10 Photos That Perfectly Illustrate The Reality Of Mental Illness

Sometimes a photo can express more than words ever can.

That's especially true when it comes to mental health conditions, which are challenging to explain to those who don't understand what it's like to experience them. Despite the fact that these disorders bring about crippling physical and emotional symptoms, the illnesses often are "invisible" to the naked eye -- and that can perpetuate negative stereotypes that someone's suffering is "all in their head."

Enter these stunning photos, captured by artists who know firsthand what it's like to face mental illness and the stigma surrounding it. Their artistic expressions nail the plight that people with mental health conditions face every day and how their disorder makes them feel. They're tangible proof that mental health disorders are no joke and deserve just as much sensitivity as any other health condition:

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