Fue en 2016 cuando Shawn Coss publicó por primera vez una ilustración que representaba una enfermedad psiquiátrica. El artista elaboró este retrato para el desafío Inktober, que consiste dibujar una ilustración cada día de octubre con alguna temática en específico.

Tal como expresó el artista en el portal BoredPanda, sus imágenes lograron un impacto importante en redes sociales y abrieron el debate sobre la salud mental. “Inicié una conversación poco convencional”, contó y explicó que su objetivo era derribar prejuicios sobre estas enfermedades y trastornos. Meta que mantiene hasta hoy.

“Muchas personas que padecen enfermedades mentales siguen siendo consideradas ‘locas’ o ‘dementes’. Mientras siga este estigma, continuaré creando ilustraciones al respecto”, dijo el diseñador que goza de gran popularidad en las plataformas sociales gracias a su trabajo en el dibujo y el diseño de vestuario.

Es así como cada año Coss elabora más de 30 ilustraciones para graficar lo que sienten las personas que sufren padecimientos psiquiátricos como la depresión, ansiedad, ataques de pánico, trastorno bipolar, borderline, despersonalización; entre otras condiciones.

Para lograr lo anterior, el ilustrador retrata los síntomas asociados a cada trastorno, desde sensaciones físicas (como la asfixia o la contracción muscular) hasta consecuencias netamente psicológicas (como los pensamientos obsesivos). Shawn Coss explicó que sus obras tienen un tono aterrador para generar mayor empatía en quienes las ven.

A continuación puedes revisar algunas de las ilustraciones.

1. Trastorno del límite de la personalidad (Borderline)

“Las personas con trastorno límite de la personalidad también tienden a ver las cosas en extremos, como todo lo bueno o lo malo. Sus opiniones de otras personas también pueden cambiar rápidamente”, explicó.

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Borderline Personality Disorder – Inktober Illness II – Day 1 . . www.amnclothing.com . . People with borderline personality disorder may experience mood swings and display uncertainty about how they see themselves and their role in the world. As a result, their interests and values can change quickly. . . People with borderline personality disorder also tend to view things in extremes, such as all good or all bad. Their opinions of other people can also change quickly. An individual who is seen as a friend one day may be considered an enemy or traitor the next. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships. . . Not everyone with borderline personality disorder experiencesevery symptom. Some individuals experience only a few symptoms, while others have many. Symptoms can be triggered by seemingly ordinary events. For example, people with borderline personality disorder may become angry and distressed over minor separations from people to whom they feel close, such as traveling on business trips. The severity and frequency of symptoms and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and their illness. . . #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018 #bpd #borderlinepersonalitydisorder #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary

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2. Trastorno de ansiedad

“Los síntomas del trastorno de ansiedad generalizada incluyen: Sentirse como si uno se estuviera asfixiando, sentirse inquieto, enredado o en el borde. Ser fácilmente fatigado, tener dificultad para concentrarse: la mente se queda en blanco. Estar irritable, tener tensión muscular, dificultad para controlar los sentimientos de preocupación, tener problemas para dormir, como dificultad para quedarse dormido, inquietud o sueño insatisfactorio”, detalló.

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Anxiety Disorder – Inktober Illness II – Day 2 . . www.amnclothing.com – all previous inktober series now available on hoodies with portions of proceeds being donated to the Treatment Advocacy Center . . . People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) display excessive anxiety or worry, most days for at least 6 months, about a number of things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances. The fear and anxiety can cause significant problems in areas of their life, such as social interactions, school, and work. . . . Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include: Feeling like one is suffocating Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge Being easily fatigued, Having difficulty concentrating; mind going blank ,Being irritable, Having muscle tension, Difficulty controlling feelings of worry, Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness, or unsatisfying sleep #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018 #bpd #anxietydisorder #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary

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3. Trastorno obsesivo compulsivo (TOC)

“El trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC) es un trastorno común, crónico y de larga duración en el que una persona tiene pensamientos incontrolables (obsesiones) recurrentes y conductas (compulsiones) que siente la necesidad de repetir una y otra vez”, señaló.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Inktober Illness II – Day 3 . . . www.amnclothing.com – all previous inktober series now available on hoodies with portions of proceeds beind donated to the Treatment Advocay Center . . . Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over. . . People with OCD may have symptoms of obsessions, compulsions, or both. These symptoms can interfere with all aspects of life, such as work, school, and personal relationships. . . Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. Common symptoms include:Fear of germs or contaminationUnwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, and harmAggressive thoughts towards others or self . . Having things symmetrical or in a perfect orderCompulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought. Common compulsions include:Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing Ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way Repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or that the oven is off Compulsive counting . . Not all rituals or habits are compulsions. Everyone double checks things sometimes. But a person with OCD generally:Can't control his or her thoughts or behaviors, even when those thoughts or behaviors are recognized as excessive Spends at least 1 hour a day on these thoughts or behaviors Doesn’t get pleasure when performing the behaviors or rituals, but may feel brief relief from the anxiety the thoughts cause Experiences significant problems in their daily life due to these thoughts or behaviors #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018 #bpd #ocd #obsessivecompulsivedisorder #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary #

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4. Trastorno bipolar

“El trastorno bipolar, también conocido como enfermedad maníaco-depresiva, es un trastorno cerebral que causa cambios inusuales en el estado de ánimo, la energía, los niveles de actividad y la capacidad de realizar las tareas diarias”, consignó.

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BiPolar Disorder I – Inktober Illness II – Day 4 . . www.amnclothing.com – all previous inktober series now available on hoodies with portions of proceeds beind donated to the Treatment Advocay Center . . Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes. . . Bipolar I Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depression and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible. . . Sometimes a mood episode includes symptoms of both manic and depressive symptoms. This is called an episode with mixed features. People experiencing an episode with mixed features may feel very sad, empty, or hopeless, while at the same time feeling extremely energized. . . Bipolar disorder can be present even when mood swings are less extreme. For example, some people with bipolar disorder experience hypomania, a less severe form of mania. During a hypomanic episode, an individual may feel very good, be highly productive, and function well. The person may not feel that anything is wrong, but family and friends may recognize the mood swings and/or changes in activity levels as possible bipolar disorder. Without proper treatment, people with hypomania may develop severe mania or depression. #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018 #bpd #ocd #bipolar # #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary #darkart #art #dark #artist #horror #gothic

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5. Depresión generalizada

“Quienes tienen depresión enfrentan problemas para realizar las actividades diarias normales y, a veces, puede sentir que la vida no vale la pena”, explicó.

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Generalized Depression – Inktober Illness II – Day 5 . . www.amnclothing.com – all previous inktober series now available on hoodies with portions of proceeds beind donated to the Treatment Advocay Center . . Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living. . . Although depression may occur only once during your life, people typically have multiple episodes. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include: Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain Anxiety, agitation or restlessness Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches For many people with depression, symptoms usually are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others. Some people may feel generally miserable or unhappy without really knowing why. #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018 #bpd #ocd #bipolar # #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary #darkart #art #dark #artist #horror #gothic #blackandwhite #illustration #goth #drawing #horror

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6. Esquizofrenia

“La esquizofrenia es un trastorno mental crónico y grave que afecta la forma en que una persona piensa, siente y se comporta. Las personas con esquizofrenia pueden parecer que han perdido contacto con la realidad. Aunque la esquizofrenia no es tan común como otros trastornos mentales, los síntomas pueden ser muy incapacitantes”, señaló.

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Schizophrenia Disorder – Inktober Illness II – Day 9 . . Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling. . . Symptoms of schizophrenia usually start between ages 16 and 30. In rare cases, children have schizophrenia too.The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive. . . Positive symptoms: “Positive” symptoms are psychotic behaviors not generally seen in healthy people. People with positive symptoms may “lose touch” with some aspects of reality. Symptoms include: Hallucinations, Delusions ,Thought disorders (unusual or dysfunctional ways of thinking), Movement disorders (agitated body movements) . . Negative symptoms: “Negative” symptoms are associated with disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors. Symptoms include:“Flat affect” (reduced expression of emotions via facial expression or voice tone), Reduced feelings of pleasure in everyday life, Difficulty beginning and sustaining activities, Reduced speaking . . Cognitive symptoms: For some patients, the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia are subtle, but for others, they are more severe and patients may notice changes in their memory or other aspects of thinking. Symptoms include:Poor “executive functioning” (the ability to understand information and use it to make decisions), Trouble focusing or paying attention, Problems with “working memory” (the ability to use information immediately after learning it) #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018  #schizophrenia #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary

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7. Trastorno de abuso de sustancias

“Los problemas de salud mental y los trastornos por el uso de sustancias a veces ocurren juntos. Ciertas drogas ilegales (o legales) pueden hacer que las personas con una adicción experimenten uno o más síntomas de un problema de salud mental. Los problemas de salud mental a veces pueden llevar al consumo de alcohol o drogas, ya que algunas personas con un problema de salud mental pueden usar estas sustancias en forma indebida”, explicó.

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Substance Abuse Disorder – Inktober Illness II – Day 10 @joerogan @jamievernon let's get this podcast episode happening. So much to talk about on mental illness. (feel free to tag these fine gents to let them know 😉 ) Mental health problems and substance use disorders sometimes occur together. This is because:Certain illegal drugs can cause people with an addiction to experience one or more symptoms of a mental health problemMental health problems can sometimes lead to alcohol or drug use, as some people with a mental health problem may misuse these substances as a form of self-medication . . Mental and substance use disorders share some underlying causes, including changes in brain composition, genetic vulnerabilities, and early exposure to stress or trauma. Substance use disorders can refer to substance use or substance dependence. Symptoms of substance use disorders may include: . Behavioral changes, such as:Drop in attendance and performance at work or school. Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities) . Using substances in physically hazardous situations such as while driving or operating a machine. Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns .Unexplained change in personality or attitude. Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts. Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness. Lacking of motivation. Appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason . Physical changes, such as: Bloodshot eyes and abnormally sized pupils. Sudden weight loss or weight gain Deterioration of physical appearance Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothingTremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018  #addiction #substanceabuse #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary

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8. Trastorno de identidad disociativa

“Los trastornos disociativos se caracterizan por un escape involuntario de la realidad caracterizado por una desconexión entre los pensamientos, la identidad, la conciencia y la memoria. Las personas de todos los grupos de edad y antecedentes raciales, étnicos y socioeconómicos pueden experimentar un trastorno disociativo”, señaló.

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Dissociative Identity Disorder – Inktober Illness II – Day 11 . . Dissociative disorders are characterized by an involuntary escape from reality characterized by a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness and memory. People from all age groups and racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds can experience a dissociative disorder. . . Its estimated that 2% of people experience dissociative disorders, with women being more likely than men to be diagnosed. Almost half of adults in the United States experience at least one depersonalization/derealization episode in their lives, with only 2% meeting the full criteria for chronic episodes. . . The symptoms of a dissociative disorder usually first develop as a response to a traumatic event, such as abuse or military combat, to keep those memories under control. Stressful situations can worsen symptoms and cause problems with functioning in everyday activities. However, the symptoms a person experiences will depend on the type of dissociative disorder that a person has. . . . #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018 #DID #split #dissociative #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary

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9. Déficit atencional

“El déficit atencional significa que una persona se desvía de la tarea, carece de persistencia, tiene dificultades para mantener el enfoque y está desorganizada; y estos problemas no se deben a desafío o falta de comprensión”, detalló.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder – Inktober Illness II – Day 16 . . www.amnclothing.com . . Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. . Inattention means a person wanders off task, lacks persistence, has difficulty sustaining focus, and is disorganized; and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension. Hyperactivity means a person seems to move about constantly, including in situations in which it is not appropriate; or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, it may be extreme restlessness or wearing others out with constant activity. Impulsivity means a person makes hasty actions that occur in the moment without first thinking about them and that may have high potential for harm; or a desire for immediate rewards or inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may be socially intrusive and excessively interrupt others or make important decisions without considering the long-term consequences. #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018  #adhd #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary #darkart #delirium

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10. Síndrome de Estocolmo

“Es una respuesta psicológica en la que un cautivo comienza a identificarse estrechamente con sus captores, así como con sus demandas”, dijo.

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Stockholm Syndrome – Inktober Illness II – Day 24 Stockholm syndrome, psychological response wherein a captive begins to identify closely with his or her captors, as well as with their agenda and demands. The name of the syndrome is derived from a botched bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden. In August 1973 four employees of Sveriges Kreditbank were held hostage in the bank’s vault for six days. During the standoff, a seemingly incongruous bond developed between captive and captor. One hostage, during a telephone call with Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, stated that she fully trusted her captors but feared that she would die in a police assault on the building. Psychologists who have studied the syndrome believe that the bond is initially created when a captor threatens a captive’s life, deliberates, and then chooses not to kill the captive. The captive’s relief at the removal of the death threat is transposed into feelings of gratitude toward the captor for giving him or her life. As the Stockholm bank robbery incident proves, it takes only a few days for this bond to cement, proving that, early on, the victim’s desire to survive trumps the urge to hate the person who created the situation. #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018  #dermatillomania #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary #darkart #conduct

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11. Trastorno por estrés postraumático

“Es un trastorno que se desarrolla en algunas personas que han experimentado un evento impactante, aterrador o peligroso”, explicó.

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Inktober Illness II – Day 26 @anymeansnecessaryclothing (Raising awareness through prints and tees to donate funds to mental health research) PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger. Not every traumatized person develops ongoing (chronic) or even short-term (acute) PTSD. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. Some experiences, like the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one, can also cause PTSD. Symptoms usually begin early, within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but sometimes they begin years afterward. Symptoms must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work to be considered PTSD. The course of the illness varies. Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last much longer. In some people, the condition becomes chronic. #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #inktober2018  #ptsd #mentalillness #horrorart #endthestigma #blackandwhiteart #mentalhealth #itsoknottobeok #creepyart #lineart #illustration #illness #jakeparker #anymeansnecessary #darkart #posttraumaticstressdisorder

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12. Anorexia nerviosa

“La anorexia nerviosa es un trastorno alimentario caracterizado por la pérdida de peso (o la falta de un aumento de peso adecuado en niños en crecimiento); dificultades para mantener un peso corporal apropiado para la altura, edad y estatura; y, en muchos individuos, imagen corporal distorsionada”, explicó.

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Anorexia Nervosa – Inktober Illness II – Day 28 www.amnclothing.com @anymeansnecessaryclothing Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by weight loss (or lack of appropriate weight gain in growing children); difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age, and stature; and, in many individuals, distorted body image. People with anorexia generally restrict the number of calories and the types of food they eat. Some people with the disorder also exercise compulsively, purge via vomiting and laxatives, and/or binge eat. Anorexia can affect people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities. Historians and psychologists have found evidence of people displaying symptoms of anorexia for hundreds or thousands of years. Although the disorder most frequently begins during adolescence, an increasing number of children and older adults are also being diagnosed with anorexia. You cannot tell if a person is struggling with anorexia by looking at them. A person does not need to be emaciated or underweight to be struggling. Studies have found that larger-bodied individuals can also have anorexia, although they may be less likely to be diagnosed due to cultural prejudice against fat and obesity. #shawncoss #inktoberillness2 #eatingdisorder #inktober2018 #blackandwhiteart #creepyart #mentalhealthawareness #anorexia

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