really like your style :) The piece in the reddish fog is stunning!
My teenage daughter is struggling to get over depression and axiety. It is a torment for a parent not to ne able to help. Thank you for these, they help me understand what she us dealing with. Hugs to those who suffer and their families. Hope you get better!
I'm really happy I could help you understand. Lots of courage to you both.
Load More Replies... As someone who has struggled with both anxiety and depression since I was 8 or 9, I can relate to much. Those are beautiful.
If the first meds don't help go back and tell them that. It takes time to get the match between your body and the meds right.
I've tried many meds in the last 3 years. I'm still hoping to find an effective one. But we're get closer.
Load More Replies... Many of these drawings hit home for me. It's really hard dealing with depression and anxiety on a daily basis and it's even harder that society still puts a stigma on it.
A friend of mine has severe depression. I can see her in each and every post. My heart is crying! I wish I can do more for her, but I'm afraid me being there for her, just doesn't seem to help any more.
Being there for her as a supportive friend is already a lot !
Load More Replies... Thank you so much for these. Even though I feel sorry for every single person, it felt so comforting not to be alone in this. You even managed to sketch some feelings I couldn't have described any better. And to all of us: have you ever thought of the immense strength we do have - just to keep going?
I wish that more emphasis was put on education about anxiety disorder. So many dont understand it. It's not rational or easy to fix. You can't just calm down or trick your brain to be happy. I get so annoyed when people say "dont worry, just relax! Dont think about it!" The fears of anxiety are real and debilitating and physical. Ive been dealing with it for 20 years.
It's still a huge taboo, but there are organizations who try to raise awareness. I had the chance to chat with a some of them thanks to my drawings. I don't know if there is one in my country yet but I'm happy to know they exist
Load More Replies... My god! You are me and I am you! Its so nice to know that someone out there understands! Trying to explain any of this to someone who doesn't suffer from anxiety or depression is just impossible. So I just don't. I also put on the happy go lucky facade that I am well known for.
Thank you, beautiful work. I am going to share with my family (might help some to understand.).
Just when I feel I’m doing better I start crying. I can relate to all of these. I wish I had the talent to draw out my feelings, but I’m not good enough.
I wish there was something I could do for you sow-ay, and others who suffering. damn. Here's a virtual hug for you. Hang in there. Maybe the next med your doc trys on you will be a huge hit. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Thanks for the hug <3 don't worry, I'm doing my best every day
Load More Replies... I've lived with it for a very longtime bipolar depression/ depression sucks, too hard to explain to people who don't have it. Being a room with people and feeling absolutely alone. I use to wish and pray everyday I would wake up and just be normal or what I think is normal, waking up is a crapshoot now I just hope when I wake up I'm just in the middle instead of crying constantly or ready to get into a bar fight. Even the highs and lows are hard to explain, someone so open to sharing day to day struggles makes me feel less alone.
Happy that you are are able to say and draw what so many of us feel, but keep to ourselves. It's a lonely condition. I'd like to be able to share some of your drawings. What is the best way I can do that? I wish you success with your efforts. Thank you for sharing!
I have ambigous feelings. Major Depression is not a joke. I understand that it may be a part of the therapy the joke making from the MD, but I think it is not very funny. Sadly, a lot of cases ended with suicid actions, and the psychiatrics doesnt know the exact causes of MD. I feel deep empathy with whom suffer/struggle with this thing. I think the psychotherapy and/or drug threatments arent enough by own. I see, that is very important to look this thing from spiritual aspects. (Negative chackras energies, bad waves from our parents, childhood, previous life, spiritual microcosmos etc.)
There is efficient medication for depression and anxiety but not all medicines work for all people. If one type doesn't work, tell your physician, he will try another.
So what would you expect from good friends? I have some friends with depression and sometimes I feel useless. Should I trust them when they say they don't want to see anyone? One acquaintance, an aging woman, refuses to take meds. She is very, very dark, critical and complaining. Says people who want to help make her even more miserable. She often talks about those people in a negative way. At the same time I have a feeling she's angry that she's left alone. I don't know how to behave, I don't want criticism, I'm quite vulnerable myself. Any tips?
I would want my friends to listen. To let me be open about how I feel. To text me just to say hi and to see if I feel like doing something but if not to just check in with me. The older lady you mention sounds like my mother and all we could do there was let her rant a bit and get some of it out of her system. She was lonely. There is only so much you can do though and people who are genuinely depressed need professional help. Briefly I'd say a) listen and b) don't let it get to you.
Load More Replies... people here-husband and his parents-just want me locked up indefinitely, as if that wouldn't make it worse, but maybe that's the idea
S**t....never thought to find drawings that express what I feel inside
I relate to all of this... It is so strange to read this. Thank you.
This is so relatable. I hope this person and anyone else suffering seeks the help they need. There is so much support out there. Reach out and take the first step. Medication may help too, It certainly helps me. I probably wouldn’t be here otherwise.
Thanks, I am seeing a psychiatrist regularly and have meds to take everyday. And I hope people reading this will also seek for help
Load More Replies... In reality, it's even worse. This is just a surface. It's much, much worse, especially if you have chronic illness and no friends at all. And in reality people leave you when you are depressed. They do not try to help you. In reality, no one cares, everyone has their own problems, people just need someone to make them feel better not worse.
It's different for everyone. I have the chance to have friend and they did care and help. And there is help. People can turn to professionals, there are organizations helping, apps and websites. Not everyone doesn't care and support is available for everyone.
Load More Replies... 
