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Chances are, some of your friends or relatives are coping with depression. Sometimes, the best start in helping the suffering person is stepping into their shoes for a moment. Depression symptoms have no face. But, understanding these two things: what does depression feel like and how undermining it is, can show the guidelines for help.
However, not everyone is gifted with such great empathy. That’s why we are here! The compilation of depression drawings that we have gathered below might give you a glimpse of what this mental illness feels like.
What is Depression Drawing?
Depression drawing is the artistic expression of people suffering from depression. When such individuals express themselves through depression drawings, it can help them cope with their emotions and improve their mental health.
The artists behind these gloomy drawings have first-hand experience dealing with mental illnesses, and their drawings illustrate it in a very relatable way. From monsters living in your head to feelings of complete loneliness, depression is way more debilitating than one might think.
Compilation of Depression Art with Deep Meanings
Scroll down for these depression artworks by various artists and see how they feel or imagine this mental illness.
Living with depression is hard, but it is treatable, so if you think that you might be suffering from it or spot the first depression symptoms with your relative or a friend, don't ignore it. Get help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and provides free, anonymous, and confidential support. If you or someone you know needs urgent treatment for depression, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call 988 or dial the helpline at 1-800-662-4357, or visit their official website to chat with Lifeline.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Brain Sick
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#2
Mind Devour
The painting describes a person with mental problems such as schizophrenia, insanity, depression, or other mental health problems. His endless screaming makes his own mind eat him up.
I have periods in my life where I feel like this. I wanted to make an illustration of my thoughts and my pain within.
#3
Depression
Little letitia 7 years ago
People always say my head is in the clouds. Little do they know those clouds are black and heavy with storms.
#4
Colorful Depression
Why do Depressed People Make Art?
As we said before, depression has no face. And the people suffering from it find it difficult to express what they are going through. But art is a medium through which they can express themselves. In fact, art therapy is a popular type of therapy that helps people in exploring and expressing their emotions to cope with stress and improve their mental health.
If you are suffering from depression, getting help is always the first step. But you can also try to express yourself through art. Start with depression drawings, easy ones initially, and let your mind flow. It might help you in a way. You can also draw inspiration from the artwork in the list below!
RELATED: 115 Powerful Mental Health Tattoos To Help You Heal
#6
Major Depressive Disorder
#7
Depression Artwork
#8
Teen Depression
#9
Falling
A figure sketch from "Falling" a unique art project I worked on from 2010-2014 about my experience with depression.
Lynn Monet Bevino 7 years ago
I can relate to this. This is a great representation of the feeling of falling, helpless, as the agony pulls you in and down. As you submit, because you're too weak from trying to be strong.
#10
Broken Soul
How do You Illustrate Depression?
Illustrating depression has no rules. You just explore your mind and try to express what you are going through using drawings and illustrations. So, give your mind free rein and let your emotions flow through the art.
#11
My Depression Looks Like This
On my 27th birthday my depression was finally just too fucking much. After many years of silently treating the severe recurrent episodes of my major depressive disorder, I gave up. I was not well and I needed to take the time to deal with how bad it had truly gotten. So I basically "came out" as the big faker depression had been telling me I was... no more masks,
Caitie Forsyth 7 years ago
I, too, wear the masks. I just don't trust anyone enough to confide in them. They will just hurt me, like everyone/everything else. At times tho it almost seems more exhausting to hide then it would be to just express the overwhelming fear, pain and anger that is felt.
#12
My Demons
#13
Can't Escape
#14
Fading Into Depression
#15
Falling Into Depression
What Represents Depression in Art?
Many symbols represent depression in art. As you can see in this compilation, monsters, darkness, tears, and clouds are a few of the symbols that express depression.
#16
Empty
#17
Falling Sketch No. 55
This depression in art project is a visualization of personal experience with depression and anxiety. The condition brought on frequent episodes where I felt emotionally and physically out of control. Unable to “release” myself from these episodes, I waited for the physical limitations of my body to end them. Recounting the affected years, I realize how accustomed I became to depression’s influence; many emotions and feelings belonged to it and not my own personality. After an extended, untreated struggle, a diagnosis brought relief, and the process of unearthing myself from the disease began.
Karl Stoll 7 years ago
This looks just like depression combined with anxiety. I know this pose all too well.
#18
Evanesce
#19
Cancer Of The Mind
Depression is like a cancer of the mind.
#20
Black Dog
Is Drawing Good for Depression?
Yes, drawing or art therapy is good for depression. It is a way to cope with your emotions and express your internal struggle. It might also help in improving mental health.
#21
Monster Inside The Head
Monsters don't live under your bed, they live inside your head.
#22
Drowning In Depression
Melina Pothier 7 years ago
I relate strongly to this. After I've driven myself to exhaustion with my OCD and depression and finally pass out on my bed tired from trying to fight it.
#23
Good Bye Depression
#24
Hopelessness
#25
Art About Depression
This dark drawing was inspired by depression and the effect it has on people, its a subject that's very close to my heart and i feel very passionate about it. So I created this image almost to try and explain depression to someone who's never experienced it or can not understand the effects it has on people.
#26
Broken And Alone
Someone somewhere feels less alone when finding that they can relate to something. Mental illness can feel extremely isolating.
#27
Again Insomnia
Really troublesome. My mind can't settle. Sometimes it end up with... twisted dream. I feel so depressed and sad every time I wake up, especially when everyone has gone.
#28
Art During A Time Of Depression
#29
November
Emotional_Dumpster 8 months ago
This one hit hard on me- November 2022 has ruined the magic of Christmas for me
Valerie Lentz 2 years ago
this speaks to me, i feel like when i'm felling a little sad and embarrassed this describes how i feel
#30
She's Not Sad. She Feels Empty
#31
Parasite
#32
Dissociation Depression Drawing
#33
Burden
#34
The Other Bedroom
#35
Dark Isolation
#36
Red Art Print
#37
Sickness
I feel sad and cold. But happy, because I have friends. So I feel guilty that I'm sad.
#38
What Does Depression Feel Like…
#39
I Decided To Give Art Therapy A Go To Work Through Some Stuff - This Is My Interpretation Of Depression, Anxiety And Depersonalisation
#40
Crumbling Into Pieces
#41
Brain Fog
Debbie Chappell 7 years ago
I can relate to most of these images. I have my depression mostly under control these days. When it comes now, it is like this, a brain cloud that I can feel the darkness gathering and engulfing me. An improvement from the animal clawing desperation of past days.
#42
Morning Kiss From Your Depression
#43
A Mind War
#44
Trapped
#45
Dystopia
#46
No Peace From The Demons
#47
Depression Self-portrait
#48
Depression Is Real
#49
Old Man In Sorrow
#50
Depressive
#51
No Escape
H.M. Jordan 7 years ago
you're trying, you're reaching to get out, but it just keeps pulling you back into the pit.
#53
Untitled
I'm having a hard time reminding myself why I bother to keep going, I've suffered with depression most of my life, lost my job and my health went downhill, sitting here alone, after years of therapy and trying, I'm just feeling defeated.
Elizabeth Molloy 7 years ago
There are so many pictures, and so many people commenting on them. I think more people suffer from mental illnesses/disorders than don't. We are the majority. Let's stick together and support each other.
#54
Straight Jacket
Elecia Windmeyer 7 years ago
They all called me crazy....but they didn't know the constraints and horrors of my own mind.
#55
Depression Painting
"Depression" - painting by my grandmother
#56
I Drew A Picture Of Depression
I've always imagined my depression as a sort of creature that hangs around, and when it gets bad it's trying to scoop me up. So I drew it.
#58
Depression Distorts Reality
Morgan Tootle-Speaker 5 years ago
no matter how beautiful life is, you're still trapped in there.
#59
Stress, Anxiety, Depression
#60
The Monster Never Leaves
#61
Clouded By Dark Thoughts
My roleplay character Seth, who struggles with PTSD and depression. This is a simple illustration of what that feels like.
#62
Feels
#63
Bi-Polar Tendencies Of A Depressed Person
This drawing was inspired by an article that talked about the bio-polar tendencies that a depression person experiences.
#64
King Of Depression
#65
Broken Wings
#66
Absence Of Hope And Happiness
This painting is meant to depict depression. The raging sea represents anger; and the dark skies and use of only blue and black, sadness. The lighthouse is barely visible in the darkness and there is no beacon, symbolizing the absence of hope and happiness.
#67
Consumed By The Demon: A Depression Artwork
Daisy Montano 6 years ago
I feel like the happiness inside of me is being overflowed by depression never being able so escape, this photo hits me hard.
#68
A Depression Drawing With A Contrast
#70
Manic Depression
#71
Move On
Everyone of us suffered, lost loved ones, got harmed, felt betrayed, had a depression... In the end we are all human and nothing builds us better than suffering. However, to enjoy life, one must let go of the past; he must move on.. he must sew the wounds in his heart.. for only that makes us stronger, and so we see life in a different aspect.. We will easily overcome problems; we will be optimists.. The key to a bright future.. is moving on..
#72
Emptiness
#74
Aneurysm
Things haven't been going as planned in life and as I sit and dwell on them I only drag myself back into a hole of depression and continue to bury myself within the hole with more worry and more bullshit.
#75
The Cloud Seed
#76
Seeking A Way Out
#77
Chained To Depression
#78
When Depression Swallows You
Laura Gilbert 4 years ago
ok but why is this exactly what my hallucination i named "fear" looks like
#79
Buried In Depression
Elecia Windmeyer 7 years ago
You struggle so hard to reach that light but it sucks you back in
#81
Inside
The best way to make art is not to create what people likes, or what people wants, or what people expect from you. The best way is to create whats inside your soul.
#82
Damaged And Broken
Ching Chang 4 years ago
I just feel like there’s a gaping hole in my chest so I just feel lifeless because my hearts been broken and I can’t put it back together anymore
#83
Time And The Bell
#86
This Is What Depression Looks Like
#87
Depression: Tired
Susan Barker 2 years ago
Lost myself in narc marriage. Too tired to find me again. Still, I endure and struggle. I will not give up. I remember who I used to be. She's somewhere inside me.
#88
Panic Attack
#89
Depression
#90
What’s Inside?
Justin Eldridge 7 years ago
This ones amazing. For me, depression wasn't so much how I felt but what I did. One gets used to the awfulness inside, having to explain my actions was a different story.
#92
Seven Gills Of Depression
#94
Bureau Worm
This is about this convulsing urge, this deep push, that hits you from behind, like a big hammer and knocks your motivation, your ability to move, think, talk completely uncontious. sometimes, this depression is born from the work itsself, sometimes it comes from behind, sometimes, it just waits and never really hits...
Elecia Windmeyer 7 years ago
This also to me is the endless tangle of negative thoughts....the I can't, I won't, I'm not...all that damnable thoughts that weigh me down and crush me back into that pit
#96
Colourful Depression
Gianna Rosno 2 years ago
Everything unraveling, and nobody even notices because they’re all so caught up on the shining colors produced by my tears, entranced by my sorrow and I slowly slip down… down… down… into the void of my mind.
#97
When Depression Pulls You Down
#98
We All Have Monsters Inside Of Us. Some Learn To Cope With Them, Others Are Brought Down
#99
Guilt
January of 2011was an intensive month-long art class dedicated to a single goal -depicting my subjective experience of depression while appreciating that it's not unique.
I wanted to help explain the overwhelming experience to those that aren't depressed, especially the friends and family of a patient.
#104
Drenched: An Art About Depression
#106
Depression Monster
The depression monster floats around endlessly, always covering his eyes to hide itself from the outside world. Because of this it always bumps into people or other monsters causing more distress to itself each time.
#107
The Damned 2016
#109
Splattered Depression
This is the vision I see and feel when I hear the word depression.
#111
Living Through Depression
Been dealing with a bit of depression lately, it helps to make art to help you work some things out.
#114
Depression Beast
Depression is pretty much a big black gooey beast. Its slow moving and very quiet but never shy.
#115
Art During A Time Of Depression
#116
Strangled
Gianna Rosno 2 years ago
It is slowly, ever so slowly closing off your windpipe, forcibly choking off your already strangled scream, ensuring that nobody will ever hear it, and at the same time, the beast also renders you immobile, so that you can never move and attract attention to your dire situation.
#118
A Pull Of Suffering
Gianna Rosno 2 years ago
The farther we try to get from it, the tighter it pulls against our throat.
#119
Bloodied
#121
Depressed To The Bones
anna rodriguez 5 years ago
That's what you feel you look like having depression your whole life
#123
Detecting Depression
Illustration for depression and advancements in brain imaging to detect it.
#124
Fighting The Demons
Gianna Rosno 2 years ago
Even if you fight the demons, they will always be stronger if you are alone.
#125
Depressed Superheroes
#127
Suffocated And Shattered: A Depression Artwork
Gianna Rosno 2 years ago
You continually strangle yourself with your own thoughts, until you finally crack, then shatter. But those pieces are still there, and you still have to endure every millisecond of that agonizing pain every time one of those pieces brushes against another.
#130
An Honest Depression Artwork
Depression - the personification of one of the modes in man. I do not know how else to call it.
#132
Christmas Depression
#133
Free Sticks (Just Break One Off)
Gianna Rosno 2 years ago
And then there are those people that try to take the one in the middle, or at the bottom, sending all of your being crashing down.
#136
The Forest Of Fear
Art Therapy for Depression
These depression drawings have come from a tough struggle that people went through daily. If it inspired you in any way, don’t forget to let us know in the comments. Also, if you know anyone suffering from depression, share this with them. The world will be a better place if it helps them even a little.
We would again like to stress that although art therapy is helpful, get professional help if you or anyone you know is suffering from depression. You can find a helpline in your country and reach out for free, confidential support.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Skunk Drunk 7 years ago
Some of these really spoke to me, and perfectly portrayed what words can't communicate
Gal Meltzer 5 years ago (edited)
A violent and formidable black cloud.
Standing firm and covering my window.
A cruel divide between the world and my world.
And darkness in my room. 421795_101...38827f.jpg 
Tasha Harris 7 years ago
I feel relieved I don't feel as connected to these type of images as I once did,suppressed? As I'm medicated or healing? I don't know? TYou
Aubrey Kempen 10 months ago
If I could draw, it would be like a profile view of a girl, slouching and her face is like a sad/sleep kinda look, with her the back of her head fading into black with sad thoughts in stark white or red, then a mask on the other side, being help by a hand like she is putting it on, that is smiling with “I’m fine” on the cheek in pink. This is kinda what I would draw if I could lol
Puddin Tane 7 years ago
Very thought provoking. As one who suffers with sever depression I can relate to so many of these drawings and can also appreciate them. I know the pain of depression and how hard it is to deal with it even on medication and with counciling.
Monii Cirahup 7 years ago
I see my anxiety and phobias in these. Accurate feelings which can't be described in words, but artists did. Not fun feelings. To all of you suffering from depression, fears, anxiety.. hang in there, make yourself do things you're not comfortable with (what I did) and you'll see it'll get better. Slowly. But it will.
MAHMOOD • iNKSTECHSHUB • PHOTOGRAPHY • MUSCAT 2 months ago
Hi. Thanks Vaiva V. & Rutuja .....for these amazing artworks which resonate with us. Life is not Mmkay!!
Tiale Viliamu 3 months ago
once you get dragged down no one can save you. that's what i have learned
coffee_meowniac 3 months ago
I have no words. These artists are so talented and capture everything so well.
Melina zzstu Bekiares 2 years ago
I honestly don't know what to say. Because I'm so dead inside.
Elizabeth Gibbs 4 years ago
A lot these explains how I feel when I really can’t explain it in words.
Bhavika Mittal 6 years ago
i think the work was amazing but then you should have also written the name of the artist who made this....
Tasha Harris 7 years ago
The images are all astounding depictions .. ThanKs to the artists for sharing
Volu Bubulle 7 years ago
#39 http://akirakirai.deviantart.com/art/Fear-194527543 The true version
Steven de Jong 7 years ago
Why do you guys always have to tell me what to think or feel when seeing your articles? It's very annoying and makes Bored Panda sound like a clickbait site. With this interesting article on depression visualisations, my skin did not in fact crawl. Neither did your recent articles destroy or restore my faith in humanity. And now we're at it: your editors' love for the phrase "perfectly sums up" in article headings is getting really, really annoying too.
Louiiiise 7 years ago
I agree with you. The articles'titles often annoy me although the articles themselves are interesting.
Load More Replies...
Alberto Menez 7 years ago
Depression can be over come it takes allot mental strength and you ready to let go of the past .
Daria B 7 years ago
Not only mental strenght. But support of those around you too, and focus on a career or lifestyle that actually makes you feel safe. But to reach this phase, some harder cases might need some medicine. And also, I don't think all the depression is the same, so it will also depend on what kind of depression it is and where it came from (genetics, hormones, brain chemicals gone wrong, some sad even in life etc.)
Load More Replies...
Skunk Drunk 7 years ago
Some of these really spoke to me, and perfectly portrayed what words can't communicate
Gal Meltzer 5 years ago (edited)
A violent and formidable black cloud.
Standing firm and covering my window.
A cruel divide between the world and my world.
And darkness in my room. 421795_101...38827f.jpg
Tasha Harris 7 years ago
I feel relieved I don't feel as connected to these type of images as I once did,suppressed? As I'm medicated or healing? I don't know? TYou
Aubrey Kempen 10 months ago
If I could draw, it would be like a profile view of a girl, slouching and her face is like a sad/sleep kinda look, with her the back of her head fading into black with sad thoughts in stark white or red, then a mask on the other side, being help by a hand like she is putting it on, that is smiling with “I’m fine” on the cheek in pink. This is kinda what I would draw if I could lol
Puddin Tane 7 years ago
Very thought provoking. As one who suffers with sever depression I can relate to so many of these drawings and can also appreciate them. I know the pain of depression and how hard it is to deal with it even on medication and with counciling.
Monii Cirahup 7 years ago
I see my anxiety and phobias in these. Accurate feelings which can't be described in words, but artists did. Not fun feelings. To all of you suffering from depression, fears, anxiety.. hang in there, make yourself do things you're not comfortable with (what I did) and you'll see it'll get better. Slowly. But it will.
MAHMOOD • iNKSTECHSHUB • PHOTOGRAPHY • MUSCAT 2 months ago
Hi. Thanks Vaiva V. & Rutuja .....for these amazing artworks which resonate with us. Life is not Mmkay!!
Tiale Viliamu 3 months ago
once you get dragged down no one can save you. that's what i have learned
coffee_meowniac 3 months ago
I have no words. These artists are so talented and capture everything so well.
Melina zzstu Bekiares 2 years ago
I honestly don't know what to say. Because I'm so dead inside.
Elizabeth Gibbs 4 years ago
A lot these explains how I feel when I really can’t explain it in words.
Bhavika Mittal 6 years ago
i think the work was amazing but then you should have also written the name of the artist who made this....
Tasha Harris 7 years ago
The images are all astounding depictions .. ThanKs to the artists for sharing
Volu Bubulle 7 years ago
#39 http://akirakirai.deviantart.com/art/Fear-194527543 The true version
Steven de Jong 7 years ago
Why do you guys always have to tell me what to think or feel when seeing your articles? It's very annoying and makes Bored Panda sound like a clickbait site. With this interesting article on depression visualisations, my skin did not in fact crawl. Neither did your recent articles destroy or restore my faith in humanity. And now we're at it: your editors' love for the phrase "perfectly sums up" in article headings is getting really, really annoying too.
Louiiiise 7 years ago
I agree with you. The articles'titles often annoy me although the articles themselves are interesting.
Load More Replies... Alberto Menez 7 years ago
Depression can be over come it takes allot mental strength and you ready to let go of the past .
Daria B 7 years ago
Not only mental strenght. But support of those around you too, and focus on a career or lifestyle that actually makes you feel safe. But to reach this phase, some harder cases might need some medicine. And also, I don't think all the depression is the same, so it will also depend on what kind of depression it is and where it came from (genetics, hormones, brain chemicals gone wrong, some sad even in life etc.)
Load More Replies... You May Like The Horror Of Sleep Paralysis Hallucinations Revealed In 46 Dark Drawings 45 Jaw-Dropping Leg Sleeve Tattoos That Will Make You Want One 30 People Draw Their Dreams And Others Offer Their Explanations
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