Photo taken by contributor Jacque who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD. She is a graphic designer, wife, and mother to two boys. She is learning to draw from God’s strength to get her through every day. She has also found art and music to be great healers and outlets for the soul.

About this photo: “When I was walking through this alley, I was immediately drawn to the textures and the shapes. I loved the way the exposed brick under the broken plaster had so many tones and colors. Too me, that was the beauty of the shot. What was underneath and covered over really reflected a story and personality and depth. Just like each one of us has things we keep underneath the facade we project. Maybe people don’t know you have BP, or depression, or PSTD. What would they think?  Or say? Or do? To me, the real question should be; are hiding all these dark secrets affecting our mental states? For me, speaking out on my BP has allowed me to let go of some of my darkness and to begin to understand my own truths of why I am the way I am. It’s hard to live a meaningful, truthful life if we aren’t living our truths.”

Find more from Jacque at her blog.

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