30 Unique Illustrations That Depics What It Is Like To Have Mental Anxiety

Margot Nolan

When we were a child, we were told not to judge a person based on his/her appearance, just like the quote "Never judge a book by its cover". Appearance is not an indicator of one's value. And the same is also true when judging one's mental health. No one could determine whether the other person has any mental health issue or not just by looking at their appearance.
Caterina Costa, a talented artist from Italy, created comics in her own unique art style that depicts the life of a girl suffering from mental anxiety. Having experience with it before, Caterina fully understands how terrible it is to have a mental health issue that is like a dark shadow following her everywhere and exhausts her every day.
The dominant colors in Caterina's illustrations are yellow, symbolizing energy and happiness, and black, implying hopelessness and darkness. This absolute contrast is what Caterina trying to convey through her works of art: a person could look amazing from the outside, but who knows how deeply hurt and tired they actually are?

#1

Source: Caterina Costa

Will anyone accept me when I'm not that typical type of girl? Or will I have to force myself into another mold to receieve the love from others?

#2

Source: Caterina Costa

The never-ending loop of "Should I" and "Shouldn't I".

#3

Source: Caterina Costa

I will be the one sitting by you and comforting you till everything is fine.

#4

Source: Caterina Costa

My true self is visible only when nobody is there.

#5

Source: Caterina Costa

My anxiety is eating me up and don't let me escape.

#6

Source: Caterina Costa

The unreal yet somehow influential voice inside of my head that can control me.

#7

Source: Caterina Costa

Why am I even here, in life?

#8

Source: Caterina Costa

Fading away when trying to please people and change myself...

#9

Source: Caterina Costa

Too scared to admit that I'm not fine...

#10

Source: Caterina Costa

Carry me to another place where there is no sadness and anxiety, please?

#11

Source: Caterina Costa

When being with people can give you anxiety...

#12

Source: Caterina Costa

There's no way to get out.

#13

Source: Caterina Costa

Give me a room so that I can drown myself in darkness.

#14

Source: Caterina Costa

My heart doesn't want to stop having anxiety.

#15

Source: Caterina Costa

Pretending while already knowing it all...

#16

Source: Caterina Costa

Alone time - when there are just me and my dark shadow of anxiety.

 #17

Source: Caterina Costa

How to escape when it's already all over the place?

#18

Source: Caterina Costa

Getting anxiety and hurt from people that I thought I could trust the most - It is a hundred times more terrible.

#19

Source: Caterina Costa

Yes, I'm talking to you: myself.

#20

Source: Caterina Costa

Who could understand the sadness of a clown?

#21

Source: Caterina Costa

Another tear drops down on my face, another time my heart aches.

#22

Source: Caterina Costa

Don't ask me why I don't open up with people. If there is no change, what's the point of opening up?

#23

Source: Caterina Costa

What do I truly feel? When I am already wearing so many masks...

#24

Source: Caterina Costa

Have you seen my motivations? I'm looking for it but it's nowhere to be seen.

#25

Source: Caterina Costa

Maybe it's the switch that I use the most: every day.

#26

Source: Caterina Costa

Only I can understand myself the most.

#27

Source: Caterina Costa

A truth that I would never tell anyone...

#28

Source: Caterina Costa

When people can't handle honesty...

#29

Source: Caterina Costa

My heart deserves to be appreciated by better people.

#30

Source: Caterina Costa

Thank you, your love is what keeps me growing and coping with my anxiety.