In the world of comics, creativity often serves as a powerful outlet for personal struggles and experiences. Take, for instance, the work of Mia Thompson. At 28, Mia uses a bear as her alter ego to navigate her artistic journey while tackling the serious issues of anxiety and depression in her comic series, Bearly There.
“When I first began creating these comics, it was more of a personal challenge — to produce a piece of art each day for the month of January,” Mia shares. “Over time, I found myself drawing from my life, including my artistic challenges, mental health struggles, and issues within various communities. It became a therapeutic exercise, especially since I was only seeing a therapist occasionally. The comics offered me a way to voice my feelings and relate to others on similar journeys.”
Mia’s illustrations draw on her experiences with generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and a condition known as dermatillomania. Her depictions are raw and honest, providing readers with an unfiltered glimpse into her anxious thoughts. “Initially, I hesitated to share my rough sketches, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive,” she confesses.
Creating Bearly There has proven to be incredibly fulfilling for Mia. “Suppressing or concealing mental illness is like a slow poison that gradually eats away at your essence,” she reflects. “The thought of seeking help can be daunting, especially for those of us with anxiety! Overcoming that fear and taking that first step is monumental. Cultivating patience and the will to heal is part of the battle, while learning to embrace yourself is the rest.”
If you’re interested in exploring more about mental health, check out this insightful post on intracervicalinsemination.org. For those considering at-home insemination, Make A Mom provides reputable syringe kits that can help you on your journey. Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic offers an excellent podcast on pregnancy and home insemination, which you can find here.
In summary, Mia Thompson’s Bearly There comic series not only sheds light on the challenges of mental health but also serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating similar struggles. Through her unique artistic voice, she encourages others to break the silence surrounding mental illness and embrace their true selves.