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 welcome first-time contributor Racquel Fortuna, a 31-year-old woman from Fayetteville, North Carolina. Racquel lives with severe anxiety that causes her to shut herself off to the rest of the world. She often feels overwhelmed by fear, doubt, sadness, and isolation. Racquel’s internal battles began to negatively impact her life, both mentally and physically, until one day when she decided to challenge herself to turn things around. She started by taking better care of herself and opening up about her fight with anxiety to her loved ones.

About these photos: Overcoming Anxiety is a series of black and white self-portraits expressing my struggle to move beyond the constraints of my anxiety issues. I find comfort in the idea that we’re all connected through our emotions and experience.  Through this bond, we understand more about each other and, more importantly, ourselves. My group of self-portraits portrays my personal journey in conquering my issues, beginning negatively and progressively becoming more positive as the series develops.  I desire to share this experience in order to inspire viewers. By revealing my vulnerability, I hope to form that emotional connection with my audience and convey that the struggles we go through in life make us all human.

Find more from Racquel at her website.

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**Visit Broken Light’s main gallery here ▸ Now a 501(c)3 non-profit! Please donate here.

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21 responses to “Overcoming Anxiety”

  1. K'lee L. Avatar
    K’lee L.

    Bless you for having the COURAGE to share something so personal with the world. I’m willing to bet many are going to see your photos and read your words and feel a little bit better knowing they’re not alone in the world…

    Liked by 3 people

    1. racquel Avatar

      Thank you so much for your kind words! The amount of people that have come to me to encourage me and also share their own personal struggles has been wonderfully overwhelming. I’m so touched that my work has spoken to others in some way emotionally. That is by far the best reward I could ask for 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. K'lee L. Avatar
        K’lee L.

        And from my view, the reward you deserve for daring to share! Congratulations, Racquel.

        Like

  2. dreambigwords Avatar

    These are so powerful and beautiful, thank you for sharing

    Like

    1. racquel Avatar

      thank you for encouragement 🙂

      Like

  3. Laurie Free Avatar

    gorgeous photos and words. thank you. I understand and love the awareness

    Like

    1. racquel Avatar

      thanks, laurie!

      Like

  4. equinoxio21 Avatar
    equinoxio21

    A very strong and beautiful photograph. Open the curtains. Take these broken wings and learn to fly!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. racquel Avatar

      yes! thanks 🙂

      Like

  5. imaginarytree Avatar

    Yes! This is how anxiety feels. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. racquel Avatar

      i’m glad i was able to share my experience with you and even more honored that you could relate to it. thank YOU!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Renee Upshur Avatar

    I am so proud of you lady! Thank you so much for sharing your story.

    Like

  7. johngevans13 Avatar

    You have more courage than you know….yes, learn to fly!! Thanks ever so kindly for sharing your story!

    Like

  8. Marie Avatar

    Beautiful post.

    Like

  9. jandjoonie Avatar

    I am impressed with how you can be so open and real. I think that telling the truth about our lives is one of the best contributions we can make… I am still working on this.

    Like

  10. Lydia. Avatar

    This is so beautiful.
    As someone who has anxiety and going through the recovery of eating disorders,
    I am so touched by these photos and Racquel’s story….
    Keep fighting honey!

    Like

  11. Tournesol (Clr) Avatar

    These are amazing photos and a great post. May I reblog this and Part 2 on my blog http://stigmahurtseveryone.wordpress.com please?

    Like

    1. Racquel Avatar

      hi, thank you for your kind words. yes, please share & let me know when you do so that i can share the link. thanks for asking 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tournesol (Clr) Avatar

        No Thank you for making a difference in removing the stigma in mental health so everyone has a chance to get help:) I will do it tonight in a few minutes.

        Like

  12. ramblingsfromamum Avatar

    Hugs to you for sharing your inner most emotions. You are brave and courageous. Gorgeous photos, gorgeous soul. I wish you well in your journey.

    Like

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