Sa’Nia Simpson, the model in these photos, came to me one day and asked if I would help her create images that showed her journey and feelings with depression. Having struggled with mental health myself, I immediately said yes and the planning process began. 

To me, the first image represents the starting point. The beginning of a depression spiral. The second image represents the loneliness and isolation that comes with depression. It is one of the worst feelings in the world to be surrounded by a group of people and feel like no one understands you, no one cares about you and that you don’t belong. 

The third image represents the breaking point. This was the most powerful image Sa’Nia and I shot and we were both crying while capturing it. The breaking point is when a person is overloaded. Their emotions are shot, their mental health is down the tube and they can barely, if at all care for themselves. This is rock bottom. 

But after the breaking point comes the comeback and that is what the final image represents. The comeback is when you emerge from the depression on the other side. You feel like yourself again and you learn to be a light in the darkness.

But an important thing to note is that the cycle of depression is never straight. It’s fluid with ups, downs, twists and turns. No two experiences are ever the same and it’s okay to feel great one day, and then awful the next. For me, going to therapy every week, being on medication and having an amazing and strong support system with my friends and family are what help me make it through the hard stages. If you’re struggling right now, give yourself grace. Don’t try and ignore your feelings and don’t be afraid to talk about them.

Suicide hotline #968

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