Photo taken by 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 this photo: “This image was taken on my campus. I remember feeling anxious even looking at this vine wall. It looked like it was closing in on something which is a feeling I often experience while anxious. Thankfully, I had my camera with me so I was able to set up a shot that explained exactly how I felt.”
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Broken Light Collective 
Art Therapy in all its forms and creativity, through music, photography, art, etc. is so special. This photo and your post is all infused with deep and startling honesty. It is wonderful. Thank you.
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Wow, I totally get it. Great picture and interpretation. I was feeling like that just last night. I had a PTSD episode just because the physical therapist I saw for the first time was a guy. He was holding my arm and moving it around and I started to shake. Then, when I was waiting for the taxi outside I felt just like your picture!
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Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so happy that you can relate personally to my photo but I’m sorry that you’ve been through difficult times. I hope you continue to heal ❤ You're in my thoughts
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I totaly get it too. Ihave MDD and GAD. I hate being closed in. Great photo!
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Great, very powerful photo and a great story.
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Striking image…great photo!
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I suffer from GAD too so I know exactly how this girl feels.
What a wonderful photo.
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Very clever photographic idea; artistic yes, but conveying the pain in such a sensitive way. Thank you for sharing.
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Every time I read the comments below one of my photos I tear up. I never knew my art could actually reach people or make them feel less alone or help them explain their own feelings. It’s really humbling and it’s going to keep me going. Thank you, everyone.
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Reblogged this on Samantha Pugsley and commented:
I’m over at Broken Light again. I don’t even have the words for how honored I feel that my work is inspiring others who suffer from a mental health disorder like I do.
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Cool stuff . . .
good for you- you’re helping ME right now . . . am sending positive vibes your way in return . . .
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Totemo omoshiiroi! (Japanese language) / Very interesting!. . .
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Totemo omoshiroi! . . .
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I love this, and the blue dress pops beautifully.
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