It’s 2018 and we are seeing signs of people, voices, art finally beginning to break through the silence around mental health. How it feels, what it is, how to handle it – these ordinary folk are trying to expand the understanding around the subject beyond ‘low phase’ or a ‘bad mood’.
One such artist is Mounica Tata, who has started an Instagram series #areyouokay on her account @doodleodrama. Through her illustrations, she describes situations that people suffering from common mental disorders may relate to.
Her motive is to “encourage people to be more sensitive, receptive, and compassionate.”
Here are the illustrations from her series. “Take a good look around, for you might identify with some of these emotions or know someone who needs help!”
When Social Anxiety and Panic Attacks Take Over
It’s stifling when you feel you’re not able to breathe. Anxiety has become increasingly common amongst youngsters. At least 10 million people suffer from it.
When Loneliness Is the Only Companion
“Being alone is very very different from feeling lonely.” You can be in the company of a hundred people and still feel lonely.
When You Fake a Happy Face
“Pretending, faking, living in denial becomes much easier for most of us than actually facing the problem or addressing/acknowledging the fact that we are not okay.”
Someone who’s suffering from a mental illness like depression, may not necessarily look sad and show it. They can seem very happy and chirpy and still go back home feeling hollow.
When You Feel Insignificant and Invisible
The feeling of worthlessness can be a difficult one to live with.
“Sometimes it feels like you are playing an extra in your own life. Will anyone even notice if & when you’re gone? Feeling invisible, insignificant, and inconsequential isn’t a good feeling. I know it can be difficult but do tell yourself that YOU matter, everyday,” writes Tata.
Silence Outside, Uproar Inside
“Hush mind, not so loud. What if they hear you. Us.”
Most suffer in silence because of the lack of understanding. They don’t know what to say and who to say it to so that they’re taken seriously.
“Mental illness is hard because how do you run away from something that's inside your mind? It's even harder to explain/put in words because there are just so many feelings and emotions. The mind becomes a carnival of anxiety, loneliness, helplessness, depression, stress, panic attacks,etc,” says Tata.
Our ignorance, bias and stigma prevent us from getting timely help and cause suffering. Let’s change that. Let’s talk.
If you feel despair or if you know someone who needs help, guide them to this list of state-wise credible mental health professionals collated by healthcollective.in.
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