The stigma surrounding depression is explored by a student at the Abertay Digital Graduate Show, which opens on Friday.
The next generation of digital artists, game designers, programmers and sound engineers are launching their professional careers at the event which runs until Monday.
More than 180 students will be putting work on show in Abertay University’s main Kydd Building and the Hannah Maclure Centre art gallery.
Deborah Malcolm created Meh, a picture book which explores the personal journey of a character suffering from depression.
The project uses visual metaphors and symbolic imagery to explain what it feels like to have depression, but was developed to be accessible to children and adults alike.
“Depression can affect anyone at any time for any reason,” she said. “Although it is a very common illness, it still receives a great deal of stigma.
“This could be tackled with early education, although I realise it would never stamp it out.
“There are many young carers who may look after someone with depression, or may become depressed from being a carer at such a young age, who could benefit from having some understanding of the illness and encouragement to talk about it.
“I don’t think we talk properly about depression enough.
“The word itself has been misused so much that I don’t think many people realise what it actually means.”
Lynn Parker, computer arts programme tutor, said: “This project for the Abertay Digital Graduate Show achieves something very difficult using illustration and storytelling to help raise awareness and understanding of a difficult, complex illness.”
For more information on the show visit www.abertay.ac.uk/graduateshow.