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This Comic Shows the Daily Battle of Someone With Anxiety and Depression

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For some people who live with anxiety and depression, getting through the day can be a battle. This fight is depicted in a cartoon by Nick Seluk, who publishes comics under the name The Awkward Yeti.

The cartoon, called “The Battle,” is the 21st episode in Seluk’s series, Medical Tales Retold, where he illustrates real stories from the world of medicine.

“I was drawn to this particular story because it broke an imaginary line between physical and mental ailments in my series. As someone who’s experienced and has been around anxiety and depression, it was easy to illustrate in a way that complemented the storyteller,” Seluk told The Mighty in an email. “Sometimes those who haven’t experienced the extremes don’t understand what it’s like, almost to the point of resenting it. This story was a simple explanation of one person’s experience. I think telling these kinds of stories is really important to help people relate and empathize with one another.”

Check out the comic below: 

A cartoon girl sits with depression and anxiety, depicted as two large blobs with faces. Text reads: I have depression and anxiety disorders. Depression and Anxiety are in the girl's over-crowded bed. Text reads: and even with medication, I still have those days when I have to force myself out of bed and I can't rally the energy or motivation to do anything.

A mom is talking while the girl lays on the ground. Text reads: And my mom will say things like, "You were so happy and energetic yesterday, you got so much done." It makes me cringe to just think about her saying that. Anxiety and Depression dressed in football gear. They push her to the ground. Text reads: So I told her this: Depression and Anxiety are teammates and I'm the opposing team. Their one and only goal is to drag me down. Depression and anxiety talk to the girl. Text says: They make me paranoid, they make me feel useless. Depression and Anxiety are holding the girl's energy and motivation. Text reads: and they steal all my energy and motivation. Depression and Anxiety on a boat. Text reads: However, sometimes they go on vacation. The girl picks up her energy and motivation and starts to get stuff done. Text reads: I never know how long vacation will last, but I get stuff done while they're away. Depression and anxiety on a boat. Text reads: Because I never know when they'll come back. It may be a few hours or a few days. I never know. Girl wearing a Viking hat. text reads: I do know that I have to be prepared to go into battle when they return from vacation. Anxiety and depression fall off the boat.

This comic originally appeared on Tapastic, and was republished with permission from the artist.

Originally published: September 3, 2015
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