Photos taken by first-time contributor Samantha Pugsley, a 24-year-old conceptual fine art photographer from Charlotte, North Carolina. She first picked up a camera during her junior year of college. This was right around the time when she was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Things that were once easy became impossible for her. Getting dressed in the morning, shopping at the grocery story, driving her car…just living, was a panic attack waiting to happen. Photography helped her heal. With her camera she could start a conversation about what was going on in her head. She could say things with her images that she didn’t know how to say out loud. She still struggles with anxiety but making art helps her talk about it and manage it. She started a 365 photography project to ensure that she’d be doing what brings her joy every single day. She has noticed that her anxiety level is much lower if she spends time with her camera every day.
About these photos: “The above photos were taken on a rainy day here in Charlotte. On rainy days, my anxiety is always heightened and I have no idea why. I’ve tried to explain it to others but they always look at me like I’m silly or crazy. So I decided to take photos to show how I feel.”
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Broken Light Collective 
Reblogged this on artattack.
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Your photos are stunning. I too suffer with GAD as well as MDD and some physical ailments but I totally get your feelings about rainy days. They make it all worse for me too.
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Reblogged this on Eagle's Wings Counseling Services, LLC.
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Love the one of the hand at the window…so moving and emotional! I can tell what you are feeling in that moment with just a touch. Great work!!
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Reblogged this on Samantha Pugsley and commented:
I’m over at Broken Light Photography sharing my struggle with anxiety and how photography helps me. Check it out 🙂
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Samantha, despite your anxiety, your photos make me feel a sense of calm and peace. It might be the soft natural way your fingers fall, or the warmth of the sunflowers bunched together so beautifully. 🙂
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Love the way photography soothes the soul. Love your work. Glad you found something that brings you some peace.
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Reblogged this on She_Who_Hears Photography and commented:
Just sharing some inspiration.
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Thank you everyone for the kind words. I love sharing my art with the world ❤
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