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“Toxic Support” is a self-initiated social project I created to help reveal the toxicity of phrases people say to someone with depression.

Most of us have heard some of these phrases or said them themselves. I am not an exception... on both fronts.

Having your feelings and/or the fact of their absence devalued and frowned upon because of something you can’t even control as a person with depression is like being forcefully muted and tied up in a tank filling up with water.

More info: yuliyaosyka.com | Instagram | youtube.com

#1

You Just Want Attention!

You Just Want Attention!

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Average Grizzlies Fan
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is painfully true. Many people that need help can be put down by just saying that they are seeking attention. People are actually in pain and saying that they are seeking attention doesn't do anything.

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Likewise, when being around someone with depression, we don't know what to say, and emotions of sadness, irritation, fear, guilt, and even anger may occur. These feelings obscure the person who needs our support, and instead of being there for them, we shake those feelings off by saying, "it'll be fine, you're just tired" or something of that sort. And it helps—we get rid of the approaching anxiety of feeling uncomfortable, but simultaneously, we hurt the person we wanted to support in the first place, burying them deeper into their depression and the feeling of not being heard.

#2

Pull Yourself Together!

Pull Yourself Together!

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#3

It Could Be Worse!

It Could Be Worse!

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So I wondered, how can I facilitate spreading the message and hopefully informing people which phrases to avoid saying to someone with depression if you want to show support? Contemplating the form of the message I wanted to share, I realized that, as an illustrator, my weapon of choice is visuals. Therefore, I wanted to illustrate the phrases as they feel to me, make them literally visible to the eye of someone who might not have been able to see them before. I intentionally chose a bright and optimistic color palette to give the illustrations a sense of cognitive dissonance with the tone of the message. I wanted to juxtapose the toxic phrase with the illustration and an explanation of how this phrase affects a person with depression.

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#4

But You Have A Beautiful Life!

But You Have A Beautiful Life!

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sylvantic
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

also, this adds shame onto the deppresed person. "Why am I depressed, I'm not in a horrible situation."

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#5

Be Positive!

Be Positive!

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My hope is that these posters make visible that which is often overlooked, provide a glimpse into the reality of depression, and help support those suffering from the illness.

#7

Be Grateful For What You Have!

Be Grateful For What You Have!

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SeaShell
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not saying you shouldn't be grateful for what you have, but if you're in depression, it's hard to be grateful for anything

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I am really thankful to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America for their support on this initiative and a psychologist and Gestalt therapist Anastasia Plokhikh for her support and being the editor on this project!

#8

You Think Only Of Yourself!

You Think Only Of Yourself!

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David Butler
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Usually it's the people who say this are the ones who only think of themselves, as everyone else's reality is affecting their mood.

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#9

This Too Shall Pass!

This Too Shall Pass!

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sylvantic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I say this to myself when I'm feeling depressed. It helps me, but I'd hate it if anyone said that to me. Sometimes, my meds don't work perfect and I don't feel great. This phrase helps.

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#11

You Are What You Think!

You Are What You Think!

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David Butler
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If "you are what you eat" was ever real, the world would be full of coprophages.

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