Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
User submission
23.1K
124.2K
Photography Helped Me Defeat Depression And See The World In A New Light
In 2012 I was 25, married to the woman of my dreams, had a great job, a nice house, and seemingly had it all. But there was an emptiness deep inside that suddenly reared its head and I found myself in a doctor’s office being diagnosed with depression. Life had lost its color and light. Nothing no longer appealed to me. I was in a dark, scary place and didn’t even really know why my mental health deteriorated.
We had a planned trip to Europe coming up and although we were so close to canceling due to my mental issues, I managed to get myself together just enough to leave home. Like all vacations, we had a camera with us, this time it was the new DSLR my wife wanted. I soon found that I really liked composing shots and trying to get creative photos. I was looking at things a little differently.
Once we got home I happened to download Instagram and photography art entered my mind once again. I pulled the camera back out of the cupboard and started to take photos of my dog and everyday things around the house. Eventually, I made my way down to the beach to watch the sunrise. My life hasn’t been the same since.
I would be lying if I said my depression left overnight but over the next few months, the more I got involved in creative photography, the more I began to see the love and the beautiful world around me. Depression had stripped my life of its color but looking through a lens was slowly painting it all back. Places and objects that I once would have walked right past were now standing out to me. They were appealing and revealed something to be admired through these stunning pictures.
More info: williampatino.com
I seemingly had it all, but there was an emptiness deep inside
South Coast, NSW Australia.
I found myself in a doctors office being diagnosed with depression
Yosemite USA.
I was in a dark, scary place and didn’t even really know why
Moraine Lake, Canada.
We had a planned trip to Europe. Although we were so close to cancelling due to my health, I managed to leave home
Wollongong, NSW Australia.
Like all vacations, we had a camera with us, a new DSLR
Wollongong, Australia.
I soon found that I really liked composing shots and being creative with photos
I was looking at things a little differently
Mount Cook, New Zealand.
Once we got home, I started to take photos of every day things
Sydney, NSW Australia.
The more I began taking photos, the more I began to see love and beauty in the world
Nugget Point, New Zealand.
Depression had stripped my life of its color but looking through a lens was slowly painting it all back
Athabasca Falls, Jasper Canada.
It has been just over 3 years now and the world is a totally different place to me
Austinmer, Australia.
My life is so much more fulfilled
Emerald Lake, Canada.
I am able to sit and appreciate the simple things in life
Cathedral Rocks, Kiama Australia.
I admire the small, intricate details that make up this big, beautiful earth
Sydney Royal National Park.
I am so grateful to be able to wake each day with hope again and start fresh with the rising of each new sun
Camel Rock, Bermagui Australia.
Photography is my outlet and form of expression, something that I depend on like the air I breathe
Coalcliff, Australia.
Wollongong, Australia.
Wollongong, Australia.
Mt Field, Tasmania.
New Zealand’s South Island.
124Kviews
Share on Facebook
What do you think ?
MarkFlower 9 years ago
Wonderful work my friend. I am really happy to see that you worked out your depression through photography. I find it rather soothing myself
William_Patino (Post author) 9 years ago
Thanks Mark, I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment :) Take care.
Load More Replies...
BettyBasche 9 years ago
WOW. YOU ARE TRULEY TALENTED. THE PICTURES ARE AMAZING. I TOO, FOUGHT DEPRESSION. I FOUND I HAD TO GET BACK TO MY ART. PLEASE CONTINUE.
CommentaryFortytwo 9 years ago
Wonderful work and wonderful places. Thank you for sharing these
DavidHumphlett 9 years ago
What glorious photos!! And remember. Sometimes a way to fill that void, is getting to know the creator of this fabulous world. ;)
William_Patino (Post author) 9 years ago
Thanks mate, I couldn't agree more ;)
Load More Replies...
LorrainePhillips 9 years ago
So glad you found photography William, your photos are brilliant and inspiring... Good luck in the future with your photography..
JustinDodson 9 years ago
I was just about to say "this guy ripped off William Patino" haha until I see it is you. Big Instagram inspiration you have been friend. God
VanessaWells 9 years ago
The depression opened your unconscious and allowed you to see the beauty on a deep level some may never know! Amazing shots! Full of heart
SueShone 9 years ago
Such hopeful light in each one. A serenity and comfort too. Amazing beauty. Well done.
ToniNewmanMaritima 9 years ago
Beautiful photos...made even more so by the story of your depression.
SizoSimelane 8 years ago
Hmm. Something about these images seems unnatural, can't put my finger on it but whatever. this is magical nonetheless. As if you took captured someone's journey through a dream.
HarryRubone 9 years ago
You know...i really enjoy looking at your wonderful photos but this thread can be so much nicer without adding your sob story. I don't know what is going through your mind being depressed after achieving so much at such a young age, it's anything but depressing. I'm 35, no money, never had a girlfriend, still living with my mom and my deceased father was always disappointed with me and my choice of career. All these not because i'm a introvert or a lazy slacker. Because i have a debilitating disease that is slowly killing me which made me feel inadequate as a eligible companion for any woman and also confines me from ever achieving a successful career. When you deal with that for years, that will surely make any sane person depressed. I know this thread is about you and your wonderful photos ( they are really breath-taking), and you shouldn't be bother with my life story, but it just pisses me off when i see people still b***h about being depressed when their life is anything but.
EnidMitchell 9 years ago
Well done for conquering the "black dog" of depression and finding the strength to share these exquisite photographs with the rest of us
JodiFolstad 9 years ago
happy u found therapy, struggling intensely still with the darkness. thank you for the beauty
ShirleyTarres 9 years ago
Beautiful visions. Like the way you have turned your mind around by embracing the beauty that surrounds us. I should do the same.
nettedarling 9 years ago
Blown away. I too discovered photography (& gardening) during a very dark & traumatic period of depression. Thank you for sharing #Inspired
SharonRoberts 9 years ago
Beautiful! And congratulations on finding new feelings of appreciation and love!
AgataGrajoszek 9 years ago
Those photos look like paintings, so beautiful! You are free to be healthy! take care :)
ShelleyMagner 9 years ago
I, too, suffer from depression, have for many years. What I've learned is you must to do whatever it is to see and feel again. Good for you!
MayaAladdin 9 years ago
Fantastic work! You kicked depression's a*s in the coolest way ever.. I guess everything happens for a reason idd. Props for your wife tho!
AnneliAlmquist 9 years ago
Wow, really amazing pictures! Nature i awesome and I do think it heals, if you like it :D '
katewilson 9 years ago
Keeping your mind on anything can ease depression. was there for 8 years! stopped all meds ( best thing I ever did) and got a hobby. Great p
KjellVassdal 9 years ago
Beautiful pictures, but how do you find all this fantastic locations?
BrianNewby 9 years ago
nice article, the same scenario happened with me about 4 years ago and I'm glad the healing power of art has saved another. never stop!
VanessaWells 9 years ago
Beautiful shots and I believe the depression opened your subconscious and allowed you to put your heart into the beautiful images captured!
CatherineHunter 9 years ago
Wow you are an amazing photographer!! I too fight with depression. My photos are no where as beautiful as yours. Using a very old Kodak.
CarolCatlin 9 years ago
The peace experienced in these moments is better than any medicine you can take.
WenaBascones 9 years ago
These are the most beautiful photos I've seen. Very captivating and looks so peaceful.
NicoleWebster 9 years ago
Gorgeous work. And so inspiring to know it helped you. I don't have much time for my art anymore, but this reminded me how much it helps me.
Cherry Lee Panal 5 years ago
I am currently having a depression. But, after reading this I want to try If I can also find the colors of the world thru camera lens.
SandraRugina 8 years ago
Gorgeous!!! I agree, photography is really soothing :) I wish you all the best and many great photos!
KennethSilagy 8 years ago
Dealing with depression for years I understand. Photography grounds me an makes me whole again
AlexKonala 8 years ago
Amazing photos :), keep exploring the world through the lense William, the photos show show much beauty
MicheleJankelow 8 years ago
How very beautiful! How very honest and that is why you see things so perfectly through your lens!
LindaStars 8 years ago
Phenomenal. What a gift :) thanks for sharing. What a difference can be found when we stop and smell the roses, Nature, the great healer. Creativity moves us closer to God :)
EllynMeyers 8 years ago
Such beautiful shots! Glad to know this has helped you work your way out of depression and find meaning in your life again.
ChuntevaSmith-Eriksson 9 years ago
For some reason while going through this, I got emotional, and felt passion, love, inspiration, desire, strength, and yet I shed a few tears, whilst in awe of the beauty. This is one of the reasons I love photography. You not only can capture an image, but the depth of emotion in an image. You can see truly how passionate of a photographer you are through your work~
SafiyyahAbdullah 9 years ago
Your pictures are beautiful! The world is full of beauty and the more you look for, the more you will find. And the more you appreciate it, the better you will feel. Thankyou for showing us these beautiful scenes and helping us too!
EileenPCarry 9 years ago
Anxiety calls us back to who we are. Let passion fly free, be then free.
EileenPCarry 9 years ago
Anxiety is what calls us back to who we truly are. Listen to yourself, and find peace.
VickiDiNitto 9 years ago
These are breathtakingly beautiful. What a talent. And timing perfection.. So glad you found an outlet---depression is such a thief. WHo knew there was such beauty EVERYWHERE. So glad I stumbled onto this.
JoanaMeneses 9 years ago
Congrats! Really good photography :) Photography make us see the world deeply and see things that before we didn't even notice.
CharleyCoetzee 9 years ago
William, what a beautiful story, taking something so horrible and making such stunning work of it, keep going, as a fellow photographer (suffered depression) i know the feeling! :D "Every day brings a choice: to practice stress or to practice peace. β Choose to be miserable and youβll find plenty of reasons to be miserable. Choose to be peaceful and youβll find plenty of reasons to be at peace. Think about it. Are you skilled at making yourself miserable? With those same skills you can make yourself motivated, effective and fulfilled. Do so."
CharleyCoetzee 9 years ago
OH WOW, what a great way to turn something so ugly into a passion so beautiful! ive been there and i know! well done and keep going William!!
IshbelBurnet 9 years ago
Indeed depression will steal your soul unless you fight back with grace, dignity and love. You did all of this and more with these exquisite photos. Your ability to fing photogenic locations and to capture the ephemeral moment, is awesome.
SeanHalpin 9 years ago
You are a true artist. Incredible photos you have there. I am inspired to take it up myself!
JoleneHuttonWiley 9 years ago
Really awesome work! So grateful that you found an outlet that can be admired all over the world and bring awareness to mental health
zudgwejhgc 9 years ago
really awesome photos! u give me some inspirations. Thank you for that.
YoviitaHauke 9 years ago
Really Amazing :D I tottaly admire Your work <3 I'm fighting with depression too so I know how it is. Keep doing your amazing work :D
JodiFolstad 9 years ago
happy for u to find this form of renewing therapy...am struggling to find after decades of darkness
ShirleyTarres 9 years ago
Beautiful fotos, thanks for sharing. True sense of strength to redirect your mind to a better place through the use of a camera. Will try it
DebCostello 9 years ago
Mark...these photos are absolutely stunning. I dont have the talent or eye to take photos like this so thank you for sharing them with is .
ShelleyMagner 9 years ago
I, too, suffer from depression. What I've learned is that one must learn something creative to get out of the head. Good for you! Keep going
KjellVassdal 9 years ago
Beautiful pictures, but how do you find all these fantastic locations?
MarkFlower 9 years ago
Wonderful work my friend. I am really happy to see that you worked out your depression through photography. I find it rather soothing myself
William_Patino (Post author) 9 years ago
Thanks Mark, I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment :) Take care.
Load More Replies... BettyBasche 9 years ago
WOW. YOU ARE TRULEY TALENTED. THE PICTURES ARE AMAZING. I TOO, FOUGHT DEPRESSION. I FOUND I HAD TO GET BACK TO MY ART. PLEASE CONTINUE.
CommentaryFortytwo 9 years ago
Wonderful work and wonderful places. Thank you for sharing these
DavidHumphlett 9 years ago
What glorious photos!! And remember. Sometimes a way to fill that void, is getting to know the creator of this fabulous world. ;)
William_Patino (Post author) 9 years ago
Thanks mate, I couldn't agree more ;)
Load More Replies... LorrainePhillips 9 years ago
So glad you found photography William, your photos are brilliant and inspiring... Good luck in the future with your photography..
JustinDodson 9 years ago
I was just about to say "this guy ripped off William Patino" haha until I see it is you. Big Instagram inspiration you have been friend. God
VanessaWells 9 years ago
The depression opened your unconscious and allowed you to see the beauty on a deep level some may never know! Amazing shots! Full of heart
SueShone 9 years ago
Such hopeful light in each one. A serenity and comfort too. Amazing beauty. Well done.
ToniNewmanMaritima 9 years ago
Beautiful photos...made even more so by the story of your depression.
SizoSimelane 8 years ago
Hmm. Something about these images seems unnatural, can't put my finger on it but whatever. this is magical nonetheless. As if you took captured someone's journey through a dream.
HarryRubone 9 years ago
You know...i really enjoy looking at your wonderful photos but this thread can be so much nicer without adding your sob story. I don't know what is going through your mind being depressed after achieving so much at such a young age, it's anything but depressing. I'm 35, no money, never had a girlfriend, still living with my mom and my deceased father was always disappointed with me and my choice of career. All these not because i'm a introvert or a lazy slacker. Because i have a debilitating disease that is slowly killing me which made me feel inadequate as a eligible companion for any woman and also confines me from ever achieving a successful career. When you deal with that for years, that will surely make any sane person depressed. I know this thread is about you and your wonderful photos ( they are really breath-taking), and you shouldn't be bother with my life story, but it just pisses me off when i see people still b***h about being depressed when their life is anything but.
EnidMitchell 9 years ago
Well done for conquering the "black dog" of depression and finding the strength to share these exquisite photographs with the rest of us
JodiFolstad 9 years ago
happy u found therapy, struggling intensely still with the darkness. thank you for the beauty
ShirleyTarres 9 years ago
Beautiful visions. Like the way you have turned your mind around by embracing the beauty that surrounds us. I should do the same.
nettedarling 9 years ago
Blown away. I too discovered photography (& gardening) during a very dark & traumatic period of depression. Thank you for sharing #Inspired
SharonRoberts 9 years ago
Beautiful! And congratulations on finding new feelings of appreciation and love!
AgataGrajoszek 9 years ago
Those photos look like paintings, so beautiful! You are free to be healthy! take care :)
ShelleyMagner 9 years ago
I, too, suffer from depression, have for many years. What I've learned is you must to do whatever it is to see and feel again. Good for you!
MayaAladdin 9 years ago
Fantastic work! You kicked depression's a*s in the coolest way ever.. I guess everything happens for a reason idd. Props for your wife tho!
AnneliAlmquist 9 years ago
Wow, really amazing pictures! Nature i awesome and I do think it heals, if you like it :D '
katewilson 9 years ago
Keeping your mind on anything can ease depression. was there for 8 years! stopped all meds ( best thing I ever did) and got a hobby. Great p
KjellVassdal 9 years ago
Beautiful pictures, but how do you find all this fantastic locations?
BrianNewby 9 years ago
nice article, the same scenario happened with me about 4 years ago and I'm glad the healing power of art has saved another. never stop!
VanessaWells 9 years ago
Beautiful shots and I believe the depression opened your subconscious and allowed you to put your heart into the beautiful images captured!
CatherineHunter 9 years ago
Wow you are an amazing photographer!! I too fight with depression. My photos are no where as beautiful as yours. Using a very old Kodak.
CarolCatlin 9 years ago
The peace experienced in these moments is better than any medicine you can take.
WenaBascones 9 years ago
These are the most beautiful photos I've seen. Very captivating and looks so peaceful.
NicoleWebster 9 years ago
Gorgeous work. And so inspiring to know it helped you. I don't have much time for my art anymore, but this reminded me how much it helps me.
Cherry Lee Panal 5 years ago
I am currently having a depression. But, after reading this I want to try If I can also find the colors of the world thru camera lens.
SandraRugina 8 years ago
Gorgeous!!! I agree, photography is really soothing :) I wish you all the best and many great photos!
KennethSilagy 8 years ago
Dealing with depression for years I understand. Photography grounds me an makes me whole again
AlexKonala 8 years ago
Amazing photos :), keep exploring the world through the lense William, the photos show show much beauty
MicheleJankelow 8 years ago
How very beautiful! How very honest and that is why you see things so perfectly through your lens!
LindaStars 8 years ago
Phenomenal. What a gift :) thanks for sharing. What a difference can be found when we stop and smell the roses, Nature, the great healer. Creativity moves us closer to God :)
EllynMeyers 8 years ago
Such beautiful shots! Glad to know this has helped you work your way out of depression and find meaning in your life again.
ChuntevaSmith-Eriksson 9 years ago
For some reason while going through this, I got emotional, and felt passion, love, inspiration, desire, strength, and yet I shed a few tears, whilst in awe of the beauty. This is one of the reasons I love photography. You not only can capture an image, but the depth of emotion in an image. You can see truly how passionate of a photographer you are through your work~
SafiyyahAbdullah 9 years ago
Your pictures are beautiful! The world is full of beauty and the more you look for, the more you will find. And the more you appreciate it, the better you will feel. Thankyou for showing us these beautiful scenes and helping us too!
EileenPCarry 9 years ago
Anxiety calls us back to who we are. Let passion fly free, be then free.
EileenPCarry 9 years ago
Anxiety is what calls us back to who we truly are. Listen to yourself, and find peace.
VickiDiNitto 9 years ago
These are breathtakingly beautiful. What a talent. And timing perfection.. So glad you found an outlet---depression is such a thief. WHo knew there was such beauty EVERYWHERE. So glad I stumbled onto this.
JoanaMeneses 9 years ago
Congrats! Really good photography :) Photography make us see the world deeply and see things that before we didn't even notice.
CharleyCoetzee 9 years ago
William, what a beautiful story, taking something so horrible and making such stunning work of it, keep going, as a fellow photographer (suffered depression) i know the feeling! :D "Every day brings a choice: to practice stress or to practice peace. β Choose to be miserable and youβll find plenty of reasons to be miserable. Choose to be peaceful and youβll find plenty of reasons to be at peace. Think about it. Are you skilled at making yourself miserable? With those same skills you can make yourself motivated, effective and fulfilled. Do so."
CharleyCoetzee 9 years ago
OH WOW, what a great way to turn something so ugly into a passion so beautiful! ive been there and i know! well done and keep going William!!
IshbelBurnet 9 years ago
Indeed depression will steal your soul unless you fight back with grace, dignity and love. You did all of this and more with these exquisite photos. Your ability to fing photogenic locations and to capture the ephemeral moment, is awesome.
SeanHalpin 9 years ago
You are a true artist. Incredible photos you have there. I am inspired to take it up myself!
JoleneHuttonWiley 9 years ago
Really awesome work! So grateful that you found an outlet that can be admired all over the world and bring awareness to mental health
zudgwejhgc 9 years ago
really awesome photos! u give me some inspirations. Thank you for that.
YoviitaHauke 9 years ago
Really Amazing :D I tottaly admire Your work <3 I'm fighting with depression too so I know how it is. Keep doing your amazing work :D
JodiFolstad 9 years ago
happy for u to find this form of renewing therapy...am struggling to find after decades of darkness
ShirleyTarres 9 years ago
Beautiful fotos, thanks for sharing. True sense of strength to redirect your mind to a better place through the use of a camera. Will try it
DebCostello 9 years ago
Mark...these photos are absolutely stunning. I dont have the talent or eye to take photos like this so thank you for sharing them with is .
ShelleyMagner 9 years ago
I, too, suffer from depression. What I've learned is that one must learn something creative to get out of the head. Good for you! Keep going
KjellVassdal 9 years ago
Beautiful pictures, but how do you find all these fantastic locations?
You May Like 86 Photography Hacks To Take Your Photos To The Next Level βView From My Windowβ: 30 Mesmerizing Scenes People Snapped Right From Their Windows Look At What New York Looked Like 3 Decades Ago (30 Photos)
Aivaras Kaziukonis
RugilΔ Ε½emaitytΔ
IndrΔ LukoΕ‘iΕ«tΔ
Related on Bored Panda
295
118