Who we are & why we are

Welcome to the gallery site of Broken Light Collective. We are artists of all levels and abilities who are affected by mental illness. We create and we share our work for the therapeutic benefits to us, as well as others who may be struggling and feeling scared and alone. Together we can move from disconnected to collective.

Please say hello to first-time contributor Tip Crawford, a 56-year-old from Northern West Virginia who was recently diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder and Generalized Anxiety. While her diagnoses are relatively new, Tip has been dealing with these challenges throughout her entire adult life, and they have been especially strong over the past 20 years. Tip is in therapy with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and takes an antidepressant. She also helps manage her mental illness by regularly exercises (weight lifting, cardio, toning and yoga), keeping a diary, taking pictures, reading, meditating, practicing deep breathing, listening to lectures, talking to a very few trusted people, and walking with her beloved dog, Samwise…. Though some days it is hard to do anything except walk with Samwise. Those times, she thinks of as ‘dark curtain days’.

About this photo: “This photograph, taken in my yard, is of a flower called Lunairia. Also known as Money Plant and Honesty. This picture is named for the times I feel vibrant and full of life, exuberant and happy! It is also named for the times that I remember feeling those things.”

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Click here to see how we’re expanding to help more people with mental illness!

**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here. Currently accepting submissions.

*Facebook & Twitter @BrokenLighCo & @DanielleHark. Follow for e-mail notifications.


19 responses to “Vivacious”

  1. Tish Farrell Avatar

    This is a wonderful study of honesty, in all senses. Well done, Tip. I think it is brilliant that you do remember the exuberant moments when you are not feeling so great. And also that you are doing so many positive and enriching physical activities.
    More power to your brave intentions.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you, Tish. Remembering those times and activities are like little tricks I pull out of my pockets. I didn’t feel so great yesterday. Today was much better.

      Like

  2. rosaniabastos Avatar

    Reblogged this on Borboletanoespelho and commented:
    …E SE FOR ASSIM…

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      And if so…

      Like

      1. rosaniabastos Avatar

        Yes, it’s true! I know this curtain that blurs the world and makes the sky seem ready for a storm. So, it is also …

        Like

  3. Crooked Tracks Avatar
    Crooked Tracks

    Wow, that flower is gorgeous, I love the color, thanks Tip 🙂

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      You’re welcome. 🙂 They are normally more true purple in color. I was thrilled to see this variation.

      Like

  4. medicinalmeadows Avatar

    Beautiful soft image

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you.

      Like

  5. spencersamalvin Avatar

    Great contribution to the rest of us “out here,” Tip, & it sounds like you’re routine is working! Please keep up the good work . .

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you. I didn’t take pictures for a long time. The interest just drifted away. Now I’m taking pictures again.

      Like

  6. shennellrphotography Avatar
    shennellrphotography

    Reblogged this on Shennell R. Photographer and commented:
    Beautiful

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      Thank you kindly.

      Like

  7. jlhipkiss Avatar

    Tip, it’s lovely to see that your garden gives you such pleasure. Finding joy through nature is a life enhancing experience and something that is free for us all to enjoy. Beautiful flower. This one self-seeds freely in my own garden also.

    Like

    1. Tip Avatar
      Tip

      I so agree..nature offers so much for free. Wonderful that you have them too. I like silvery ‘coins’ too.

      Like

  8. luro97 Avatar

    Welcome to Broken Light. Many thanks for your image and your words.

    Like

  9. Tip Avatar
    Tip

    Thank you very much. You’re welcome.

    Like

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