"Shadows Playing Cards" are a special project designed to spread awareness about depression and suicide prevention.
Featuring a powerful and poignant design, these custom playing cards were crafted by Dane Valnes and Jordan Whitehead (with printing support from Hanson Chien) to help cardists, magicians, gamblers and deck collectors know they are not alone. There is always hope and help available.
Capturing the essence of depression is nearly impossible. Depression itself is so individualized. We all have our own unique "shadows". As an artist, all you can try to do is get close enough. More than 100 different designs were developed over many months before "Shadows Playing Cards" were finally brought to life and released as part of National Depression Awareness Month. This unique design brings awareness to your shadow.
As part of this project, the manufacturers of the "Shadows: Depression Awareness Deck" would ilke to share some tips to help identify depression from psychiatry.org:
Depression is not easily defined. It is a unique experience for each individual. However, common symptoms of depression can include, but are not limited to:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Vanishing Inc. would also like to remind everyone that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. For those outside the United States, you can find the the international suicide hotline number for your country at opencounseling.com.