These Illustrations Give an Accurate and Eye Opening Depiction of Mental Illness

”It's called a mental illness for a reason, because it is an illness. Why can't it be accepted like any other illness?”

Edmund

• Published in Interesting
• December 29, 2018

Mental illness is rarely taken as seriously as other illnesses despite impacting most people one way or another. According to the World Health Organisation, "one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives" and "around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions".

They state that this places "mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide". Phill Wall decided to tackle this complicated subject by drawing these disorders as monsters.

They are brilliantly illustrated and give new perspective to those who don't give mental health the thought it needs.

Check out his Facebook page too, he has a lot more to see: www.facebook.com/neverstaydead

Depression

Depression can happen anyone. It impacts the way you carry yourself in all aspects of your lifestyle. It invades your thoughts about your relationship with others and feeds you baseless thoughts in regards to your self worth.

Autism

In a majority of cases, Autism presents during childhood. Autistic people can have issues with social interactions, verbal interaction and understanding some simple concepts. Autistic people are also sensitive to loud noises and avoid unnecessary physical contact.

Borderline Personality Disorder

The symptoms attributed to BPD include mood swing and impulsive behaviour. People with BPD have an emotional imbalance that can make it difficult for them to maintain relationships.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is commonly a childhood condition but can develop later in life. ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, impulsiveness and a struggle to focus on or pay attention to one task.

Insomnia

Insomnia is an inability to sleep. It comes in many levels and also has a wide range of causes ranging fro m life stress to emotional state. It can also be a result of depression.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD results in anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks and many other symptoms. This is brought on by a past traumatic event.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Whilst actions like the repeated clicking of a pen is common it could also be a result of OCD. This condition revolves repetition in behaviour. A potential example of this in pop culture is Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory with his three knocks when knocking on peoples doors. Despite giving a good example of the behaviour patterns, this is however only speculation as the show has never confirmed Sheldon as having OCD.

Manic depressive disorder

Manic depressive disorder (or as it is more commonly known, Bipolar Disorder) is an illness identifiable by rapid changing of mood swings and impulsive behaviour. People with Bipolar disorder struggle to complete tasks while maintaining the same energy level and can effect their eating, sleeping and self esteem.

Anxiety

Anxiety is something that effects everyone in one way or another. We all have something that makes us anxious. Anxiety disorder on the other hand is another matter. It is characterised by "an unusual fear and natural reluctance towards anything with an uncertain outcome, anxiety can cause serious health problems if left untreated".

Article Author Note: I have had anxiety in many forms for the last 10 years and this drawing is so relatable to me. For me, this is accurately how it feels.

Edmund