Phil Wall, going by Never Stay Dead online, is a UK-based artist who creates funny illustrations featuring adorable animals. However, recently the artist decided to try something a little different by illustrated a handful of men*tal illnesses and disor*ders as spooky mon*ters.
To create the series, the artist has done a lot of preparation and used both his own, and the experiences of the people around him. “It’s a very complicated and sensitive subject and it’s not the same for everyone,” says Phil. “It’s impossible to capture the entire spectrum of a disorder in one simple drawing. Many people find them relatable, and if not at least it’s opening up a discussion instead of ignoring them.”
See the Phil’s illustrations in the gallery below!
More info: neverstaydead.co.uk | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Image source: neverstaydead
My depiction of anxiety is a disorientating, chaotic, and pearlescent monster. It has many arms to grip you in fear, many eyes to watch you, and many mouths to make you doubt yourself. It is like a big parasite feeding on fear and paralysing you
#2
Image source: neverstaydead
#3
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Autism is a developmental disorder, because it is more susceptible to mental health I decided to include it in this series
#4
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The ADHD monster is a hyperactive ball of energy, finding it hard to focus on one task and easily distracted by everything around it. A daydreamer with a chaotic galaxy of ideas and thoughts
#5
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OCD is an annoying demon that traps you in repetition
#6
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Insomnia is a Wraith that can manifest from various mental health (including depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD). The monster chains itself to its host leaving it feeling like a ghost inside its own body. Too uncomfortably awake to sleep, but too tired to function normally. The Wraith’s body is partly made of stars from all of the dreams it has eaten and it drags a heavy time piece across the ground. Constantly reminding its victims of lost time and the pressure to start a new day tired and restless
#7
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The Addiction monster seems desirable and shiny, but tricks its host by rewarding them with short lived highs that lead to adverse consequences
#8
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The BDD monster warps and distorts its hosts perception of themselves. It shows them an exaggeration of any flaw they might find, this will spiral until they become obsessed with it. The Monster can also cause social anxiety, OCD and depression.
#9
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The PTSD monster was once a confident and strong ally. But it is left severely wounded and broken, every day reliving its pain
#10
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Bipolar is a two headed beast that’s splitting into two extreme and contrasting monsters, and neither are fun to be around. They both have a hand on the steering wheel and can divert the ride at any time
#11
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BPD is a Demon with broken wings, but it often thinks it’s an angel. It is complex and usually misunderstood, and can completely override the mind and emotions. It has a fear of abandonment, yet struggles with stable relationships. It is more prone to act recklessly than most monsters which can result in dangerous consequences, addiction and even the suicide of its vessel