Photo taken by contributor Thaddeus Buenaventura, a 38 year-old Navy veteran who was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. After his diagnosis, the anxieties and struggles piled up, making him unable to do simple tasks, such as focusing, choosing from a menu, and feeling good about anything he does.
About this photo: “Every day for me is a battle. It is far long gone since I have been into a real battlefield in Iraq considering my mental condition, but it was a never ending limbo of fights and terrors. It was a typical afternoon in my condominium, which was located on the 27th floor of a building facing both the city and slums of Manila, Philippines, when I grabbed my camera and started taking photos. Living from afar, I seemed to be okay just being by myself, until I had my very first camera with me. It takes a lot for me to get into a new hobby or to perform simple tasks, and much more with photography as I told myself. Then I noticed my own shadow standing right before me behind the glowing sunset. I played with my own shadow and ended up knocking it with a punch just the way I wanted to fight for my existence and life’s purpose. Next to riding my motorcycle, visual arts is the only healing pill that sustains my life and enables me to help others who are hurting as well.
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Each words in this article was written by my lover and best friend, Clyde. We are sharing the passion to create visual arts and are dedicated to many organizations such as Wounded Warriors Project and UNICEF.
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To appreciate the full effect of the photo, move your head side to side while looking at the fine art image.”
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Find Thaddeus at his website facebook, Instagram
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Nice work Thaddeus. Photography helped me with my anxiety more than riding my motorcycle (although I combined both). I found that forcing myself do do things that were uncomfortable got easier with enough desire to do them.
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Thank you, Mike. At first I found it uncomfortable to look through the viewfinder. It still does make me feel very vulnerable at times especially when I am in an urban setting. Afterawhile, Iooking through the viewfinder became my therapy. I think my mind connected with my feelings that it’s ok to not have my military issued weapon by my side at all times. Now, I I have my camera- I am going to be just fine. I’m grateful for our community.
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Thaddeus, I suffer from different demons but can relate to your pain.
It really is one day at a time, but I’m glad that you have found at least two outlets which can help you.
Best of luck, and hang in there, Richard
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