Art Therapy: 7 Artists Who Are Illustrating The Struggles Of Living With A Mental Illness

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s shocking death to suicide has initiated a long-delayed conversation on mental health in India. People are finally grasping the idea that mental illnesses need to be taken as seriously as physical ailments and when ignored, they can easily escalate into something damaging and even life-threatening. Not only has it nudged individuals to take cognisance of their own mental health and triggers but has also sparked a bigger, deeper probe on how equipped we happen to be when it comes to fighting the mental health crisis that the country looks at right now. 

The findings of the National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16 reveals that while nearly 150 million Indians needed active intervention when it comes to their mental health fewer than 30 million were getting it. Add to it the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and you’d know that the mental health crisis in the country needs immediate attention. A recent study posits that “During the initial stages of COVID-19 in India, almost one-third of respondents had a significant psychological impact.” 

Clearly, words like “anxiety,” “OCD,” and “depression” shouldn’t be taken as lightly as they are in our country for when left unattended, they take over your very being and even claim lives. Several artists and illustrators are doing the work for us by illustrating the struggles of mental health and while also providing tools and ways of coping with them. 

Now that a conversation on mental health has finally seen its impetus in the country, it’s high time we educate ourselves as well as those around us about mental health to be more equipped with a mitigation and support system whenever the need arises. We have compiled a list of artists who seek to create awareness about mental health through their art. Scroll through.

Phil Wall

By illustrating mental illnesses as huge, haunting monsters, Phil makes a very important point in how so many fall helpless when faced by a mental health issue or illness. It is important for this message to resonate since so many around us frequently brush aside problems like anxiety, depression, etc. as trivial issues. Here are some of his illustrations for a perspective: 

Reshma Valliappan

“The voices inside my head asked me to paint,” says Reshma Valliappan, the artist who has been channelising her schizophrenia into profound art. She gives you a sneak peek into what happens inside schizophrenic’s mind and how haunting some of these images actually happen to be. In fact, her paintings are often used in therapist conferences to show what someone with schizophrenia goes through. Take a look at her artwork:

Laman

From therapy sessions to everyday struggles, Laman captures how mental health disorders manifest themselves in modern lives. The illustrations are especially relatable for someone having a first-hand experience with poor mental health. Here are the illustrations:

Matilda

Swedish artist Matilda of Crazy Head Comics describes herself as a lightworker on her journey to recovery. Her Instagram feed is a beautiful pastiche of powerful messages, relatable illustrations, and her personal experiences with mental health disorders. Take a look:

Pranita Kocharekar

Pranita Kocharekar’s Insta feed is for the ones’ seeking some positivity and useful tools to cope with their mental health on a day to day basis. A well-renowned Indian artist, she frequently posts illustrations to help and ease those suffering from mental health issues. Here are a few of her illustrations:

Sonaksha

Indian artists Sonaksha’s illustrations are aimed at educating her followers about mental health struggles and also to help them recognise and face them in a better and healthier way. Check out her artwork:

It is very important to realise that there should be no shame in identifying your mental health struggles and seeking professional help to cope with them. Remember, it’s okay to be not okay!

Featured Image: Instagram