Sky Shen's Original Project
The Little Critters
Re-framing mental health struggles as little critters we can embrace and live harmoniously with.
Field guide
Meet the Critters
Four creatures, drawn from feelings Sky knows all too well.
Approach gently. They live here too.
Anxiety
- Goodest boi who wants to do well
- Hyper-alert eyes
- Over-stimulated and stressed
Apathy
- Only critter with wings
- But can't be bothered to fly
- Stuck in routines, unable to find joy
- Grumpy
Anger
- Shaped like a wearable mask
- Often a manifestation of fear, love, or hurt
- Ready to pick a fight
Depression
- Shaped like a pillow
- Does not have hands
- Finds it difficult to do things or reach out for help
Creator's ramblings
Why do people refer to mental health conditions as demons in our heads? I find that saying to be alienating and disempowering — demons or monsters are generally stronger than people. Are we looking to defeat them? Subjugate them? Destroy them? That sounds daunting.
Often, you can't just defeat anxiety, get rid of depression, or destroy your trauma. Sometimes, in least expected moments, they come back. Other times, they never really leave you.
The Little Critters is my way of re-writing this narrative. I hope to re-frame mental health struggles as annoying little critters we can learn to live harmoniously with. Perhaps we even learn to embrace them and their place in the world.
In addition to the songs I have written about feelings I'm all-too-familiar with, I have worked together with friends to create visual manifestations that represent how I perceive and experience emotions.
I hope these creatures help make mental wellness a more approachable topic. I also invite you to create your own little critters, and hope it helps you confront, navigate, and embrace all that life has in store for you.