The Best Mental Health Comics to Read When You're in a Darker Phase of Life
Many people find it easier to relate to comics than with text or videos. Comics can be an excellent way to share lived experiences relating to mental health.
Some people might think that comics make mental illness seem overly humorous, but some people find humour in their situation, and that's okay too.
A mental health comic is a type of comic that depicts a person's experience with mental illness. These comics are often used to create awareness about mental health and help people diagnosed with a mental illness.
Why Read Comics For Mental Health?
Comics are a great way to escape the real world and indulge in a good story. They can also be used as a tool for mental health.
One of the ways comics help with mental health is by providing an escape from reality and allowing people to experience things they may not otherwise experience. Comic books for anxiety and depression are examples of comics that escape reality for those dealing with those issues.
6 Comics To Help You Find Your Inner Strength In A Time Of Darkness
Comics are a great way to escape for a while and find some inspiration. These comics will help you find your inner strength in a time of darkness. These comics are not only entertaining but also therapeutic.
1. Marie and Worrywart: Comics about Anxiety
by Jenn Woodall
Marie and Worrywart highlight the challenges of living with anxiety while bringing them to life in a relatable way. This comic is a great way to show how anxiety can impact day-to-day life, and that is not something to be ashamed of. This beautifully illustrated comic also helps people struggling with anxiety feel understood and less alone in their struggle.
2. Animals Got Problems
by Alyssa John and Jory John
Animals Got Problems shares the struggles o 16 animals dealing with different mental health and life issues. The animals are all different shapes, sizes, and colours, making it easier for readers to identify with them. This lovely comic is a great way to destigmatize mental health. It's a lighthearted way to talk about mental health together, and it's not too serious.
3. On Belonging: A Tiny Manifesto
by Janine Kwoh
One of my favourite mini-comics. On Belonging is a gentle reminder that even when you feel alone, you belong, and there are people out there who care about you. It's okay to feel lonely sometimes, and it's okay to be sad. There will be good days and bad days - but the important thing is to keep trying to find your place and community.
4. Out of the Fog: A Radical Guide
by Jenn Autry
Comics are a great example of how creativity can support mental health. It's a way for people to express their feelings and thoughts in a non-confrontational way.
Out of the Fog explains PTSD/CPTSD, depression, and codependency as if talking to her younger self. This format makes it really easy to understand, with many practical tips and references included.
The comic is an excellent resource for people who are struggling with PTSD. It's also a great resource for people who want to understand what it's like to live with PTSD.
5. Mettanoia: Mental Health and Self-Care Strategies (Vol 2)
by Shea Pederson
I think zines being so personal, can tackle some pretty tough topics in the most empathetic way. Mettanoia (volume 2) is a comic zine that explores the intricacies of suicide and abuse. But I found that the reflective way in which Shea has written this zine and the illustrations format also help with self-reflection. A content note, topics covered in the zine include triggering subjects.
6. Make Your Own Fun: A Zine About Making Zines
by Kristyna Baczynski
Creativity is a great way to support mental health. It can help you get through tough times and make you feel better. Make Your Own Fun is a zine-making comic that teaches you how to make zines with everything you need to get started and more. You can use it to explore your creativity and have fun!
