Photo taken by contributor Alyssa, a 23-year-old woman from Michigan who has a BFA with an emphasis in photography from Northern Michigan University. Her fine art reflects controversial and personal subjects. She was diagnosed with general anxiety at the age of 10. She then went through a depressive state between 20-22 years old. Her anxiety is still is an issue today but she has learned to see life in a better way.
About this photo: “This photo is from a series I did over the last few years while struggling with depression and anxiety. Hopeless and uncertain about my identity, I struggled in silence. I began to direct my thoughts into a journal. The series of images and corresponding journal entries that emerged, document my past two years and how I felt during each entry. The work is my way of officially closing the door on my past.
The following text accompanied the above photo…
August 2014: I’m remarkable at hiding my feelings. I don’t feel the need to spill my emotions onto the floor. I don’t want to. It’s not that I’m embarrassed or ashamed. I just don’t want to be pitied or worry my loved ones. I need to view myself as being strong. It’s a tough world that has no time for the weak. I’ve dealt with these feelings for two years. Sure it’s an unnecessary burden, but it’s like an honor badge I carry around. I’ve seen what depression and anxiety can do, but I’ve been able to overcome every low point. It’s thoughts like these that allow me to believe in myself.”
Find more from Alyssa at her website.
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Broken Light Collective 
I love your strength, but there is no weakness in letting people become aware of your struggles. There is so much you can learn and teach people by opening up a little bit. The WordPress community is full of people sharing their triumphs and struggles. I know I have read tons of posts that are not only informing and uplifting, but they also let me know that I’m not alone.
I love the picture. It it is sad, but beautiful.
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Great stuff . . thanks
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Really like this photo. Broken, clear, segmented, whole. It says an awful lot.
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Reblogged this on Good Lifestyler and commented:
I can completely relate with the desire to keep your emotions bottled up to avoid showing any sign of ‘weakness’. But I found that this just results in your negativity consuming you from the inside out. People will surprise you when you let them in to your inner world, both the good and the bad.
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Beautifully done. Bravo.
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Glad you’ve found your strength and a stronger place in your life. I like this image is that it reflects you but blurs and divides the true vision, your feelings. Even as we see you there are pieces that remain unknown. 😉
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Nice
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