I am a 29-year-old mental health advocate and artist living in Phoenix. I make comics and products to help people feel less alone.
For Mental Health Awareness Month, I did 14 beautiful drawings about important statistics surrounding mental problems. I wanted to raise awareness with my unique art about the reality of how many people are affected by mental illness so that they are more informed and to help them feel less alone.
Some of these statistics are shockingly high, and I learned a lot about mental issues and all the resources out there for people like me, who are struggling with depression and anxiety.
If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, here is a helpline where you can reach out.
Facts are from the following sources: Nami, The National Coalition for the Homeless, Mentalhealth, Activeminds, Independent, The US Department of Veterans Affairs, and thetrevorproject.
More info: Instagram
Fact #1
Just Peachy started as a daily drawing journal in early 2017. I wanted to get back into art and was in a dark place mentally. I just started creating around what I was feeling and learning through suffering from depression, anxiety and addiction. I started sharing on Instagram to keep me motivated because I really thrive on feedback from others.
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I am very lucky because I get so many positive responses from people. Everyone is very supportive, and a lot of people reach out to me thanking me for sharing my struggles. Many people are dealing with mental health issues so I think a lot of people really relate to my comics.
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The most challenging part of the creative process for me is actually sitting down and making a comic. I have a full-time job, so sometimes I struggle to find the time and motivation to actually sit for 2-3 hours and make a comic. I also find Instagrams new expectations for how often we are "supposed" to post absolutely insane, so I just don't keep up with that.
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I am still really saddened by the fact that up to 40% of trans people attempt suicide in their life. I think that is a real problem that can be solved by raising awareness and acceptance about trans folks.
I will repeat that if you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, here is a helpline where you can reach out.