Anxiety In Wonderland: I Illustrated My Anxiety And This Is What It Looks Like

A look into Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression through the eyes of artist Katia Oloy.

The Face of Anxiety

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

This is what my anxiety and depression looks like. She is demanding, loud, and entitled. She rules over much of what I do and how I feel.

Often, I feel it in my head, and in my throat.

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

She keeps a tight grip on anything she can reach.

"Cake!? You better work out extra hard today!"

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

A lot of times, she bullies me about the things I enjoy, leaving me panicked and feeling guilty.

Sometimes, it's oppressive. Inescapable.

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

On a good day, she's as small as a bee, buzzing, buzzing. On a bad day, she's infinitely big, in the air I breathe.

The voice often sounds familiar.

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

She sometimes sounds like and looks like people I know.

She has two faces: scary and sad.

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

She demands and manipulates, screams and cries.

Sometimes, nothing feels safe.

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

Even showering is difficult.

A reflection is my friend.

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

I find it helpful to externalize these feelings, and to get a reflection of what's going on.

I've been going to therapy for some time now, and it helps a great deal to unpack these feelings and also learn about how to acknowledge and self care through the scary moments.

There's hope. There's sunshine. And there's tea.

Katia Oloy / Via katiaoloy.tumblr.com

And it helps to anchor to the little things that make me happy. Like tea.

Acknowledging the anxiety was the first step to enjoying life again.

Walt Disney Company

Lastly I take comfort that I am diagnosed, working on treatment, and most importantly, that I am not alone.

Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. I am one of 40 million adults, which is 18% of the population.

If you have anxiety, or know someone that has it, know that it isn't the end of the world. And the opportunity to minimize the suffering is within reach.

Talk about it.

Share.

And be brilliant.