Who we are & why we are

Welcome to the gallery site of Broken Light Collective. We are artists of all levels and abilities who are affected by mental illness. We create and we share our work for the therapeutic benefits to us, as well as others who may be struggling and feeling scared and alone. Together we can move from disconnected to collective.

Photo taken by contributor Bekr aka Bipolar Girl, a 37-year-old woman who lives in Nevada with her husband and two fur babies. She always knew she was “different.” She was diagnosed with depression as a teenager, then finally diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in her 20′s, along with PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and ADHD. She has also been a self harmer. She is now an advocate for mental illness and is trying to make a difference and help to stop the stigma.

About this photo: “I took this photo last year while in a brief depression, right before a serious identity crisis. When I look at it now, it makes me feel vulnerable. My arms also look very bare because while having this identity crisis I had lots of ink added to my arms. I do not regret them, all of my tattoos have meanings. This photo is me totally honest and raw.”

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**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here. Currently accepting submissions.

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12 responses to “Exposed While Hiding”

  1. bipolar2dad Avatar

    I was sitting with my two year old and she saw this picture. She said in a sad little voice she said “hurting”

    Like

    1. Bipolar Girl Avatar

      I was. Wow, smart 2 year old!

      Like

      1. bipolar2dad Avatar

        We often play games to help identify emotions (e.g. show me a happy face, now a sad face, now a sleepy face, etc.) but I think the magic of this photo is that it evokes an emotion so primal that even babies can understand

        Like

  2. Ziya Tamesis Avatar

    Reblogged this on a day with depression and commented:
    I can relate to this photo/pose so much.

    Like

  3. luro97 Avatar

    Thank you for your bravery! I, too, have tattoos that I wear with pride.

    Like

  4. Laurie Merritt Photography Avatar

    That’s the word I was looking for – vulnerable. Amazing, and yes, primal image.

    Like

  5. autisticaplanet Avatar
    autisticaplanet

    This photo looks vintage, yet it is of you, so it could be timeless. How did you achieve the blurred/aged look? I hope you are in a better place now. I do know with seasonal depression that light therapy does help as well as keeping up on B vitamins and mild exercise. Some advice I must stick to.

    Like

    1. Bipolar GirlBekr Avatar

      I took this last year, I don’t remember what I used to edit it. But this is a photo of a printed photo. I am in a much better place now, thank you.

      Like

  6. Po' Girl Shines Avatar

    God bless you and keep the faith. I have found that serious prayer works miracles. Out of whack hormones and chemistry sucks and is hard to deal with but love helps in all things. I was on anti-depressants for over a year and was heck getting off them. A brother has lived on them for years and does well. I choose an occasional 1/2 of mildest xanax or couple ounces of winde for case of nerves. Got to admit to using chocolate to self medicate the most!

    Like

  7. Po' Girl Shines Avatar

    Supposed to be couple ounces of wine.

    Like

  8. Ej Braquet Avatar
    Ej Braquet

    Great shot with thought provoking words. I too got multiple inks while manic and don’t regret the changes as a reminder. Keep sharing.

    Like

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