Photo taken by contributor Annie, a woman who lives with depression, anxiety, PTSD, dissociative disorder and a myriad of other issues that haunt her. She enjoys writing, creating art, and her cat Zoe.
About this photo: “Under the eye of the Emergency Room light, being examined, probed, prodded with questions of my psychological condition, when I came in by ambulance because of my inability to breathe. I was instructed to go. It was not by choice. And not by choice they hospitalized me on a Psych Unit three hours away. Why? Because, under the ER Eye, I am noted as depressed, anxious and having PTSD. That is ALL that they see…they do not see me.”
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I like this one. Very harsh image, definitely fitting my feelings about those domineering medical environments.
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I have had the same experience. I was having heart trouble but all they could say was it was anxiety and to go home or to a facility. They never took my complaints seriously. There is research that shows that people with mental health issues get poorer treatment in ERs. Really know what it is like sitting under the light in an er. Great picture.
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Both an incredible picture and an incredible message. I sincerely wish you the best of futures.
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Pigeon-holed. I was referred to ENT for ongoing throat problems and possible polyps. HE didn’t find anything (someone else did later) and he asked me, “Are you depressed?” WTF?
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Stigmatization is alive and well, unfortunately. Your last line says it perfectly. But at least you took the experience and created something strong from it.
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I love the texture and strength in this image. Thank you for sharing a part of yourself, that we might see you.
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