Photo taken by contributor Bridget Walsh Stone, a woman who was diagnosed with Bipolar I and Panic Disorder over 12 years ago. She sees a psychiatrist regularly and takes meds daily. Her prognosis has improved but it is still a daily struggle. Bridget has a B.A. in Visual Art from the University of Illinois in Springfield. Her primary focus was photography and printmaking. She also writes, paints and makes jewelry. Before becoming ill, she was employed as a commercial photographer. Her work reflects her deep interest in her Celtic origins, love of nature, spirituality, self exploration and self expression.
About this photo: “I have always found art and photography to be very cathartic. Perhaps on a far more base or limbic level we can communicate complex feelings in images. I often find nature is in tune with the processes of my life and all life itself. I am a fan of C. G. Jung (and other Jungian psychologists) and archetypical thinking.
Here we see the sunflower has been picked and eaten away by the birds…much like life can make us feel… But to become aware it is a process…and know we will be renewed again in Spring gives us hope. To look at the world from the eyes of a child or the simple survival animal mind…this is the essence of the XIX SUN archetype.”
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Great stuff, Bridget- hang in there . .
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Thanks for sharing. Many in my family confront daily challenges of Bipolar and anxiety. I love your photograph and the complexity of feelings evoked from looking deeply into nature.
We have left the dead sunflowers standing because they supply the songbirds with much needed protein and organic oil. The tiny house sparrows and finches hang upside down as they eat. Sweetly they let many seeds fall and replant themselves for next spring.
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Very artistic and really special photo… I’ve been dealing with panic disorder and several other anxiety issues for a very long time, I’ve had my first panic attack almost 20 years ago. I know the struggle so well, the stress, the pain, the limitations, the lack of understanding and support, never-ending trial and errors with medications, but nevertheless, we can go on. Even in the worst of times. I’ve just lost my father a month ago, he led a horrible battle for life, and I amazed myself how much I managed to be there for him, in spite of all my issues. Go on and hang in there, we’re strong even when it doesn’t seem so. And don’t give up on photography, it has helped quite a few people with our issues. All the best, Tanja
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