69. Showing the unseen: revealing mental health

A hand holding a white card that reads, "phone a friend"

Introduction

Mental health is a deeply personal and often invisible struggle, one that can be difficult to articulate and even harder to understand from the outside. The principle of "show, don’t tell" offers a powerful way to express the realities of living with mental illness, allowing us to reveal the emotional and psychological landscape in a way that resonates with others. This blog explores how we can use the art of showing to communicate the complexities of mental health, creating a space for empathy, understanding, and healing.

Revealing the inner experience

One of the most challenging aspects of mental illness is the internal nature of the struggle. The emotions, thoughts, and feelings that accompany conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia are often invisible to others, making it difficult for those who haven’t experienced them to understand. By showing these inner experiences through vivid descriptions and relatable scenarios, we can help others to see and feel what it’s like to live with mental illness.

For example, instead of simply stating that someone is experiencing anxiety, I might describe the physical sensations that accompany it—the racing heart, the shallow breaths, the tightness in the chest—as well as the mental turmoil, the endless loop of worry and fear. This approach helps to make the invisible visible, showing the full impact of the experience rather than just telling about it. By revealing these inner experiences, we can foster greater empathy and understanding.

Using metaphors to show mental health struggles

Metaphors are a powerful tool for showing the complexities of mental health in a way that is both accessible and impactful. By comparing mental health struggles to more familiar or tangible experiences, we can help others to grasp the emotional and psychological reality of living with mental illness.

For instance, I might describe depression as a heavy fog that envelops everything, obscuring the light and making even simple tasks feel insurmountable. Anxiety could be shown as a constant hum of static in the background, never allowing for peace or quiet. These metaphors help to convey the intensity and persistence of mental health struggles, showing the reader what it feels like in a way that is more relatable and understandable.

Showing the impact of mental health on daily life

Mental illness affects every aspect of a person’s life, from their relationships to their work to their ability to carry out everyday tasks. By showing how mental health impacts daily life, we can reveal the full scope of the struggle and the resilience required to navigate it.

For example, I might show how someone with depression struggles to get out of bed in the morning, how each step feels like a monumental effort, and how the simplest tasks, like making breakfast or taking a shower, require immense energy and willpower. By showing these challenges, we can help others to understand the reality of living with mental illness, moving beyond stereotypes and misconceptions to reveal the true nature of the struggle.

Creating a space for healing through expression

The process of showing rather than telling can also be a form of healing for those who live with mental illness. By expressing their experiences through writing, art, or other forms of creative expression, individuals can gain a sense of control and empowerment, transforming their struggles into something tangible and meaningful.

For example, journaling about the experience of anxiety might involve writing down the physical sensations, the thoughts that trigger the anxiety, and the coping strategies that help to manage it. This act of showing can help to externalize the struggle, making it easier to process and understand. By creating a space for expression and showing, we can offer a path to healing and self-acceptance.

Conclusion: showing the realities of mental health

Mental health is a complex and deeply personal journey, one that is often difficult to express and understand. By using the art of showing, we can reveal the unseen realities of living with mental illness, creating a space for empathy, understanding, and healing. Through vivid descriptions, metaphors, and personal expression, we can help others to see and feel the impact of mental health struggles, moving beyond the surface to reveal the full depth of the experience. As I continue to explore and share the realities of mental health, I’m committed to using the power of showing to build connections, foster understanding, and support the journey toward healing.

The reference artwork