Photos taken by contributor Danielle, a woman who has been diagnosed with many mental health issues, especially major depressive disorder. Photography has been a helpful tool through the darkness of depression.
About these photos: “I took these photographs in a tattoo shop recently while I was waiting to get my own. I am calling my new art a “recovery tattoo,” because I am hoping it will mark the beginning of movement in a positive direction, away from the depression and madness into which I had been slipping. The shop was a very cool place, so full of life, history, and color. It was colorful both visually, and filled with colorful people. I couldn’t help but take lots of photos while I was waiting for my turn. I especially loved the hundreds of yellowed drawings taped to the walls of old tattoos. They were so pretty – many vintage-looking pinups and mermaids – I wanted them all! I felt a connection to the hundreds of people who must have sat in that very same spot, anxious and excited, waiting to get an important image or message on their bodies that they still have today. I know I for one will be inspired by mine for the rest of my life. Every time I see it, even when I am depressed, I think of hope and rebirth. All thanks to this quirky and colorful shop.“
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