Ukrainian Artist Depicts the Weight of Depression via Performance Art
In the U.S. alone, major depression affects over [21 million adults](https://mhanational.org/conditions/depression/) annually. Worldwide, it is estimated that [5.7% of adults](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression) struggle with depression, amounting to roughly 332 million individuals. Coinciding with Depression Awareness Month, which is recognized [each year](https://americanbehavioralclinics.com/national-depression-and-mental-health-screening-month/) in October, Ukrainian actress Tania Galakhova released a video illustrating the experience of living with the disorder.
The (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP7WdRGCNV9/) begins with Galakhova situated on a couch, blankly gazing at her phone, surrounded by snacks. A figure clad in a black bodysuit stands behind her, holding her and scrolling through Galakhova’s phone screen with their finger. In the following scene, as Galakhova tries to brush her teeth, the figure snatches her toothbrush and darts away, forcing her to face her reflection in the mirror.
Upon leaving her apartment, the figure departs as well. On the bus, Galakhova is seen carrying the figure on her back, and during her visit to an amusement park, the figure swiftly places sunglasses on her, turning the entire scene from color to black and white. Regardless of the setting, every moment portrays Galakhova physically struggling against the figure’s weight, whose appendages hang off her like tentacles.
The video offers a profound insight into the manifestations of depression. Although classified as a mental health disorder, depression brings along numerous physical symptoms, [varying](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007) from weight gain, sleep disruptions, and decreased appetite to severe fatigue, back pain, and headaches. Galakhova embraces these physical sensations, illustrating that depression impacts not just thoughts or emotions. The video aligns with similar stories shared by others experiencing depression.
“To me, it’s like being a runner whose legs are broken,” one individual [shared](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/people-describe-what-its-like-living-with-both-anxiety-and-depression) with *Teen Vogue* in 2017. “You desperately want to pursue your passion; it occupies your mind, yet you are completely unable.”
Another remarked: “You feel like a victim of puppet strings being manipulated from one extreme of apathy and dullness to the other, where your heart races in sheer panic.”
The figure in Galakhova’s video encapsulates that sentiment, manipulating her like a puppet and controlling how she moves, carries herself, and interacts with the world. Many viewers have resonated with the content, affirming its truthfulness while providing words of support and encouragement.
“From someone who has traversed this path many times, always remember, you are not alone!” one user [states](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP7WdRGCNV9/).
Altogether, it’s evident that Galakhova’s video serves as a visual gateway into discussions surrounding depression.
*If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, visit [SAMSHA.gov](http://samsha.gov) for extensive resources, or call or text 988 for immediate assistance.*
### A video by Ukrainian actress Tania Galakhova provides a profound look into the experience of living with depression.
[Photo: Damir Samatkulov via Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/silhouette-of-man-standing-near-window-x7JIZ8XEyGM)
**Sources:** [Mental Health America: Depression](https://mhanational.org/conditions/depression/); [World Health Organization: Depressive Disorder](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression); [October Is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month](https://americanbehavioralclinics.com/national-depression-and-mental-health-screening-month/); [Mayo Clinic: Depression](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007); [32 People Describe What It’s Like Living With Both Anxiety and Depression](https://www.teenvogue.com/story/people-describe-what-its-like-living-with-both-anxiety-and-depression)
### Related Articles:
– [Artist Explores Mental Health Through Years of Futuristic Cityscape Drawings](https://mymodernmet.com/margritt-martinet)