Photo taken by contributor Melissa, a teenager from Ohio. She has been suffering from depression and anxiety disorders since the age of 10, and PTSD since the age of 13. She self-harmed to the point of feeling addicted for 4 years. Photography has become her main outlet for when she cannot escape her feelings or urges to self-harm. As of late, she has become a source of strength for some of her friends who are also suffering from different mental disorders. She hopes to inspire others to embrace their mental health issues and accept who they are in spite of what they think makes them less than ordinary.

About this photo: “Oh! If I were a bird
Flying so free;
Alas, I am but human
Forced to watch them over me.”

Find more from Melissa at her blog.

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