As many of you may know, 365 has helped me quite a lot, boosting my self esteem and often making me leave the house on days when I just want to hide. It also makes me capture every day... including the good and the bad ones. So when I have a bad day, I can remind myself that it isn't always like this...
Anyway, I never really thought too much about it, figuring that it was probably only me being, well, me. But then, tonight, I was working with an autistic boy. After a while of being unable to get him to tell me what was going on with him, I asked if he wanted a go with my camera. To start with, he was very hesitant but as he got more and more into it, he became more animated and much more willing to join in with other activities, too!
I'm not saying that photography is a 'magic cure', but I do think that there may be a link here. I'm beginning to think it may be a link worth exploring and I'd like to start maybe bringing more photography into schools/communities through volunteer projects.
However, before I start throwing myself into things, I first want to establish if there is any link at all with photography helping people who're suffering. Whether that be through physical illness, mental illness, grief, loss, loneliness, bullying, rejection or anything else.
Hopefully this has made sense. Sorry it's been so long. But basically, I'd love it if people could get back to me with how photography may have helped them or someone that they know, through a rough patch.
I know this might be a sensitive topic so thank you (in advance) so much for any help that you can give me!
Naomi.
I don't have any statistical data or anything, but after I got my daughter started on her 365, I noticed that if she came home after a really rough day at school, or was upset about something, that if I suggested that we go take pictures, that process always seemed to take her mind off her troubles and put her in a better frame of being. I don't know if it was the photography or my neighbor's garden (which was our go-to spot), but I definitely think it helps her through her little rough spots.
Naomi, I know it has helped me! I went through a very difficult time about 5 years ago and saw a counselor to help me through it. Knowing that I was an artist, she encouraged me to use art as a way of expressing how I was feeling about things. I was doing watercolor at the time (I like all art) but found it difficult with a baby to get paint out all the time. Then my husband bought me my good camera and about a year after that I found 365. This was such a great project for me, and gave me an opportunity to be creative every single day. Something we artists so need! It has brought me through so much I can't see every giving it up. About a year & a half ago a friend & I started a faith based art group to encourage other creative people to USE our gifts & talents. I've even though about doing more with Art Therapy, but it is quite an intensive schooling program & I'm just not at a point in my life where I can take that on. Photography has helped me with depression, anxiety, emotional issues, health issues (last year I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia) It's given me a challenge, something new to learn & focus my attention & time on. I've joined my local art league, have a booth at the art walk once a month, opened an etsy shop, not only that but donate art to a local charity that leaves art for homeless people to take, started an art blog for my group. All kinds of stuff has opened up! I look at art/photography as a gift from God to help me get through everything. Let me know if you would like to talk more about it!
Research Art Therapy. At this point in time the field utilizes paint mediums more than anything, but it's always worth exploring a new avenue that can help others. I've thought about this field a lot since starting 365, even had a pretty lengthy discussion about it with He Who Shall Not Be Mentioned. @naomi
I've never suffered from a clinical mental illness, but I can also testify to how photography has changed me for the better. That's partly due to the community I was introduced to on this website, which encouraged me to see the world through empathetic eyes, respect everybody unconditionally, and encourage others to be positive and proactive in turn. But I think it's also partly due to the nature of the art itself. The aim of having a camera in your hand is to take a beautiful photo, right? You can't look through a lens with that intention and not have your eyes opened to the sights and moments that will make a beautiful photo, and by extension warm your soul. Or if you happen to capture something sad, anguished or despairing, it can work to the same end by different means, because it opens our eyes to the sensitivity of other people and steers us towards being more sensitive beings ourselves. That's what 365 has done for me anyway :) Hope that makes some sense, and great topic Naomi :) xx
Art, Drama and Music Therapy are well established para-clinical disciplines. In the UK I believe they are state-registered professions (that is, you can't use the title unless you have the ticket) with required elements to training, qualification, registration and experience.
I'm a musician by nature, and music has certainly changed my life.
Bipolar disorder means constant phases of severe depression for me, and idiotic highs of mania. I started 365 at the request of my therapist, and it is definitely keeping me sane. I have had really bad days before this, which included weeks of not getting out of my room, not feeling anything but remorse. Now I know that no matter what, there is something to wake up for everyday. It has saved my life, on several occasions, literally. 4 days ago, I lost a very dear friend of mine. I have never felt grief like this before, but I'm getting my strength from telling my story through my photos. Sometimes just the consolation of hiding behind a lens is enough. Sorry if I got a bit too personal. :( xx
As a parent of a child with autism, I applaud you for encouraging the boy you were working with to try your camera. I know how creative children with autism can be as my daughter enjoys creating her own type of artwork which is quite unique. I think you should really pursue this as I am sure there are many children with special needs who have the potential to create who are not given the opportunity. A project like 365 would benefit anyone, in fact, as it teaches you not only discipline to take daily photos, but that there is beauty in virtually everything. You just need to slow down and look for it. You have a special gift if you are working with a boy with autism and I think you may have found your niche. Good luck with this and I wish you much success. In addition, I looked at your photos and they are fabulous!
@naomi - Hi Naomi, I have suffered with depression for many years and have been on anti-depressants for over 12+ years and I kind of know where you are coming from. I truly believe that photography helps me - it really does. I work full-time, am a mum, studying for a degree via distance learning and generally lead a stressful life and photography is the only thing that calms me, lets me be myself, and I can express who I am which I feel is an important tool.
So many people out there know how you feel and are there to support you. Follow your heart and your dreams and never give up. The camera is a part of you now and I strongly believe will help.
Good luck in everything that you do. Always here xx
Empowering children and adults is so important! Whatever your "gift" in life it! Giving children a camera and a voice has always been apart of my teaching. I wish you the best with your project!
I have been diagnosed with depression and was put on medication. I was already starting to feel a lot better before I started my project but it has helped me even more.
I've grown. Tried to take constructive criticism with ease (Used to be that I would crumble into a mess). Learnt to see the beauty in the darkest of days.
Also, I have social anxiety which I am still overcoming. This project has made me get out there and talk to people. This is a huge step for me! Social situations normally freak me out (as in cry, hyperventilate and then stay home!) but the camera seems to be like a security blanket.
I am thinking that photography is similare to EMDR in that both use both sides of the brain at the same time. Photography requires one side to deal with the technical things (i.e. A, S, ISO) and the other side has to deal with the creative things (i.e. composition, poses). Both sides are communicating with each other allowing it to better organize thoughts and memories.
I have no studies to cite, but anecdotally I have observed and know from my own experience that doing something creative is very helpful for people who suffer from social anxiety. Being behind the camera gives you a mask or a shield that separates you from the situations and people that might normally send you into crisis, it's something to talk about when you don't know how to start a conversation, and most importantly (IMHO) when you are the photographer you are in control.
Additionally, you don't need an expensive professional rig to do photography; with digital there are no developing costs and you can take as many pictures as your memory card let's you. Also, just about anyone can take pictures even if they have physical disabilities or health issues.
As a person with fibromyalgia and certain mental health issues, photography is my occupational therapy; one that helps my mind, my heart and my soul. I hope that you keep finding solace and strength and healing through photography and the 365project experience.
I suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. I was wounded in action by a suicide bomber in Iraq 2 weeks before coming home in 2006. I spent a year doing and seeing terrible thingsin a place called Ar Ramadi. Photography has forced me to see the beauty of life after seeing the worst it has to offer. It has helped me a lot.
Interesting thread. I know that some of my photograpy students have these types of issues and I use photography to get them out and about as they can hide behind the camera.
I have also had models with the same issue and are modeling to get them our of their comfort zone.
Art therapy works and photography definitely fits under that category. Yes, there is a strong connection, I don't have numbers or statistics, but I KNOW it works.
I have suffered from depression. I left home due to the military. I was stationed in California away from family and friends. I still have rough days here and there and the only things that seems to get me in a better mood is my camera. Whenever I start to feel down I take a walk or hike with my camera in hand. My camera and photography is my distraction from those awful feelings. Photography has helped me get through some rough days.
I love how @izzymathie said it. I would add that it helps you feel connected to others as you won't feel so alone when you realize many others feel the same as you do. When I went through a rough patch this year, my project helped me deal with my emotions and the 365 community comforted me and lifted me up to higher spirits. I can't imagine going through it without this amazing community during those dark days.
I personally have bipolar type 1 and photography has opened a new world to me. I have an outlet for racing thoughts, a place to express emotion in a positive way and most of all a means to connect with people. The support here is amazing and uplifting, people share more then their photos.
I suffered a breakdown approx eight years ago and have battled with social phobia and depression ever since. I do take antidepressants and have had counselling to help me through my social phobia. My daughter brought me a camera as she thought it would encourage me to get out and about and bless her heart how right she was. My camera has been my saviour and since my introduction to photography I have gotten through so many difficult problems and although I still have social difficulties I am going from strength to strength. My camera helped me through the loss of my Mum and recent financial troubles... I also have to add that since joining the 365 community the support and kindness shown has helped me so much more.♥
I am absolutely overwhelmed by this feedback, thank you so much to everyone who's replied! It sounds like this could well be a viable idea. I've spoken to Junction49 (a UK based company who helped 13-25 year olds get volunteering projects off the ground), they think it's a great idea and could well secure some funding.
It seems like photography and this site have helped people in a number of ways with a variety of issues so I need to do some more research and develop my thinking!
So now I need to refine the idea and then the work begins!
@dhostick I found the same when I was still in school, it does seem to be a very good relaxing tool! @alisonp Thank you so much for that site, it is fantastic! I've been looking through it every time I get a moment and it's so inspiring! @bekahbell Thank you so much for this feedback! It's great that it's helped you with physical issues as well as mental issues! I may well get back to you at some point to talk to you more about things. It's interesting how you've linked it with art therapy, it seems to me to be a good alternative to maybe 'typical' art therapy techniques because it's much less messy and also it doesn't really take time to set up etc, you just go out with your camera! @mej2011 That certainly sounds very secret ;) But yes, I will look into art therapy techniques and studies surrounding that, thank you :) @izzymathie That most certainly makes sense! I think you have summed it up perfectly, there. When I get the project going properly, I may come back to you for a quote/similar if that's okay? I just don't think I could sum it up quite as well as you have done there! @peadar Thank you, I'm not planning on practicing professionally but I will have a look at the legal things behind it, I hadn't thought about that! @dishaparekh176 It's not too personal at all, thank you for being so open about it! I find it really interesting that your therapist requested you to start this project... where did she hear about it from? @boatpainter Thank you very much! And it's really good to hear about your experience of having a child with autism. We often struggle with this boy as he refuses to join in activities, regularly, which is why I was so suprised when he became so animated behind the camera! @megsy Thank you so much for your feedback, it's interesting that photography calms you, I find that too (unless I get too hung up on grabbing the 'perfect' shot!) Perhaps there is something in focussing on the smaller things in life to make our worries seem less overwhelming... @httpgeffed Thank you, miracle league looks like a great project, too! @magentarose Thanks, I'd not really thought about the camera being a security blanket but you're right, I find the same thing! I could look down this route, perhaps, with children who have very low self esteem... @chapjohn That's a very interesting idea! Can't say I know a huge amount about EMDR, I'll look into it :) @dancingkatz Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's interesting what you said about photography putting you in control but I can completely see where you're coming from, I'll look into this, too :) @john244 Thank you for being so honest and sharing your story! @agima Thank you for your response! It's interesting that your models also have similar issues, I've always thought models to be very confident people but perhaps I'm wrong! @cfitzgerald Thank you, I will look up the statistics :) @rayg86 Thank you for your response, I wish you all the best while you are away and I hope that photography continues to lift you up on rough days! @chriswang Thank you, I do think photography does help you to feel more connected with the world... @tracywilliams Thank you! And you're right, people do share more then their photos. If you don't mind me asking, do you think that photography sometimes helps to slow those racing thoughts down? @aromatic That's so wonderful to hear! Your daughter sounds fantastic. I'm so pleased that photography has helped you so much.
Wow, I just want to reiterate how thankful I am to all of you for sharing your stories and being so open. I find it completely amazing and overwhelming how much photography has helped so many of you. I hope it continues to do so and we all keep going from strength to strength! :)
@naomi Honestly no it doesn't slow them down, that's just how I am wired... It does give them something positive to race about, it helps keep the dark at bay and when the dark creeps over it provides a way out :)
@naomi
lol. No secrets really. But good luck in this pursuit! It's a field that I certainly considered pursuing, until I realized that I'm really not good with photography. lol
Photography hasn't just helped me; it has saved me. After my husband died, I had to find more interests that I could explore alone. Photography helped by providing something for me to do. But it has also given me something more to focus on...and found a way to express my grief. I feel the need to tell my story, to let out the pain, and just express myself. Photography helps in all these ways.
Here's an example. My daughter often gets frustrated with my son who as high functioning autism. She has been using drawing, and now writing to help her with her frustrations since she was about two.
I have started writing about our journey and have been photographing it and the more creative I get, the better I feel and the better mother I am to both of them. I know art works, even without formal services.
i, too, know that photography heals. i have had migraines all my life but in 2004 was diagnosed with a seizure disorder, ptsd and anxiety - suddenly i went from being full time social worker to being afraid to leave the house. last year my sister asked me to do 365 and i refused because i knew nothing about digital, only b&w. she encouraged me enough so i joined. i now am on my 2nd year, 2nd camera, shopping for a dslr and leave my house every week one photo rides with my husband. the support, the routine, the creativity, the right/left brain connections are so vital for sound mental health. i use my camera as said above - as a mask, as a comforter when in the car, as a buffer between me and the world. with it in my hand, i roar, i do not purr.
@tracywilliams Bipolar type 1 high-five! I completely understand what you mean about the mania. After 365, the difference in the way I used to behave during manic episodes and the way I do now is stark. It gives you a channel, so to speak.
@mrssmith I agree. Photography was an activity that my late wife and I enjoyed. She helped to get me to take pcitures again. Since her death photography is a way to remeber those times as well as giving me something else to focus one. Thank you for sharing.
@naomi Well one of my friends at uni introduced me to it a few years ago because I mentioned I liked taking photos. And in one of our sessions, my therapist was insistent that I found an external activity to focus on. Anything that had a creative spin on it. 365 immediately popped into my head and I told her about it, and she loved the idea. She calls me her Guinea pig. If it works for me, she might introduce other people to it.
This is a great topic! When I am having a bad day I come to the 365 site and find pictures I like - for example, cats and rainbow lorikeets. That always cheers me up. Sometimes I find pictures that make me smile or laugh, and that also helps. The person might have had no idea when taking the picture that it would help me in this way.
For example - photo by @corymbia -- it is very easy for me to feel better when I look at this picture!
Naomi, such an amazing thread, and thank you for posting :)
I am going through and have been through some tough times recently, and am also stuck in a university course for which I have zero motivation (but when I started it 4 years ago, I thought it was what I wanted...) - it's absolutely gruelling and there are constant exams and ridiculously high expectations and sometimes it's tough seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
If it wasn't for photography, I'm pretty sure I would've snapped a long time ago. It keeps me sane, keeps me seeing the beauty around me, gives me a creative outlet (which my studies certainly don't do). Nowadays I'm only happy when I'm shooting, or processing, or thinking about shooting/processing :) Photography has given me reason to travel, to explore and to see the world, when my lack of motivation in generally doing things would otherwise stop me.
hi naomi, i have ME, and this project has helped me get out of the house, has given me a community to chat with, and has given me a hobby. i've gained confidence and am looking at joining a camera club in september
the 365 has made a huge difference to my life - so thank you ross @scrivena
Naomi, I wish you all the best in pursuing your project. I really think any creative process can help when going through a rough patch or on a bigger scale when dealing with an actual disorder.
Six weeks ago, my grandson drowned and did not make it. He was 13 years old. The depth of the pain is indescribable, and if there was a market for tears, I would be set for the rest of my life. I know finding a way to what someone coined a "new normal" will come, but right not it does not feel that way. Rather than running away and hiding my emotions, as I did last year when my dad died, I'm moving forward with my photography even tho I don't feel the slightest bit creative at the moment. Right now it is a way to keep my focus in a more positive place more than anything. I know, tho, that to keep doing it no matter how horribly down I feel, will promote the healing of my broken heart. In grief, any act of positive expression is a good sign in my opinion.
I've been on anti depressants for years and this year in particular has been exceptionally stressful - my mom passed away in March and I've been battling with the aftermath ever since. I'm not certain what I would have done if I hadn't already joined 365 (although not been active). It's given me a focus, a reason to get out there even on the worst days. I will forever be thankful for this site!
Good luck with your project, Naomi. Please report back and let us know how it goes.
I found the activity of taking the photos, and getting out of the house a real saver during the last 6 months. After a terrible time watching my brother die in pain and through mistakes, I was totally lost. I wouldnt interact or go out. I couldnt see any point. This project brought a routine, need and a beauty into my life. It made me aware of the wildlife around me, but most of all the people here gave me so much support, love and renewed my faith in humankind!! I too will always be thankful..
I have struggled with a mental illness all my life. Photography has been the one non-medical therapy for me. It brings me to such a quiet and calm place, no matter what is going on around me. I could be shooting near a busy intersection and once I get behind the camera it is all gone. It is quiet and the only thing that exists in my world at the moment are just me and what's in the viewfinder.
Even if just for a brief moment, I am normal and at peace. It is my favorite therapy.
@mrssmith I think you summed it up perfectly, there, thank you for sharing :) @cfitzgerald Thanks so much for sharing your experiences :) @catsmeowb Thank you, I hope it continues to help you! I need to look into this right side/left side of the brain thing :) @kchuk I had never thought of it from that angle before! But you're so right, thanks for sharing! :) @pocketmouse I hope you begin to feel better about your uni course soon! So glad this site helps you, your photos are amazing ^_^ @kmrtn6 So happy that it's enabled you to get out more! I hope it continues to help you :) @georgiegirl I'm so sorry to hear about that, it's a horiffic situation, I really hope that photography can help you through it, I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts. @kwiksilver I'm sorry about your Mum, I hope that photography continues to be a positive influence in your life! @fungirlslim I'm sorry to hear about your brother, I hope your faith in humankind is more restored soon. @shuterfly I love that you find it brings you peace, I find that too! Clearly we're not as alone as we sometimes think we are!
Sorry that it's taken me so long to get back to you all! I thought I'd replied but clearly I hadn't!
I just want to say a massive thank you to all of you and anyone else who's helped me with this project so far. I thought I'd give you a little update. The project is now called 'Escape The Frame'. We have a twitter (@ProjectETF), a facebook (facebook.com/escapetheframe) and an email (escapetheframe@hotmail.com) Since beginning this process, I've had a meeting down in London about taking part in the first ever UK crowdfunding platform. I have had interest from all over the country (and even one of two from round the world!), I've got a meeting over the phone later on with YourSquareMile who're a company who encourage community all of the country and they want to do some collaboration work with me. On Monday I have a meeting with NHS Leeds to discuss how we might be able to help each other. I've also managed to get involvment from a CPN who's doing a slightly similar thing for his PHD. So it's really kicked off and I think it's going to be awesome! I'm so excited!
Thanks again for all of your help!
Naomi
PS. I have to make a promotional video for the crowdfunding platform. I was hoping to use some quote from this thread in it. I will keep them anonymous, however if you're uncomfortable with me using anything that you have posted on here, please do not hesitate to let me know, thanks :)
@naomi If you guys are interested in a website, let me know! I'm a professional web designer (I know I'm insane, juggling that and medicine at the same time!) so if you guys ever decide to set up a website, I can help you out :)
I just found this post after doing a search and was immediately enthralled. I too, work with children with Autism and other cognitive delays. Congratulations and keep up the great work...what a difference you're making in people's lives! I am both inspired by your work and in awe of what you're doing.
@amyvanross Thank you! I have had an overwhelming response from a number of different organisations. I'm now hoping to create a 'pack' that I can deliver to schools/charities/youth groups to get them doing something similar and also I hope to create a website where they can all link in :) (it will be different to this site).
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@naomi
I'm a musician by nature, and music has certainly changed my life.
So many people out there know how you feel and are there to support you. Follow your heart and your dreams and never give up. The camera is a part of you now and I strongly believe will help.
Good luck in everything that you do. Always here xx
Empowering children and adults is so important! Whatever your "gift" in life it! Giving children a camera and a voice has always been apart of my teaching. I wish you the best with your project!
I have been diagnosed with depression and was put on medication. I was already starting to feel a lot better before I started my project but it has helped me even more.
I've grown. Tried to take constructive criticism with ease (Used to be that I would crumble into a mess). Learnt to see the beauty in the darkest of days.
Also, I have social anxiety which I am still overcoming. This project has made me get out there and talk to people. This is a huge step for me! Social situations normally freak me out (as in cry, hyperventilate and then stay home!) but the camera seems to be like a security blanket.
Additionally, you don't need an expensive professional rig to do photography; with digital there are no developing costs and you can take as many pictures as your memory card let's you. Also, just about anyone can take pictures even if they have physical disabilities or health issues.
As a person with fibromyalgia and certain mental health issues, photography is my occupational therapy; one that helps my mind, my heart and my soul. I hope that you keep finding solace and strength and healing through photography and the 365project experience.
Hugs! I'm so glad you started this discussion!
I have also had models with the same issue and are modeling to get them our of their comfort zone.
It seems like photography and this site have helped people in a number of ways with a variety of issues so I need to do some more research and develop my thinking!
So now I need to refine the idea and then the work begins!
@dhostick I found the same when I was still in school, it does seem to be a very good relaxing tool!
@alisonp Thank you so much for that site, it is fantastic! I've been looking through it every time I get a moment and it's so inspiring!
@bekahbell Thank you so much for this feedback! It's great that it's helped you with physical issues as well as mental issues! I may well get back to you at some point to talk to you more about things. It's interesting how you've linked it with art therapy, it seems to me to be a good alternative to maybe 'typical' art therapy techniques because it's much less messy and also it doesn't really take time to set up etc, you just go out with your camera!
@mej2011 That certainly sounds very secret ;) But yes, I will look into art therapy techniques and studies surrounding that, thank you :)
@izzymathie That most certainly makes sense! I think you have summed it up perfectly, there. When I get the project going properly, I may come back to you for a quote/similar if that's okay? I just don't think I could sum it up quite as well as you have done there!
@peadar Thank you, I'm not planning on practicing professionally but I will have a look at the legal things behind it, I hadn't thought about that!
@dishaparekh176 It's not too personal at all, thank you for being so open about it! I find it really interesting that your therapist requested you to start this project... where did she hear about it from?
@boatpainter Thank you very much! And it's really good to hear about your experience of having a child with autism. We often struggle with this boy as he refuses to join in activities, regularly, which is why I was so suprised when he became so animated behind the camera!
@megsy Thank you so much for your feedback, it's interesting that photography calms you, I find that too (unless I get too hung up on grabbing the 'perfect' shot!) Perhaps there is something in focussing on the smaller things in life to make our worries seem less overwhelming...
@httpgeffed Thank you, miracle league looks like a great project, too!
@magentarose Thanks, I'd not really thought about the camera being a security blanket but you're right, I find the same thing! I could look down this route, perhaps, with children who have very low self esteem...
@chapjohn That's a very interesting idea! Can't say I know a huge amount about EMDR, I'll look into it :)
@dancingkatz Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's interesting what you said about photography putting you in control but I can completely see where you're coming from, I'll look into this, too :)
@john244 Thank you for being so honest and sharing your story!
@agima Thank you for your response! It's interesting that your models also have similar issues, I've always thought models to be very confident people but perhaps I'm wrong!
@cfitzgerald Thank you, I will look up the statistics :)
@rayg86 Thank you for your response, I wish you all the best while you are away and I hope that photography continues to lift you up on rough days!
@chriswang Thank you, I do think photography does help you to feel more connected with the world...
@tracywilliams Thank you! And you're right, people do share more then their photos. If you don't mind me asking, do you think that photography sometimes helps to slow those racing thoughts down?
@aromatic That's so wonderful to hear! Your daughter sounds fantastic. I'm so pleased that photography has helped you so much.
Wow, I just want to reiterate how thankful I am to all of you for sharing your stories and being so open. I find it completely amazing and overwhelming how much photography has helped so many of you. I hope it continues to do so and we all keep going from strength to strength! :)
lol. No secrets really. But good luck in this pursuit! It's a field that I certainly considered pursuing, until I realized that I'm really not good with photography. lol
Photography hasn't just helped me; it has saved me. After my husband died, I had to find more interests that I could explore alone. Photography helped by providing something for me to do. But it has also given me something more to focus on...and found a way to express my grief. I feel the need to tell my story, to let out the pain, and just express myself. Photography helps in all these ways.
I have started writing about our journey and have been photographing it and the more creative I get, the better I feel and the better mother I am to both of them. I know art works, even without formal services.
For example - photo by @corymbia -- it is very easy for me to feel better when I look at this picture!
I am going through and have been through some tough times recently, and am also stuck in a university course for which I have zero motivation (but when I started it 4 years ago, I thought it was what I wanted...) - it's absolutely gruelling and there are constant exams and ridiculously high expectations and sometimes it's tough seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
If it wasn't for photography, I'm pretty sure I would've snapped a long time ago. It keeps me sane, keeps me seeing the beauty around me, gives me a creative outlet (which my studies certainly don't do). Nowadays I'm only happy when I'm shooting, or processing, or thinking about shooting/processing :) Photography has given me reason to travel, to explore and to see the world, when my lack of motivation in generally doing things would otherwise stop me.
the 365 has made a huge difference to my life - so thank you ross @scrivena
Six weeks ago, my grandson drowned and did not make it. He was 13 years old. The depth of the pain is indescribable, and if there was a market for tears, I would be set for the rest of my life. I know finding a way to what someone coined a "new normal" will come, but right not it does not feel that way. Rather than running away and hiding my emotions, as I did last year when my dad died, I'm moving forward with my photography even tho I don't feel the slightest bit creative at the moment. Right now it is a way to keep my focus in a more positive place more than anything. I know, tho, that to keep doing it no matter how horribly down I feel, will promote the healing of my broken heart. In grief, any act of positive expression is a good sign in my opinion.
I've been on anti depressants for years and this year in particular has been exceptionally stressful - my mom passed away in March and I've been battling with the aftermath ever since. I'm not certain what I would have done if I hadn't already joined 365 (although not been active). It's given me a focus, a reason to get out there even on the worst days. I will forever be thankful for this site!
Good luck with your project, Naomi. Please report back and let us know how it goes.
Even if just for a brief moment, I am normal and at peace. It is my favorite therapy.
@cfitzgerald Thanks so much for sharing your experiences :)
@catsmeowb Thank you, I hope it continues to help you! I need to look into this right side/left side of the brain thing :)
@kchuk I had never thought of it from that angle before! But you're so right, thanks for sharing! :)
@pocketmouse I hope you begin to feel better about your uni course soon! So glad this site helps you, your photos are amazing ^_^
@kmrtn6 So happy that it's enabled you to get out more! I hope it continues to help you :)
@georgiegirl I'm so sorry to hear about that, it's a horiffic situation, I really hope that photography can help you through it, I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.
@kwiksilver I'm sorry about your Mum, I hope that photography continues to be a positive influence in your life!
@fungirlslim I'm sorry to hear about your brother, I hope your faith in humankind is more restored soon.
@shuterfly I love that you find it brings you peace, I find that too! Clearly we're not as alone as we sometimes think we are!
Sorry that it's taken me so long to get back to you all! I thought I'd replied but clearly I hadn't!
@aromatic @tracywilliams @cheribug @chriswang @rayg86 @agima @dancingkatz @john244 @magentarose @chapjohn @httpgeffed @megsy @dishaparekh176 @boatpainter @izzymathie @peadar @mej2011 @bekahbell @dhostick @alisonp
I just want to say a massive thank you to all of you and anyone else who's helped me with this project so far. I thought I'd give you a little update. The project is now called 'Escape The Frame'. We have a twitter (@ProjectETF), a facebook (facebook.com/escapetheframe) and an email (escapetheframe@hotmail.com) Since beginning this process, I've had a meeting down in London about taking part in the first ever UK crowdfunding platform. I have had interest from all over the country (and even one of two from round the world!), I've got a meeting over the phone later on with YourSquareMile who're a company who encourage community all of the country and they want to do some collaboration work with me. On Monday I have a meeting with NHS Leeds to discuss how we might be able to help each other. I've also managed to get involvment from a CPN who's doing a slightly similar thing for his PHD. So it's really kicked off and I think it's going to be awesome! I'm so excited!
Thanks again for all of your help!
Naomi
PS. I have to make a promotional video for the crowdfunding platform. I was hoping to use some quote from this thread in it. I will keep them anonymous, however if you're uncomfortable with me using anything that you have posted on here, please do not hesitate to let me know, thanks :)
Glad to hear things are going so well with this! Congratulations!