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If You Battle Anxiety or Depression, You’ll Totally Relate to These Hilarious Cartoons
by Mia Thompson
Updated: August 1, 2016
Originally Published: March 4, 2016
Gemma Correll’s cartoons brilliantly capture the essence of living with anxiety and depression. Here’s a little secret: many individuals either experience anxiety and depression themselves or know someone who does. These challenges can touch anyone, and while it’s becoming more accepted to discuss them, there’s still a lingering stigma around being open about how these conditions affect our everyday life. That’s where Correll’s honest and amusing illustrations come into play.
Correll, a British illustrator and writer, navigates her own journey with anxiety and clinical depression. She utilizes her art to break down the barriers surrounding mental health discussions. In 2015, she released a compilation of her work titled The Worriers Guide To Life, showcasing a candid and relatable view of living with mental health struggles.
According to Correll, her goal is to raise awareness while encouraging open conversations about mental health. “I deal with clinical anxiety and depression, and I find that humor can be a lifesaver during tough times,” she shares. “I truly believe that laughter can be a refuge for those of us who live with persistent anxiety and depression.”
Her illustrations resonate deeply, especially for those of us who are parents navigating these challenges. When you’re a parent, your struggles often affect your children. It can be incredibly tough to maintain a cheerful demeanor when you’re not feeling your best, especially when little ones depend on you emotionally. Anxiety and depression can hinder your ability to be the parent you aspire to be, and that can weigh heavily on you.
What brings comfort is knowing you’re not alone. Many others face days where simply getting out of bed feels monumental. A casual phone call or attending dinner with friends may seem like insurmountable tasks, leaving you with a suffocating sense of guilt when you can’t give as much as you’d like. Talking about these experiences really can provide relief, and Correll’s cartoons are an excellent way to initiate that dialogue.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), around 40 million people in the U.S. are affected by anxiety disorders, with a significant number also experiencing depression. When engulfed in these feelings, we often believe that no one else understands our struggles. However, millions of people share similar experiences, and acknowledging this can foster a sense of community.
Sharing a cartoon or a lighthearted illustration can serve as a reminder that we’re not alone in this journey. It’s a way to laugh about our challenges and connect with other individuals who know exactly what we’re going through. Sometimes, just knowing you have support is enough to help you push through.
For more insights on mental health, check out this other blog post. It’s also worthwhile to explore resources like March of Dimes, which provides excellent information about pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, for those interested in self-insemination options, consider visiting Make a Mom, an authority on the subject.
In summary, Gemma Correll’s illustrations serve as a powerful reminder that humor can be a tool for coping with anxiety and depression, especially for those of us managing these conditions while parenting. By sharing our experiences and laughter through art, we can foster a supportive community that helps us feel less isolated in our struggles.