Please offer a warm welcome to first-time contributor Jake, a man from British Columbia who started experiencing depression when he was a little boy and was officially diagnosed at age ten. When he was eleven he was sexually abused by a trusted adult. It took him years to recover from the betrayal. He took comfort in reading and getting out into nature when he was depressed, as well as using illegal drugs. When he was in his early twenties he almost died from a drug overdose and shortly thereafter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Over the next decade he married three times and divorced twice. He became acutely ill in his late thirties and was involuntarily committed. It was there he made a commitment to recovery and mental wellness. He still encounters challenges related to Bipolar Disorder and also ADHD, but he has not looked back. He parents five children in a blended family and is happy that they do not share his struggle with mental illness. Jake finds a lot of comfort in art and is always looking for new mediums to express himself. He loves photography and is enamoured with photo editing.
About this photo: “The photo I submitted is called “Taking Off.” I took if of my daughter and her friends. It makes me happy to look at it. I love the unfettered joy of the children. We are at Admiral Tyrons Lagoon in Qualicum Beach. The children are dipping their feet in the Salish Sea.”
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Love it. It’s just what i needed right now. Thanks for sharing.
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Wellcome Jake, alway glad to see a person working their way out of their pit via photography…….blessings….monos en theos….jim
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This is so beautiful. So glad you could find some peace and joy beyond your struggles.
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Beautiful portrayal of innocence. Really stirred my heart looking at this.
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There is JOY embedded in this photo…great shot, Jake!
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Thanks everybody. I am happy to contribute to your group. I personally believe that artistic expression is important for everybody. The process of producing art is meditative for me. I love the photography on this site and I promise to promote everybody else’s work too. Again, thank you for having me.
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spectacular photo. I also was a victim of childhood sexual abuse and although not bi-polar I have MDD and GAD. I know photography and scrapbooking and other paper arts and mixed media help me get through the bad bouts. I really relate to your struggles. I was blessed not to OD but I also stopped using drugs and alcohol in my early 20s and struggle with ADD as do my children. Enjoy your children every day and keep up with your photography. That is a gift to help counteract your struggles.
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Lovely photo! So carefree.
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Wonderful photo! You have been through so much and made it through. It gives me hope that I can do it too. Thank you so much.
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That’s a great photo it speaks volumes of fun and laughter
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