This week, let’s take a break from the intense work on well-being and dive into a pool of autobiographical graphic novels. The characters in these four books will remind you that the world is already hard enough and we should go easy on ourselves.
These four authors open up about how health conditions are woven into their lives. You can click on the author’s name to follow them on Instagram.
1️⃣ Gemma Correll
“Anxietyland”
Gemma Correll dealt with anxiety from a young age. Drawing became one of her coping mechanisms along with attempts to self-medicate with alcohol at the age of 16. Correll’s anxiety journey took a visual form of amusement park. Join the ride!
2️⃣ Tyler Feder
“Dancing at the Pity Party”
Tyler Feder addressed something people rarely talk about – death. Feder talks about how hard it was watching her mom fade away, how others react to the death of a loved one, and what can support a person in this uneasy time.
3️⃣ Bea Lema
“El Cuerpo de Cristo”
Bea Lema shares her memories and struggles of growing up with a mom who had a delusional disorder. Part of this Spanish graphic novel is made with embroidery, so enjoying the intricate artwork becomes a part of the reading journey.
4️⃣ Tessa Brunton
“Notes from a Sickbed”
Brunton talks about her experience of myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, which manifests as an unusual tiredness. Physical, mental, and emotional efforts come at a higher energy price for people with this diagnosis. Overextending oneself leads to crashes and periods of forced rest. Brunton lays the disease out, so it is much easier to see it through her eyes.
Author
Science Writer Vlada Sukhanovskaya
Read Next:
Scientific and Other Sources:
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Welcome to Anxietyland: I used alcohol to hide my fear – but booze became a very bad friend, The Guardian
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Exploring Using a Graphic Novel for Mental Health Awareness With Deaf and Hard of Hearing College Students, Gannon et al., 2025, Creative Nursing
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The dual benefits of comic reading: Enhancing mental health and language learning, Wahyuni et al., 2025, Journal of Language Literature Social and Cultural Studies
FAQs
1. What is the main theme of the recommended graphic novels?
They explore how personal health conditions and life challenges shape people's daily lives.
2. Which book addresses coping with intense anxiety?
Anxietyland by Gemma Correll visualizes the struggle with anxiety as a complex amusement park ride.
3. What unique art style is featured in "El Cuerpo de Cristo"?
Author Bea Lema utilizes intricate embroidery artwork to help tell her powerful family story.
4. Which graphic novel discusses chronic fatigue syndrome?
Notes from a Sickbed by Tessa Brunton illustrates life with myalgic encephalomyelitis.
5. How does Tyler Feder's book approach the topic of loss?
Dancing at the Pity Party openly details watching a mother fade away and navigating grief.
Summary
This article features four autobiographical graphic novels that explore personal journeys with mental and physical health, encouraging self-compassion through narratives on anxiety, grief, and chronic illness. It highlights works by Gemma Correll, Tyler Feder, Bea Lema, and Tessa Brunton, showcasing how art can help process complex health conditions.