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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.
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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.
#5
Maureen McDermott 6 years ago
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.
#6
#11
#13
Randomcthulu 6 years ago
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...
#14
EweAreSewCute 6 years ago
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
#16
D. Pitbull 6 years ago
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."
#21
EweAreSewCute 6 years ago
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
#22
#23
D. Pitbull 6 years ago
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...
#27
Bubble***tea 3 6 years ago
Omg I know how this is. I didn't know anyone else knew what it's like to be tired yet u get sleep.
#29
Justwannasay 6 years ago
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.
#31
Jenica Thomas 6 years ago
This is such an important thing! I put on a pretty good farce most of the time and my friends don't usually see the real s**t that is going on. Add the fact that I'm bipolar and that they sometimes get to see the SUPER happy me... this makes it even harder for them to understand.
#42
Lorraine Woollands 6 years ago
My old boss was just like this, even though he was supposed to have had depression when his wife died.
#46
反社会的 6 years ago
i have a problem with this. i have spoken to many song writers and poets, and really, the song is whatever you want it to be. for example, a choral director and composer explained to us about how he wrote the melody to a poem, and in his mind it was about his insomnia. however, the original poem was about the crucifiction of christ. in his mind, it is still about finding rest after sleepless nights. my point is; no matter what the writer had in mind, the song's sentimental value to you, is yours. it means whatever you want it to.
#48
EweAreSewCute 6 years ago
My boyfriend is 24 years my elder so there's that... he's definitely gonna die before me and then I'll truly be alone. I cant even legally live with him due to subsidized housing rules
#49
#61
EweAreSewCute 6 years ago
My most common nightmare is watching the few family I have and or my boyfriend who is the only non family I know walking away and not looking back
#62
Sarah Storm 6 years ago
I've been their. Instead of a cliff, it's a bottle, but it never seems to leave.
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What do you think ?
EweAreSewCute 6 years ago
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
Living_Shadow 6 years ago
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
Janette Mochnacz Johnson 6 years ago
These hit me right in my heart. Thank you for your art, it is helping more people than you probably recognize.
Ann S. 6 years ago
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!
Rzorrz Jurek 6 years ago (edited)
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!
Sarah Storm 6 years ago
As someone who has struggled with both anxiety and depression since I was 8 or 9, I can relate to much. Those are beautiful.
Magpie 6 years ago
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.
deanna woods 6 years ago
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.
Ronel du Plessis 6 years ago
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.
Mimi 6 years ago
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?
TheDivineMs.M 6 years ago
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.
Bunny Lady 6 years ago
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.
J. Normal 6 years ago
Thank you, beautiful work. I am going to share with my family (might help some to understand.).
Dippin Dot 6 years ago
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.
Michelle Leach-selmon 6 years ago
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.
Ann Skuba DeNu Urban 6 years ago
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!
Akos Fellner 6 years ago
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.)
Avital Pilpel 6 years ago
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.
Jus 6 years ago
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?
debrina blackmoon 6 years ago
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
Raul Acosta 6 years ago
S**t....never thought to find drawings that express what I feel inside
Anna Ledwońska 6 years ago
I relate to all of this... It is so strange to read this. Thank you.
Foxxy 6 years ago
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.
Biljana Malesevic 6 years ago
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.
EweAreSewCute 6 years ago
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
Living_Shadow 6 years ago
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
Janette Mochnacz Johnson 6 years ago
These hit me right in my heart. Thank you for your art, it is helping more people than you probably recognize.
Ann S. 6 years ago
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!
Rzorrz Jurek 6 years ago (edited)
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!
Sarah Storm 6 years ago
As someone who has struggled with both anxiety and depression since I was 8 or 9, I can relate to much. Those are beautiful.
Magpie 6 years ago
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.
deanna woods 6 years ago
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.
Ronel du Plessis 6 years ago
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.
Mimi 6 years ago
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?
TheDivineMs.M 6 years ago
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.
Bunny Lady 6 years ago
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.
J. Normal 6 years ago
Thank you, beautiful work. I am going to share with my family (might help some to understand.).
Dippin Dot 6 years ago
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.
Michelle Leach-selmon 6 years ago
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.
Ann Skuba DeNu Urban 6 years ago
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!
Akos Fellner 6 years ago
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.)
Avital Pilpel 6 years ago
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.
Jus 6 years ago
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?
debrina blackmoon 6 years ago
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
Raul Acosta 6 years ago
S**t....never thought to find drawings that express what I feel inside
Anna Ledwońska 6 years ago
I relate to all of this... It is so strange to read this. Thank you.
Foxxy 6 years ago
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.
Biljana Malesevic 6 years ago
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.
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