How can you show the mental illness of your character in writing without it sounding cliche or too obvious?

1. **Subtle Behavioral Changes:** Instead of overtly stating the mental illness, subtly incorporate changes in your character's behavior. Small details, like altered routines or habits, can convey the impact of mental health without being too explicit.

2. **Internal Monologue:** Use internal monologue to provide insights into your character's thoughts and emotions. This allows readers to understand their mindset without explicitly naming the mental health condition.

3. **Symbolism and Metaphors:** Employ symbolism and metaphors to represent the character's mental state. This can be expressed through the environment, objects, or recurring themes, adding depth to your narrative.

4. **Dialogue Patterns:** Reflect changes in your character's mental state through dialogue patterns. This could include shifts in tone, vocabulary, or communication style, subtly indicating their internal struggles.

5. **Show, Don't Tell:** Instead of directly stating the mental illness, show its effects through the character's actions and interactions with others. Let readers infer from the subtleties rather than spelling it out.

6. **Use Secondary Characters:** Showcase the impact of mental illness through the reactions and observations of other characters. This provides an external perspective that can be more subtle yet insightful.

7. **Flashbacks and Memories:** Incorporate flashbacks or memories to unveil aspects of your character's past that contribute to their mental health struggles. This allows readers to piece together the narrative organically.

8. **Symbolic Objects or Artifacts:** Introduce symbolic objects or artifacts that hold meaning for your character, reflecting their mental state. This can add layers to the storytelling without explicitly addressing the illness.

9. **Shift in Interests:** Explore how your character's interests or passions may change as a result of their mental health journey. This shift can be a subtle way to convey their internal struggles.

10. **Physical Manifestations:** Consider incorporating physical manifestations of stress or anxiety that your character may experience. These can include changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or even psychosomatic symptoms.

By integrating these subtle elements into your writing, you can convey the nuances of mental health without relying on cliches or overt explanations. Allow readers to engage with the story on a deeper level, drawing their own conclusions from the subtleties you provide.