Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
User submission
17.9K
Photographer Documents His Own Depression In Dark Self-Portraits
Different people have different ways of coping with depression, and for Edward Honaker, that coping mechanism is his self-portrait photography. His photos turn his depression into something that can be seen and, hopefully, better understood.
The 21-year-old photographer was diagnosed with depression two years ago. “All I knew is that I became bad at the things I used to be good at, and I didn’t know why,” he told Huffpost. “Your mind is who you are, and when it doesn’t work properly, it’s scary.”
“It’s kind of hard to feel any kind of emotion when you’re depressed, and I think good art can definitely move people,” he continued.
More info: edwardhonaker.com | Instagram | Tumblr (h/t: huffpost)
RELATED:
126Kviews
Share on FacebookExplore more of these tags
What do you think ?
thcollegestudent 10 years ago
I wish I didn't identify with these so well...I can't say I want to kill my self, I love life and the people around me, but so often it can feel so isolating. Like you can hear voices of happy people from behind a black curtain but if you dare to open it the light is so blinding and off putting.
SamanthaBelcher 10 years ago
Some of these gave me such anxiety and made me feel like I was suffocating, because they so perfectly captured something I have felt. It such a positive to be able to be creative in the midst of depression. Those are the better days.
LeannaPeiffer 10 years ago
I agree with you because when I was depressed doing anything was difficult, especially being creative.
Load More Replies...
DebMartinKnaff 10 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing these. They take away the negative stigma of depression, so many of us can identify with one or all of the photos and feelings attached to them and maybe someone will reach out and get help because of your beautiful works of art. I hope some day we see pics of you with pink & purple balloons, in turquoise waters, snuggled in green bed linens and pearly white teeth grinning from ear to ear.
Paul2 10 years ago
What kindness, you sound as if you have a Beautiful Persona. Thank You.
Load More Replies...
TracyHaynes 10 years ago
I am in recovery from depression and thankfully have few dark days now, but in these photos are memories of just how dark the days can be. Thank you for sharing this intimate part of your life.
GochaWimmer 10 years ago
I have depression for 16 years. Yeah, I can say those pics... well, these suite to the theme...
Peg Nacrelli Graham 9 years ago
This statement hit home with me... “All I knew is that I became bad at the things I used to be good at, and I didn’t know why."....and that is it. Thank you.
AbrahamRisyad 10 years ago
Gosh... i feel like this is one of the best way to describe depression. there were the times where you feel like you're nothing and you don't even know who you are. I like it how the photographer "shuts" the face off, that really describe the feeling of depression
SarahHaws 10 years ago
These truly are great depictions of what it is like to be depressed or going through an episode of manic depression. I know this not only because I have been and am going through a bout of it myself, but because the way that the photos made me feel as I went through them. The photos really capture the lack of motivation, hopelessness and self-unawareness that happens with depression. There have been many days that I want to lie in bed and go nothing and others where I feel that I am stuck with nowhere to go and that I am powerless to act. Thanks for this.
DesertBlooms 10 years ago
Thank you for painting a clear picture of something so misunderstood. Hoping for better days.
thcollegestudent 10 years ago
I wish I didn't identify with these so well...I can't say I want to kill my self, I love life and the people around me, but so often it can feel so isolating. Like you can hear voices of happy people from behind a black curtain but if you dare to open it the light is so blinding and off putting.
SamanthaBelcher 10 years ago
Some of these gave me such anxiety and made me feel like I was suffocating, because they so perfectly captured something I have felt. It such a positive to be able to be creative in the midst of depression. Those are the better days.
LeannaPeiffer 10 years ago
I agree with you because when I was depressed doing anything was difficult, especially being creative.
Load More Replies... DebMartinKnaff 10 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing these. They take away the negative stigma of depression, so many of us can identify with one or all of the photos and feelings attached to them and maybe someone will reach out and get help because of your beautiful works of art. I hope some day we see pics of you with pink & purple balloons, in turquoise waters, snuggled in green bed linens and pearly white teeth grinning from ear to ear.
Paul2 10 years ago
What kindness, you sound as if you have a Beautiful Persona. Thank You.
Load More Replies... TracyHaynes 10 years ago
I am in recovery from depression and thankfully have few dark days now, but in these photos are memories of just how dark the days can be. Thank you for sharing this intimate part of your life.
GochaWimmer 10 years ago
I have depression for 16 years. Yeah, I can say those pics... well, these suite to the theme...
Peg Nacrelli Graham 9 years ago
This statement hit home with me... “All I knew is that I became bad at the things I used to be good at, and I didn’t know why."....and that is it. Thank you.
AbrahamRisyad 10 years ago
Gosh... i feel like this is one of the best way to describe depression. there were the times where you feel like you're nothing and you don't even know who you are. I like it how the photographer "shuts" the face off, that really describe the feeling of depression
SarahHaws 10 years ago
These truly are great depictions of what it is like to be depressed or going through an episode of manic depression. I know this not only because I have been and am going through a bout of it myself, but because the way that the photos made me feel as I went through them. The photos really capture the lack of motivation, hopelessness and self-unawareness that happens with depression. There have been many days that I want to lie in bed and go nothing and others where I feel that I am stuck with nowhere to go and that I am powerless to act. Thanks for this.
DesertBlooms 10 years ago
Thank you for painting a clear picture of something so misunderstood. Hoping for better days.
You May Like 50 Self Portrait Ideas To Step Up Your Insta Game 86 Photography Hacks To Take Your Photos To The Next Level 30 White Tattoo Designs That Look Like Magic Runes
Eligijus Sinkunas
Aivaras Kaziukonis
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Related on Bored Panda
495
45