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Depression, Addiction And Suicide: My Very Personal Photo Project
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Depression, Addiction And Suicide: My Very Personal Photo Project

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This is a very personal project. Depression and Addiction affect thousands of people every single day. I’ve personally gone through depression and still struggle with it. My ex-husband was/is addicted to hard drugs and alcohol and through dealing with that and the consequences of it, I was inspired to create this photography project. Having someone I loved dearly addicted to drugs and alcohol profoundly changed my life and who I was as a person. It changed how I saw life and the people in it. Watching my husband deteriorate and destroy our family eventually allowed me to appreciate the small things and life, but it also made me more cautious and fearful. He also suffered from suicidal thoughts and I worried every day that I’d never see him again. Thankfully we are both free from this abuse but sadly, it ended our marriage before that could happen.

This particular project shows a woman in the beginning stages of depression and follows her through alcoholism and addiction to prescription drugs until she ultimately chooses to end her life.

There are also metaphorical images which shows what’s happening inside her mind and what she thinks will happen to her “soul” when she dies.

Secluded in the Crowd

Time to Drown the Thoughts

Drinking Alone

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Trapped in My Own Thoughts

Hiding From Life

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Getting Some Shut Eye

Can’t Look at the Light

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Drinks of Choice

Mind of the Addicted

One Last Cigarette

Candy

Into the Darkness

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Peaceful Slumber

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Time to Wake Her Up

Realization

Panic

Love Torn Apart

Emerging to Freedom

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Gone

Hope

Paradise

Freedom

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Christina Morrow

Christina Morrow

Author, Community member

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This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

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Christina Morrow

Christina Morrow

Author, Community member

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

What do you think ?
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Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

**DISCLAIMER** I can't seem to edit my post but I want to make sure no one thinks that I am promoting suicide. In this project it is suppose to represent this person's feelings and thoughts only. I didn't think about making sure that was understood when I posted because I don't think that way. I do not want this post or my work to be a reason to think suicide is never the answer. If you are having suicidal thoughts please seek help and know that you are never truly alone. I love you all and appreciate the wonderful comments and thoughts on my work.

Swingtime
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although I appreciate your effort and applaud your recovery, the essay photos are obviously staged, appeal to cheap sentiment, and rely on popular tropes of depression, addiction, and death. It doesn't ring true. The obvious conclusion a viewer would reach after viewing this is that suicide is the answer, despite that not being your intent. It's a heartfelt try, but needs rethinking.

Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is staged. And while I appreciate the opinion I disagree. It doesn't rely on popular tropes but what I felt and what I saw from someone I cared about. I just used a different subject to covey my feelings and thoughts. This rings true for me. That doesn't mean it does for anyone else.

Load More Replies...
Silent Skeleton
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is very touching. I've experienced this, but I never got to the stages of Gone, Hope, or Paradise... I'm glad you were able to get through that time.

Spiski
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one here that believe that this is painting suicide as a way to reach paradise?? She is also along there after all...and whit no drugs or alcohol. If you are reading this post have in mind that Gone, hope, paradise are by far the stupidest things you can do.

Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's part of it. Its what she thinks will come if she does it. Even though we who are not in that situation or love said person knows is not the answer. Its the controversial part of someone who thinks there's no other way to get peace. I'm not trying to paint it as a good thing. I just want to show the reality of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Load More Replies...
The Alchemist
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've felt like I'm trapped in my own thoughts so often and I'm sinking with no way out. This is really good.

Adriana Hajduová
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This have no artistic value whatsoever. Cheap shots with zero aesthetics looks like the person touched camera for the first time in their lives and was like - Ohh as soon as I play with filters or shoot photos in black and white, I will be good, so why make the photo look actually good with such s**t as good angle or composition. You are just trying to get people to feel sorry for you by shooting this as straightforward as possible, which means it lacks any emotional value and only tells a story the most boring way ever. I actually laughed, especially on the alcohol ones, because it is so clique that I couldn't help myself. Can't believe people actually fail to see through this so called 'art' when its entire message is equivalent of what only twelve years old mindset would think after their first breakup.

Doubtful
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Careful, apparently you are not allowed point out the obvious disservice to both art and mental health here.

Load More Replies...
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The national suicide prevention hotline is a great resource if you are struggling with these feelings: 1-800-273-8255

Magpie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Addit: it is ok to ring the lifeline ( in australia) and just ask questions : the information and contact with a human can help.

Art Vanderlay
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Freedom to me is represented by death, most addicts who are truly stuck in the cycle welcome it.

Nathan Cook
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Art, I don't pretend to know what you're going through, but I have been in some very dark places myself and have seen death that way, but it is not true. There is ALWAYS hope. If you want to talk, let me know. The national suicide prevention hotline is a great resource: 1-800-273-8255

Load More Replies...
Nathan Cook
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in similar places. It looks like this glorifies suicide, though and I know that one thing I have kept in mind is the indescribable hurt suicide causes to the loved ones. There is ALWAYS hope! (the national suicide prevention hotline is a great resource: 1-800-273-8255)

Load More Replies...
Magpie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are very well done, very expressive. sorry i had trouble looking at them, and scrolled straight to the bottom after the first 4. Wishing health continues for you and your loved people.

La
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At first glance I thought this was silent hill rl.

Lou Wow
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are many people in the world going through this and seeing your struggle will assure them they are not alone. This will get people thinking.

Andy John
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well I think you need a realistic reality mentor because life isnt that hard there's always someone else with a more herd up story u hear every day so what I think u should do is take a walk with me and hold my hand habd and I'll take u some were where at the end of our tour of only a couple of hours walking I promise you that your suside thoughts will disappear became I to once had that thought when I lost everything only to realise I never had anything to begin with its all a facade of lifestyle so listern to me and I promise you I won't let you down on this one.. Xx Andy John

Anna Sheridan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think people need to stop viewing another's work with with artistic elitism. Art is expression, it doesn't have to be perfect.

Lanrey
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is just me who feels either this post encourages suicide or I misunderstood some critical messages in it?

Nathan Cook
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Christina, Thank you for your exploration of this subject matter - it is deeply affecting. My one red flag with the story you've shown is that it shows suicide as the end of suffering and the beginning of bliss for this woman; an idea that may lead some of those who see it (without reading your disclaimer) to feel that suicide will do the same for them - an idea that we both agree is dangerously false. It is a permanent and dreadful end to a temporary problem. Life can always be re-gained. It also fails to show the devastating effects of her death on the man who she loves. One thing I know about suicide is that it destroys the lives of those left behind. Yet the woman is shown going on without having to face what she did to those around her. I deeply appreciate the depiction of her struggles, but I'm afraid that some who view this (not everyone will read your disclaimer) may come away thinking that suicide will bring them bliss when it is really the worst thing they can do.

Kevin Meyer
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this whole story hit home even the photos my wife took her own life on dec 15 all the photos was what my wife was going thru till the end

Nathan Cook
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand. I have been in some very miserable places and heard that same voice. There is ALWAYS hope, though. The national suicide prevention hotline is a great resource: 1-800-273-8255

Load More Replies...
Anna Brandigi
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Stop being so depressed all the time." Oh wow thanks I'm cured

Kieran
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How this person managed to make something so intrinsically important to many people come across so banal and mightily tacky is the primary point of interest in this entire piece.

Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

**DISCLAIMER** I can't seem to edit my post but I want to make sure no one thinks that I am promoting suicide. In this project it is suppose to represent this person's feelings and thoughts only. I didn't think about making sure that was understood when I posted because I don't think that way. I do not want this post or my work to be a reason to think suicide is never the answer. If you are having suicidal thoughts please seek help and know that you are never truly alone. I love you all and appreciate the wonderful comments and thoughts on my work.

Swingtime
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although I appreciate your effort and applaud your recovery, the essay photos are obviously staged, appeal to cheap sentiment, and rely on popular tropes of depression, addiction, and death. It doesn't ring true. The obvious conclusion a viewer would reach after viewing this is that suicide is the answer, despite that not being your intent. It's a heartfelt try, but needs rethinking.

Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is staged. And while I appreciate the opinion I disagree. It doesn't rely on popular tropes but what I felt and what I saw from someone I cared about. I just used a different subject to covey my feelings and thoughts. This rings true for me. That doesn't mean it does for anyone else.

Load More Replies...
Silent Skeleton
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is very touching. I've experienced this, but I never got to the stages of Gone, Hope, or Paradise... I'm glad you were able to get through that time.

Spiski
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I the only one here that believe that this is painting suicide as a way to reach paradise?? She is also along there after all...and whit no drugs or alcohol. If you are reading this post have in mind that Gone, hope, paradise are by far the stupidest things you can do.

Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's part of it. Its what she thinks will come if she does it. Even though we who are not in that situation or love said person knows is not the answer. Its the controversial part of someone who thinks there's no other way to get peace. I'm not trying to paint it as a good thing. I just want to show the reality of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Load More Replies...
The Alchemist
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've felt like I'm trapped in my own thoughts so often and I'm sinking with no way out. This is really good.

Adriana Hajduová
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This have no artistic value whatsoever. Cheap shots with zero aesthetics looks like the person touched camera for the first time in their lives and was like - Ohh as soon as I play with filters or shoot photos in black and white, I will be good, so why make the photo look actually good with such s**t as good angle or composition. You are just trying to get people to feel sorry for you by shooting this as straightforward as possible, which means it lacks any emotional value and only tells a story the most boring way ever. I actually laughed, especially on the alcohol ones, because it is so clique that I couldn't help myself. Can't believe people actually fail to see through this so called 'art' when its entire message is equivalent of what only twelve years old mindset would think after their first breakup.

Doubtful
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Careful, apparently you are not allowed point out the obvious disservice to both art and mental health here.

Load More Replies...
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The national suicide prevention hotline is a great resource if you are struggling with these feelings: 1-800-273-8255

Magpie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Addit: it is ok to ring the lifeline ( in australia) and just ask questions : the information and contact with a human can help.

Art Vanderlay
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Freedom to me is represented by death, most addicts who are truly stuck in the cycle welcome it.

Nathan Cook
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Art, I don't pretend to know what you're going through, but I have been in some very dark places myself and have seen death that way, but it is not true. There is ALWAYS hope. If you want to talk, let me know. The national suicide prevention hotline is a great resource: 1-800-273-8255

Load More Replies...
Nathan Cook
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been in similar places. It looks like this glorifies suicide, though and I know that one thing I have kept in mind is the indescribable hurt suicide causes to the loved ones. There is ALWAYS hope! (the national suicide prevention hotline is a great resource: 1-800-273-8255)

Load More Replies...
Magpie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are very well done, very expressive. sorry i had trouble looking at them, and scrolled straight to the bottom after the first 4. Wishing health continues for you and your loved people.

La
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At first glance I thought this was silent hill rl.

Lou Wow
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are many people in the world going through this and seeing your struggle will assure them they are not alone. This will get people thinking.

Andy John
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well I think you need a realistic reality mentor because life isnt that hard there's always someone else with a more herd up story u hear every day so what I think u should do is take a walk with me and hold my hand habd and I'll take u some were where at the end of our tour of only a couple of hours walking I promise you that your suside thoughts will disappear became I to once had that thought when I lost everything only to realise I never had anything to begin with its all a facade of lifestyle so listern to me and I promise you I won't let you down on this one.. Xx Andy John

Anna Sheridan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think people need to stop viewing another's work with with artistic elitism. Art is expression, it doesn't have to be perfect.

Lanrey
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is just me who feels either this post encourages suicide or I misunderstood some critical messages in it?

Nathan Cook
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Christina, Thank you for your exploration of this subject matter - it is deeply affecting. My one red flag with the story you've shown is that it shows suicide as the end of suffering and the beginning of bliss for this woman; an idea that may lead some of those who see it (without reading your disclaimer) to feel that suicide will do the same for them - an idea that we both agree is dangerously false. It is a permanent and dreadful end to a temporary problem. Life can always be re-gained. It also fails to show the devastating effects of her death on the man who she loves. One thing I know about suicide is that it destroys the lives of those left behind. Yet the woman is shown going on without having to face what she did to those around her. I deeply appreciate the depiction of her struggles, but I'm afraid that some who view this (not everyone will read your disclaimer) may come away thinking that suicide will bring them bliss when it is really the worst thing they can do.

Kevin Meyer
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this whole story hit home even the photos my wife took her own life on dec 15 all the photos was what my wife was going thru till the end

Nathan Cook
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand. I have been in some very miserable places and heard that same voice. There is ALWAYS hope, though. The national suicide prevention hotline is a great resource: 1-800-273-8255

Load More Replies...
Anna Brandigi
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Stop being so depressed all the time." Oh wow thanks I'm cured

Kieran
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How this person managed to make something so intrinsically important to many people come across so banal and mightily tacky is the primary point of interest in this entire piece.

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