The stigma surrounding mental illness is an invisible and disconcertingly resilient issue that distresses the mental health community, which is what Lexi Lyon illustrates in her drawing. Stigmas are often harmful, causing more pain and suffering than the medical diagnosis itself. Though anxiety or depression can be taxing, the ultimate culprit of agony is the way people are treated due to their disorder. Lyon made this illustration from the deepest, darkest, most sinister thoughts that were a result of her battle with depression and anxiety. Mental illness is misunderstood, partially due to the lack of conversation, but also due to the fear of criticisms of unconsciously ghastly comments. Daily struggles are a result of the mental illness
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This internal war that Lyon demonstrates in her illustration is eternal, just as the charcoal disperses out, infinitely off of the page, only sparing the small white letters written near the mouth. Lyon is criticizing the friends, family, and even faculty members who fail in recognizing the blatant white lie. Her use of the color white is a play on words, ironically representing a white lie. This type of dishonesty is categorized as a harmless or trivial lie, which is the exact opposite of what Lyon is attempting to communicate. This type of lie could possibly result in life or death. Unfortunately, these thoughts sometimes dominate a person’s mind, and when left untreated, can lead to suicide. Not only is Lyon critiquing the bystanders, she is also calling out those who are silently suffering.
Lyon’s haunting illustration perfectly represents the danger of social and self-stigma, which perpetuate fear and isolation in individuals with psychiatric issues. The drawing’s despair comes off the page, deeply disturbing those who dare to look at it. Conveying how vital it is to always confide in someone, Lyon succeeds in encouraging society to change their ways. Whether they speak out when suffering or assist someone seek out professional help, it is essential that civilization communicates more efficiently, otherwise people
This internal war that Lyon demonstrates in her illustration is eternal, just as the charcoal disperses out, infinitely off of the page, only sparing the small white letters written near the mouth. Lyon is criticizing the friends, family, and even faculty members who fail in recognizing the blatant white lie. Her use of the color white is a play on words, ironically representing a white lie. This type of dishonesty is categorized as a harmless or trivial lie, which is the exact opposite of what Lyon is attempting to communicate. This type of lie could possibly result in life or death. Unfortunately, these thoughts sometimes dominate a person’s mind, and when left untreated, can lead to suicide. Not only is Lyon critiquing the bystanders, she is also calling out those who are silently suffering.
Lyon’s haunting illustration perfectly represents the danger of social and self-stigma, which perpetuate fear and isolation in individuals with psychiatric issues. The drawing’s despair comes off the page, deeply disturbing those who dare to look at it. Conveying how vital it is to always confide in someone, Lyon succeeds in encouraging society to change their ways. Whether they speak out when suffering or assist someone seek out professional help, it is essential that civilization communicates more efficiently, otherwise people