Photo taken by contributor Kendra Kantor, a 22-year-old woman from Chicago, Illinois. Kendra is a mother, writer and photographer who has suffered from mental health issues for most of her life. When she was 13, she started to recognize depression in herself and reached out for support. She started therapy and medication, and was eventually diagnosed with Panic Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. She loved photography as a young teen and after a break, which included dropping out of art school and becoming a mother, she is learning to love the camera again and use it as a wellness tool. Kendra has become a Wellness Mentor and Guide for creative women looking to embrace their self discovery and improve their mental health.

About this photo: “I make it a point, at least once or twice a year to put myself in front of my DSLR and take real pictures of myself. Getting in front of the camera is scary for a girl with depression, anxiety and terrible self esteem but I do it. Because it’s amazing how impressed I feel with myself just for accomplishing it, and then as I edit my pictures I can see the places of beauty within and without and that is the point of it all.” 

Find more from Kendra at her website and blog.

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