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Vulnerable: I Created These Photo Series After Years Of Severe Depression
After years of severe depression and losing track of days not to mention who I used to be, I found that somewhere along the way I stopped caring. Missed outings with friends, existing in a pervasive fog of emptiness and even the thirty pounds I put on didn’t matter to me. I was slowly descending into a walled off shell of my former self. How did I get here? That is a scary question that I wasn’t sure I wanted to answer.
I used to have confidence, I used to be outgoing and full of life. I didn’t recognize myself anymore. If I had to be honest, and I did, my life wasn’t matching up to my expectations. That’s the hard thing about expectations. This period in my life also corresponded with the demise of the two most significant relationships of my adult life, the last one ending in spectacular fashion. When you do everything in your power to hold onto the one you love and it isn’t enough you begin to feel that you are not enough.
Though I no longer suffer from depression, the walls I have up are ever present. While creating these photographs I began to understand what I physically and mentally went through and to realize how it changed me. This is the truth of one of the chapters of my life and how in many ways I am still trying to come to terms with me that I used to know and love who I am becoming.
More info: jennybarrphotography.com
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Glenn Killey 7 years ago
Jenny, it's powerful.....and heartbreaking. #1 captures the pain in a way that you don't often see. Even though your back is to the camera, I can feel the loneliness and suffering. I have not clicked over to your website yet but I hope your work is being show in a gallery. I hope more people appreciate the art. -GK
Jenny Barr (Post author) 7 years ago
GK, Thank you so much. I was nervous to share it originally, but comments like this make it all worth it. The series is not currently in a gallery, but I am hoping that will change soon. Jenny
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Emily Jean 6 years ago
You've captured it beautifully. Not just sadness, but monotony, frustration... wonderful
alice f 6 years ago
Your pictures bring tears to my eyes because they express exactly how I feel. And I have shame that I feel this way like it's my fault so I don't want anybody to know. You have turned the pain into art and show us all it is part of being human. You make it so real. thank you for sharing it.
Jenny Barr (Post author) 6 years ago
Alice, Sadly, so many of us experience and deal with depression. Mainly on our own. This project helped me to own what I was going through and share it so that others might realize they're not alone. Thank you for sharing. Jenny.
Load More Replies...
Susan Westmoreland 6 years ago
I have suffered from major depression with suicidal ideation (2 major attempts) for years. My outward appearance is strength shoo when I admit to someone they always argue. Just because I put on a great front doesn't make it any less real. Thank you for sharing
Jenny Barr (Post author) 6 years ago
Susan, I understand how hard it can be to keep up the exterior appearance as though nothing is wrong. I hope you know that there is always a resource or someone to reach out to. Oftentimes friends don't believe because they're scared and don't know how to help. Thank you for sharing.
Load More Replies... Glenn Killey 7 years ago
Jenny, it's powerful.....and heartbreaking. #1 captures the pain in a way that you don't often see. Even though your back is to the camera, I can feel the loneliness and suffering. I have not clicked over to your website yet but I hope your work is being show in a gallery. I hope more people appreciate the art. -GK
Jenny Barr (Post author) 7 years ago
GK, Thank you so much. I was nervous to share it originally, but comments like this make it all worth it. The series is not currently in a gallery, but I am hoping that will change soon. Jenny
Load More Replies... Emily Jean 6 years ago
You've captured it beautifully. Not just sadness, but monotony, frustration... wonderful
alice f 6 years ago
Your pictures bring tears to my eyes because they express exactly how I feel. And I have shame that I feel this way like it's my fault so I don't want anybody to know. You have turned the pain into art and show us all it is part of being human. You make it so real. thank you for sharing it.
Jenny Barr (Post author) 6 years ago
Alice, Sadly, so many of us experience and deal with depression. Mainly on our own. This project helped me to own what I was going through and share it so that others might realize they're not alone. Thank you for sharing. Jenny.
Load More Replies... Susan Westmoreland 6 years ago
I have suffered from major depression with suicidal ideation (2 major attempts) for years. My outward appearance is strength shoo when I admit to someone they always argue. Just because I put on a great front doesn't make it any less real. Thank you for sharing
Jenny Barr (Post author) 6 years ago
Susan, I understand how hard it can be to keep up the exterior appearance as though nothing is wrong. I hope you know that there is always a resource or someone to reach out to. Oftentimes friends don't believe because they're scared and don't know how to help. Thank you for sharing.
Load More Replies... You May Like 50 Self Portrait Ideas To Step Up Your Insta Game 50 Times People Captured Perfect Street Scenes And Had To Share It In This Online Group
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