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A Photo Essay Dedicated To Those Affected By Mental Illness

"Nothing is impossible to a willing heart"

Kristen Gmerek

Dec 28, 2015

Michigan State University

597

A Photo Essay Dedicated To Those Affected By Mental Illness

I want to take the time to share with the world a recent photography project I did with my younger sister about mental illness. I was hesitant to do this photo series at first because I knew it would take true bravery and raw emotion to embody what it means to suffer silently. My hesitation quickly subsided when my sister Elise got in front of the camera, and proved what an honest and willing heart is truly capable of.

This is dedicated to those that have been touched by mental illness in some way, in a society that continues to deny the severity of this issue.

To Lose a Sense of Self.

The issue of mental illness in our society is one we need to shed more light on, discuss and understand further. Losing yourself through a disease mentally is complicated, and everyone's journey is different.

To Suffer from Within.It's an unspoken process that consequently grows deeper with inner wounds. There is no way to articulate what is truly happening, leaving a seemingly lifeless heart to beat on with the rhythm of life. Hold on just one more moment, because healing can have the power to follow the next exhale.

To Feel Alone.The aching of a heart not justified by belonging creates a numbing, yet juxtaposing sense of pain. Withstanding the doubt inside the mind takes patience, positivity, and the ability to see the possibility amongst the darkness. The truth is, darkness can only exist with the essence of light in mind.

To Find a Light Within.There is a dawn that arises within a soul pining for hope. This light from within is natural strength we all carry. If there is a belief in such a light, there is a belief in diminishing the darkness.

To Discover Self Worth.Never let the manipulation of doubt create belief in the destructive. Those who suffer are a true gift to the world; they know darkness and will not take for granted their light, once it is acknowledge from within.

To love what is broken is the most selfless contribution we can give to the world. If you or someone you know is affected by mental illness, know that living life to the fullest is more than possible to a willing heart.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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A Photo Essay Dedicated To Those Affected By Mental Illness

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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