Photographer Documents Husband’s Depression In Intimate Photo Series
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‘The Sea That Surrounds Us’ is a project by photographer Maureen Drennan that documents her husband’s battle with depression and her own battle to understand it.
The name of the project is taken from a line from a love poem by Pablo Neruda called Night on the Island, a title that reflects the photographer’s decision to intersperse pictures of her husband Paul with pictures from Block Island, Rhode Island, which is where she spent time as a child. The barrenness and isolation of the island works as both a physical embodiment of the distance she felt from her husband as well a tangible manifestation of her husband’s own interior state during his depression. They’ve since put this difficult time behind them, but her series serves as a reminder of how fragile we are as humans, and how difficult it is to truly understand the experiences of another person, no matter how close they may seem to us.
More info: Maureen Drennan (h/t)
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Oh dear husband...you don't feel well? Let me take picture of you (by the way, half have nothing to do with him) and make it an "art" project...
Imagine this: Youre healthy, got a job, wife. Everything looks normal and perfect. But inside youre broken, you can't feel anything, you feel like there is something wrong with you but can't find out what. People start judging you that youre lazy, sad, selfish. Depression is a disease. Don't judge people by their illnes. His wife is photographer. So she used her best tools to deal with her reality. Probably she needed to do this more than he. You might like it or not but don't judge.
It may have helped one or both of them to make this public. We can't know what's in their minds in that regard. However, being silent about depression helps nobody. Now others who have these same feelings can understand they are not alone and maybe these images will help others confused by a loved one with these feelings or make others more aware of depression. If nothing else, it is a perspective shared.
totally agree about the fact it's a disease and difficult to understand for the other half (or anyone else). I'm sure she needed to understand it better and used photography therefore. But then why make it public? Does it help him or her?
Who's judging the depressed person here?
Arty nowadays there is a lot of 'art' thats show nothing and nobody asks why this is public. She had a reason to do it and right to show it like anyone else can do it here. Some of us will like it some will not. I think fact that you are questioning this is good. It made you think. And maybe you'll find answer.
I agree with arty. A bit intrusive and insensitive.
Well said Amelia Ch. Never judge what you don't know.
Wise words.. People are so selfish and blind... They barely understand themselves, and they are the first to point their fingers to judge
I can tell that your comment was intended as a retort. However, when someone turns really personal experiences in art projects, they are inviting comments and criticisms. Secondly, you very obviously know absolutely nothing about either side of real, deep depression. I can say that because I've been there with my husband who also happened to be bipolar, addicted to heroin, who could also polish off a quart of single malt Scotch daily. I used to wonder if depression is contagious.
...but let me get naked first.
Ditto
It wasn't about "showing off her body" or anything vain of the sort. It's about being vulnerable, exposed. Depression is a serious mental illness and the vulnerability in these photos has nothing to do with wanting to get compliments on someone's body. It's about the rawness, the reality that this couple faces every day. She is not "posing" or trying to look sexy. She is standing there while her husband brushes his teeth; a mundane activity at best. The fact that you all simply honed in on the fact that there is a topless woman in one of these pictures shows how little you respect the artist or the illness. I'm sure you have all seen naked bodies before. If it makes you uncomfortable, don't take a picture topless.
All of these comments are opinions. Opinions of what YOU see as right or wrong. YOUR way of dealing with issues will not be the same as someone else's. Just because you think this solution is odd or incorrect doesn't make it wrong or "attention-whoring"... it could've easily been an experiment for them to get their mind off things. As for her nudity, some people feel absolutely no shame with their bodies. Unfortunately for you all, you'll just have to deal with it or stop looking at the photos.
Some things need to be kept private.
Indeed. The series of photos has nothing to do with helping her husband, or herself, deal with his depression- it has everything to do with shouting 'look at me!' and whoring for attention under false pretences. There are far more affective ways of dealing and treating depression than photographing it. She does have nice tits though, so there is that I suppose...
Indeed. Just an excuse to take a topless selfie of herself in the bathroom mirror. Didn't think of putting on a dressing gown first. And I used to be castigated for going to the bathroom in pajamas or long sleeved night dress without a dressing gown when I was in my 20's in shared flats. I always dressed after going to the bathroom in the morning and before having breakfast.
I'm pretty sure she didn't do it against his will :p I would have appreciated it if someone tried to show the world how my depression felt like when I was going through the same thing. I always felt so worthless and sad because everyone just thought I was lazy or faking it or something.
Tricky question, but I'll try to answer it. :p I think it would help a lot of people all over the world who suffers from depression if everyone out there knew more of how it feels like. I know that I was being jugded by people I didn't even know (I live in a small town, so when I fell into depression and had to leave school, I was the talk of the town, even though most of the people here didn't really know me. Also, as you can see in this comment field, a lot of people judge EVERYONE who suffers from depression). Of course, it's not like it would all go away just because people understood me. But when I was depressed and knew how people felt about it, it also triggered anxiety, which made me even more depressed, even more worthless.. So yeah, if everyone out there was a bit more understanding to what depression really is, I think it would help those who suffer from it, take some of the pressure off, make it a bit easier to breathe, a bit easier to talk about..
thanks for your input! So showing it to people (even if you don't know them) would have help you?
Thanks for sharing :) However not sure if these pictures help people to understand what depression really is... :/
Aaaaand I don't know how much photos like this will make people understand, but at least she tried, right? And if it works, that's awesome. So yes, I appreciate it. Depression is a terribe disease, and I'm thankful for everyone who's trying to help :)
https://www.boredpanda.com/depression-self-portraits-photography-edward
Thanks. Don't really like the art there but understand better the point of it ;)
"The barrenness and isolation of the island works as both a physical embodiment of the distance she felt from her husband as well a tangible manifestation of her husband’s own interior state during his depression. They’ve since put this difficult time behind them, but her series serves as a reminder of how fragile we are as humans.." They do in a sense have to do with him.
I know about deep depression (which I managed to overcome after a few years)...yet...I strongly agree with Arty. She didn't document his depression...tough she might gave us her view of how might his depression feel. Who knows xD
Arty: quite strange, normally a comment like this gets you like 100 downvotes in a minute...
yep, I'm as surprised as you...
Haha, now I get downvotes for this comment. :p
I suggest you read the introduction to this article before you judge anybody!
youre depressed? Kool, let me get it on the net.................
Not all depressed people look the same way. There is such a thing as smiling depression or putting a brave face on it. And somebody with facial expressions like in those photos might not be depressed but just having a bad day or concealing anger.
It is kool. Now you, they, and I am talking about this. This makes me feel less alone when I'm doer eased. How about you, Poncho? What kind of kool things have you done lately?
Yeah, let all people see it...hahaha oh my
So people cancer other illnesses are allowed to show their battle and how they got through it but someone with depression cant? And ofcourse he wouldve been asked before posting these. Jesus. #stigma
Maaaybe she only put them on the net after they put this behind them?
Don't give the wife such a hard time! She has everyone here discussing this illness. I'm sure hubby is on board. Sometimes all you can do is watch someone spiral.
Not when she takes a selfie of herself topless though in the first photo.
Not everyone sees nudity as scandalous.
What I see is intimacy, trusted longterm partnership fouled by a lack of connection (which her camera represents). He looks unhealthy, unshowered, and forcing himself to brush his teeth. This is SO much what depression feels like... For both parties. Brilliant. But right... Topless selfie. Oy.
This was nothing more than an excuse to show her world her husband is "weak" and humiliate him online while advertising her tits for her next boyfriend to find and rescue her. Wake up already.
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To me she is just an attention seeking little girl playing housey and probably contributing to her husband's depression. Any idiot can trap a man, put on a white dress and go through a wedding ceremony. So many married women have proved it.
teresa, let's do this: to me you are just an attention seeking little girl judging people you don't really know at all. trap a man? corntibuting to someone's depression? don't say such harsh and unjust things just like that. try to be more open minded and not to spread so much hate in the world. cheers.
She just proved it by taking a topless selfie. As for me you don't know me at all. I found she was a lecturer in photography but her photos aren't that good for a professional. All look very depressing. And it's true that any idiot can get married; male or female. If they were a jerk to begin with marriage makes them even more of a jerk.
I suffer from Depression. I can understand why she shared her photos. And if she reached out and helped even just one person, then at least she has done something good. Why are so many people so....critical? Do you need a hug? Seriously.
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She made a mockery of her husband with such useless photos. Why do photos like that help anyone? Everyone knows somebody who has been obviously depressed.
It helps to know that you're not the only one that feels like that, even tho it feels like you're all alone in the world.
That's your opinion, Teresa. Not everyone shares your moral values and your ideas of "right" or "wrong"... They did this because they wanted to, period. You're obviously entitled to your opinion and can follow those ideals yourself... but to impose them on others and judge them for it is ignorant. Just because you do not understand the "why" doesn't make it wrong.
There are standards to be upheld and at one time social media sites would not publish nude photos. No I don't understand the why. Mental health organisations have been depicting depression for years now. I don't see how a profoundly depressed man can give his full consent.
People who make fun of thse pics dont understand depression. It is something I would not wish on anyone. it is like living a life that seems somehow separate from oneself, an entity that one has no control over.. that hurts constantly and you always feel so hurt and body aches with pain and sorrow constantly. And sometimes, you have no idea why you are feeling so down.
When you're depressed one of the hardest things is that you know your illness hurts people closest to you. Nobody at first know what's going on and how to deal with it. The depressed feels guilty for making family suffer in any shape or form and at worst case scenario him letting her publish this made him happy because it made her maybe a little bit happy (or very happy, we'll never know). Maybe he is the one who wanted them published to show others that they're not alone in this kind of mess. Doesn't matter if you've been depressed, seen someone close battling it or didn't have it in your life, it's none of our business how they deal with it. Maybe going public is just a coping mechanism. TL;DR: Leave them be. They've been through enough without your bullshit.
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The topless selfie of her ruined the entire message and now she can't be taken seriously.
I don't mind her sharing the photos or making a project about depression because this can be cathartic. But these photos are not a series, I don't see depression anywhere, I just see a bunch of unrelated pictures: a couple on the bathroom, he doesn't loom depressed, just really clean because he's brushing his teeth, and it looks like an intimate moment given the lack of clothes. The rest are just portraits of a person, could be depressed or just sad or tired. And the other photos of landscapes or buildings are just so disconnected. So... nice photos, nothing major, but if the title doesn't mentioned depression I wouldn't have guessed the concept.
and what boobs and see trough panties had to with depression???
Exactly. Just an excuse to exhibit herself.
Her lack of discretion probably made him depressed
Try to think a bit further than that.. It's not about "boobs and see through panties", it's about feeling exposed and vulnerable. Not everyone sees nudity as something sexual or immoral.
I would of hated someone photographing me when I went on disability for depression. But, maybe it works for them.
When have we as humans become so cruel to others? A little compassion, understanding and support goes much further than a jab with the tongue. Isn't that what we all want sometimes?
This is an honest, raw look inside the devastating toll of mental illness. If you don't like her way of dealing with the impact this is having on their lives or you don't have to look.
It is pictures of a guy in every day like photos. I don't see this as raw at all. Nothing shocking here
Depression is a lonely struggle. These pics didn't really convey that struggle to me but if they did for her, that's what counts.
people just have nothing to do ...
I really appreciate the effort, but these don't capture depression to me as I know it. Good photography but I don't feel the emotion behind the photos.
Okay,he's depressed,I get it,but why is she naked??!!
If that's all you can focus on then you're the one with the issues.
I think anything that can be done to put mental illness in the spotlight is helpful & enlightening to those who think it is attention seeking or laziness or that ppl should just 'pull up their socks', 'Buck up' and so on. If it were only that simple or obvious. I say; destigmatize mental illness by talking about it with no repercussions.
Quickly scrolling down on Bored Panda is maybe not the best way to see this series. I'm a bit irritated by the almost naked photogrpaher in one pic but I like the rest.
You who have never had depression, anxioty etc.FREE HUGS FROM FINLAND!,land where u can see sun shining 30 days per year.
Or the UK where you see the sun less and less now even though it's been warm and humid all summer. It feels like there is a lot of chem smog about but higher up in the sky than the old pea soupers in the 50's.
Thank you Maureen and Paul for sharing this.I found it beautiful and so comforting to me as my husband and I have experienced these feelings
Oh husband... Let me take pics of you and turn you into a boring click bait art project please and thank you. Oh and here's a shot of me half nude to really get the Internet's clicking going... You know... To bring the focus on you, dear. This was dumb and exploitative for the sake of her ego.
Well said. Though I am concerned about large mental health charities using models or staff members when they are slightly depressed to depict depression. Or a girl looking wistful into the distance.
If the person with depression is on a relationship, their partner is also fighting their own battle, my husband was amazing while supporting me, but I could see him hurting too. I think the photographer is just trying to get that across, and in my opinion she has done it beautifully 💕
Got to agree with Arty, and even if I didn't.... I couldn't help but feel the stated subject matter is being trivialised cheaply here
To those of you commenting "Why is she naked?"... I see that photo as the ability depression has to completely rid you of your sexual desire. Here's a beautiful, naked woman standing in the same room and you don't see her. Depression robs you of everything.
Photographers often use their art to understand the world around them and I, as a person who has experienced crippling bouts of depression, see the expressions of her husband as being very connected and well represented by the shots of the barren island. Art is not understood by everyone since it's not just about what is seen but also what is experienced. I understand that some may experience this in a negative light but that does not deter from its value to others. Take it easy and assume nothing
Also let's get my boobs out.
lol...pained, pained vanity....what will he do? I recommend instead taking pictures of those tits.
I understand the depression thing, however why did have to show her breasts and ugly bush ( Ugh)
Oh my dear husband, let me take photos of you and make sure my naked body is on show
She should have shown us her beav as well.
everyone is "artist" these days...
I know how this guy feels. I have a wife, kids, success but when the cloud of depression comes i go into autopiolot mode. Just so they dont have to suffer with me. It really sucks.
Oh you have depression? Let me exacerbate it by taking awkward pictures of you while Im also naked for all the pervs on the internet to ogle at my boobs and call you names.
Depression is very real, lonely, sad. It's hard for others to understand
Article gave me AIDS
I love your photos, I dont know why your husband is depressed and Im sorry about it, but your photos also express that feel, well atleast I feel in that way when Im watching it, and if I feel bad when a sees this I wont to know how your husband feels, just tell him I send him a hug from Mexico and whenever you're free to visit us and have a great time. Im willing to help.
art doesn't wear an outfit, doesn't follow orders. don't question it. read it with a neutral, clean gaze, please. you'll feel more relaxed too. these pictures aren't supposed to make sense, but simply to capture a feeling I think. it's simple poetry.
Your neurological disorder is physical and, can be fixed. If it is just your imagination or someone else's fault, you can get rid of them. I would imagine them away. I repeat, the problem is physical and, this means, it can be fixed.
never doubt a leica camera
Dayna
I welled up at the picture where he has red eyes, I've never rescued to art so powerfully before
She's no photographer. She's just got hold of a fancy camera and takes snaps with it. It's automatic so now fiddling with settings needed as with the old film 35mm cameras.
She takes photos, so she is by definition a photographer.
Depression is a terrible illness, as someone who has suffered with and continues to, I can honestly say that I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Feel sooo sorry for this man. It is hell being in such a dark hole. Just hope he gets treatment soon and that it works for him. It may sound really silly but rescuing a dog can help. Very often the connection between the 2 can be soo strong and it changes the persons life around.
Maybe leaving her or kicking her out might help.
as long as he had your consent and purpose, its all good
Depressed people like that don't give their true consent. They are either too amenable and then regret what they allowed or they don't want to do anything. They are too vulnerable.
Or maybe he gave his consent when he had recovered from that bout of depression.
It's pretty easy to talk for the man in this photo when he's nowhere around to defend himself or his decision.
Sorry:(
It is sad because the majority of people who we refer to are very very bright.
Depressed? With a wife that has such beautiful tits?!??!
I think he's depressed he married her.
The impetus is creative but the images are not very good choices, the photography is less than gifted, and the work it itself fails (miserably ) to accomplish its mission.
I think it's beautiful, a wife using her talents to represent her husband's depressed inner world. It is her showing her understanding of it, and giving the horrible disease a tunnel to the world for their understanding too. If I were the husband I would see her making beauty out of pain, and ultimately giving my sadness a voice and being loving and supportive.
Well, at least BoredPanda got something out of it, and that's all that matters.
Paul, you make The World prettier cuz you are IN IT!!!!....Please, do not step out cuz we all would miss a precious piece of our beautiful puzzle without you!!!!... Maureen, thank you for reminding Paul how precious he is!!!! XXX
Beautiful photos!
It's funny,how people who work 16 hours a day for survive , never have a depression
..yes.. funny.. :P
Absolutely rubbish. Just ask those junior doctors working long shifts often back to back. And when they stop working such long hours the depression really hits them.
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No reason to be depressed when you have a wife with poonts like that
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Pretentious wankers
Only in the comment section.
Not him, her.
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why she is nude and in the photo doesn't seem a little weird? and the grass is? maybe he's depressed because she's not listening or paying attention to him
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Oh ...... Dear you don't feel well?
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"I was depressed, now im also angry that my wife showed her boobs to everyone"
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I'm thinking the same way like Arty!
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She could pack her bags and leave this prat that lays around all day looking for sympathy instead of seeing a doctor and getting it sorted.
How do you know he doesn't have a job or studies full time?
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I'm fully aware that by saying this, i will be laughed or bullied by some.. directly or indirectly.. But to Paul (and Maureen).. and to all people out there who are experiencing the same thing (depression), and you feel that noone fully understand what you feel inside.. even the closest people in your life.. as a member of that group.. i just want to say.. Jesus (still) cares and understands you... : ) If you feel you've tried everything to stand and endure... try kneeling down for once.. give Him a chance..
Plus Jesus already has immaculate oral hygiene.
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Fuck all the dumb shit. I can see her got dang boobies, an I like it. She gots her nipple is showin.. I like uh have it.
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I'd also be depressed if I had a carpet covering my torso.
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Well umm...Nice boobs
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There is no such thing as depression. It's just another reason to sell us overpriced drugs and health insurance. Grow up and get over it
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Depression isn't a real thing. Grow up and get over it. Just another excuse to sell us pills for extravagant prices.
Is this what your music is about!
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depression is just the politically correct word for " I am lazy and just want to be a burden to my love ones", just tighten your bootstrap and work or better yet go save the whales
depression is a real disease that kills real people. It is more deadly than cancer if left untreated. You don't tell someone with cancer to just get better. You don't tell people with depression to just get better. People don't kill themselves because somebody hurt their feelings. They kill themselves because they cannot bear to be alive in a world their brain says does not want them. So leave the "real meaning of depression" to the doctors who diagnose and treat it and the people and their loved ones who deal with it. In other words, fuck you.
I agree... Depression is a silent killer...of hopes, dreams, happiness... :,(
You have no idea Felipe. I wish you never have that experience.
Dear Felipe, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. Fuck off and die.
Ajax Wright, I'm with you although I don't wish death on Felipe. Rather, I hope he finds himself dealing with depression himself or having to deal with someone he loves deeply going through it for a long, LONG time). It's people like Felipe and his ilk that I so wish could be banished to their own selfish, self centered planet. This world would be a better place without them.
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whoaa now I am depressed??, If I am to be banished with my ilk to our own world, who will work and pay the bills so that the depressed can enjoy their depression? You know just them lying around, enjoying their self pity while some people has to work to ensure the "depressed" have something to eat when they are feeling not that depressed and so when they are full they go on depression mode again. Do not worry, many people have wished me dead, but I killed them first, maybe someone will be successful and kill me one of these days, already accepted that as just part of my job, you cannot live forever you know, but it does not help If I get depressed about it
Do us a favour and unburden us from yourself.
Oh dear husband...you don't feel well? Let me take picture of you (by the way, half have nothing to do with him) and make it an "art" project...
Imagine this: Youre healthy, got a job, wife. Everything looks normal and perfect. But inside youre broken, you can't feel anything, you feel like there is something wrong with you but can't find out what. People start judging you that youre lazy, sad, selfish. Depression is a disease. Don't judge people by their illnes. His wife is photographer. So she used her best tools to deal with her reality. Probably she needed to do this more than he. You might like it or not but don't judge.
It may have helped one or both of them to make this public. We can't know what's in their minds in that regard. However, being silent about depression helps nobody. Now others who have these same feelings can understand they are not alone and maybe these images will help others confused by a loved one with these feelings or make others more aware of depression. If nothing else, it is a perspective shared.
totally agree about the fact it's a disease and difficult to understand for the other half (or anyone else). I'm sure she needed to understand it better and used photography therefore. But then why make it public? Does it help him or her?
Who's judging the depressed person here?
Arty nowadays there is a lot of 'art' thats show nothing and nobody asks why this is public. She had a reason to do it and right to show it like anyone else can do it here. Some of us will like it some will not. I think fact that you are questioning this is good. It made you think. And maybe you'll find answer.
I agree with arty. A bit intrusive and insensitive.
Well said Amelia Ch. Never judge what you don't know.
Wise words.. People are so selfish and blind... They barely understand themselves, and they are the first to point their fingers to judge
I can tell that your comment was intended as a retort. However, when someone turns really personal experiences in art projects, they are inviting comments and criticisms. Secondly, you very obviously know absolutely nothing about either side of real, deep depression. I can say that because I've been there with my husband who also happened to be bipolar, addicted to heroin, who could also polish off a quart of single malt Scotch daily. I used to wonder if depression is contagious.
...but let me get naked first.
Ditto
It wasn't about "showing off her body" or anything vain of the sort. It's about being vulnerable, exposed. Depression is a serious mental illness and the vulnerability in these photos has nothing to do with wanting to get compliments on someone's body. It's about the rawness, the reality that this couple faces every day. She is not "posing" or trying to look sexy. She is standing there while her husband brushes his teeth; a mundane activity at best. The fact that you all simply honed in on the fact that there is a topless woman in one of these pictures shows how little you respect the artist or the illness. I'm sure you have all seen naked bodies before. If it makes you uncomfortable, don't take a picture topless.
All of these comments are opinions. Opinions of what YOU see as right or wrong. YOUR way of dealing with issues will not be the same as someone else's. Just because you think this solution is odd or incorrect doesn't make it wrong or "attention-whoring"... it could've easily been an experiment for them to get their mind off things. As for her nudity, some people feel absolutely no shame with their bodies. Unfortunately for you all, you'll just have to deal with it or stop looking at the photos.
Some things need to be kept private.
Indeed. The series of photos has nothing to do with helping her husband, or herself, deal with his depression- it has everything to do with shouting 'look at me!' and whoring for attention under false pretences. There are far more affective ways of dealing and treating depression than photographing it. She does have nice tits though, so there is that I suppose...
Indeed. Just an excuse to take a topless selfie of herself in the bathroom mirror. Didn't think of putting on a dressing gown first. And I used to be castigated for going to the bathroom in pajamas or long sleeved night dress without a dressing gown when I was in my 20's in shared flats. I always dressed after going to the bathroom in the morning and before having breakfast.
I'm pretty sure she didn't do it against his will :p I would have appreciated it if someone tried to show the world how my depression felt like when I was going through the same thing. I always felt so worthless and sad because everyone just thought I was lazy or faking it or something.
Tricky question, but I'll try to answer it. :p I think it would help a lot of people all over the world who suffers from depression if everyone out there knew more of how it feels like. I know that I was being jugded by people I didn't even know (I live in a small town, so when I fell into depression and had to leave school, I was the talk of the town, even though most of the people here didn't really know me. Also, as you can see in this comment field, a lot of people judge EVERYONE who suffers from depression). Of course, it's not like it would all go away just because people understood me. But when I was depressed and knew how people felt about it, it also triggered anxiety, which made me even more depressed, even more worthless.. So yeah, if everyone out there was a bit more understanding to what depression really is, I think it would help those who suffer from it, take some of the pressure off, make it a bit easier to breathe, a bit easier to talk about..
thanks for your input! So showing it to people (even if you don't know them) would have help you?
Thanks for sharing :) However not sure if these pictures help people to understand what depression really is... :/
Aaaaand I don't know how much photos like this will make people understand, but at least she tried, right? And if it works, that's awesome. So yes, I appreciate it. Depression is a terribe disease, and I'm thankful for everyone who's trying to help :)
https://www.boredpanda.com/depression-self-portraits-photography-edward
Thanks. Don't really like the art there but understand better the point of it ;)
"The barrenness and isolation of the island works as both a physical embodiment of the distance she felt from her husband as well a tangible manifestation of her husband’s own interior state during his depression. They’ve since put this difficult time behind them, but her series serves as a reminder of how fragile we are as humans.." They do in a sense have to do with him.
I know about deep depression (which I managed to overcome after a few years)...yet...I strongly agree with Arty. She didn't document his depression...tough she might gave us her view of how might his depression feel. Who knows xD
Arty: quite strange, normally a comment like this gets you like 100 downvotes in a minute...
yep, I'm as surprised as you...
Haha, now I get downvotes for this comment. :p
I suggest you read the introduction to this article before you judge anybody!
youre depressed? Kool, let me get it on the net.................
Not all depressed people look the same way. There is such a thing as smiling depression or putting a brave face on it. And somebody with facial expressions like in those photos might not be depressed but just having a bad day or concealing anger.
It is kool. Now you, they, and I am talking about this. This makes me feel less alone when I'm doer eased. How about you, Poncho? What kind of kool things have you done lately?
Yeah, let all people see it...hahaha oh my
So people cancer other illnesses are allowed to show their battle and how they got through it but someone with depression cant? And ofcourse he wouldve been asked before posting these. Jesus. #stigma
Maaaybe she only put them on the net after they put this behind them?
Don't give the wife such a hard time! She has everyone here discussing this illness. I'm sure hubby is on board. Sometimes all you can do is watch someone spiral.
Not when she takes a selfie of herself topless though in the first photo.
Not everyone sees nudity as scandalous.
What I see is intimacy, trusted longterm partnership fouled by a lack of connection (which her camera represents). He looks unhealthy, unshowered, and forcing himself to brush his teeth. This is SO much what depression feels like... For both parties. Brilliant. But right... Topless selfie. Oy.
This was nothing more than an excuse to show her world her husband is "weak" and humiliate him online while advertising her tits for her next boyfriend to find and rescue her. Wake up already.
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To me she is just an attention seeking little girl playing housey and probably contributing to her husband's depression. Any idiot can trap a man, put on a white dress and go through a wedding ceremony. So many married women have proved it.
teresa, let's do this: to me you are just an attention seeking little girl judging people you don't really know at all. trap a man? corntibuting to someone's depression? don't say such harsh and unjust things just like that. try to be more open minded and not to spread so much hate in the world. cheers.
She just proved it by taking a topless selfie. As for me you don't know me at all. I found she was a lecturer in photography but her photos aren't that good for a professional. All look very depressing. And it's true that any idiot can get married; male or female. If they were a jerk to begin with marriage makes them even more of a jerk.
I suffer from Depression. I can understand why she shared her photos. And if she reached out and helped even just one person, then at least she has done something good. Why are so many people so....critical? Do you need a hug? Seriously.
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She made a mockery of her husband with such useless photos. Why do photos like that help anyone? Everyone knows somebody who has been obviously depressed.
It helps to know that you're not the only one that feels like that, even tho it feels like you're all alone in the world.
That's your opinion, Teresa. Not everyone shares your moral values and your ideas of "right" or "wrong"... They did this because they wanted to, period. You're obviously entitled to your opinion and can follow those ideals yourself... but to impose them on others and judge them for it is ignorant. Just because you do not understand the "why" doesn't make it wrong.
There are standards to be upheld and at one time social media sites would not publish nude photos. No I don't understand the why. Mental health organisations have been depicting depression for years now. I don't see how a profoundly depressed man can give his full consent.
People who make fun of thse pics dont understand depression. It is something I would not wish on anyone. it is like living a life that seems somehow separate from oneself, an entity that one has no control over.. that hurts constantly and you always feel so hurt and body aches with pain and sorrow constantly. And sometimes, you have no idea why you are feeling so down.
When you're depressed one of the hardest things is that you know your illness hurts people closest to you. Nobody at first know what's going on and how to deal with it. The depressed feels guilty for making family suffer in any shape or form and at worst case scenario him letting her publish this made him happy because it made her maybe a little bit happy (or very happy, we'll never know). Maybe he is the one who wanted them published to show others that they're not alone in this kind of mess. Doesn't matter if you've been depressed, seen someone close battling it or didn't have it in your life, it's none of our business how they deal with it. Maybe going public is just a coping mechanism. TL;DR: Leave them be. They've been through enough without your bullshit.
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The topless selfie of her ruined the entire message and now she can't be taken seriously.
I don't mind her sharing the photos or making a project about depression because this can be cathartic. But these photos are not a series, I don't see depression anywhere, I just see a bunch of unrelated pictures: a couple on the bathroom, he doesn't loom depressed, just really clean because he's brushing his teeth, and it looks like an intimate moment given the lack of clothes. The rest are just portraits of a person, could be depressed or just sad or tired. And the other photos of landscapes or buildings are just so disconnected. So... nice photos, nothing major, but if the title doesn't mentioned depression I wouldn't have guessed the concept.
and what boobs and see trough panties had to with depression???
Exactly. Just an excuse to exhibit herself.
Her lack of discretion probably made him depressed
Try to think a bit further than that.. It's not about "boobs and see through panties", it's about feeling exposed and vulnerable. Not everyone sees nudity as something sexual or immoral.
I would of hated someone photographing me when I went on disability for depression. But, maybe it works for them.
When have we as humans become so cruel to others? A little compassion, understanding and support goes much further than a jab with the tongue. Isn't that what we all want sometimes?
This is an honest, raw look inside the devastating toll of mental illness. If you don't like her way of dealing with the impact this is having on their lives or you don't have to look.
It is pictures of a guy in every day like photos. I don't see this as raw at all. Nothing shocking here
Depression is a lonely struggle. These pics didn't really convey that struggle to me but if they did for her, that's what counts.
people just have nothing to do ...
I really appreciate the effort, but these don't capture depression to me as I know it. Good photography but I don't feel the emotion behind the photos.
Okay,he's depressed,I get it,but why is she naked??!!
If that's all you can focus on then you're the one with the issues.
I think anything that can be done to put mental illness in the spotlight is helpful & enlightening to those who think it is attention seeking or laziness or that ppl should just 'pull up their socks', 'Buck up' and so on. If it were only that simple or obvious. I say; destigmatize mental illness by talking about it with no repercussions.
Quickly scrolling down on Bored Panda is maybe not the best way to see this series. I'm a bit irritated by the almost naked photogrpaher in one pic but I like the rest.
You who have never had depression, anxioty etc.FREE HUGS FROM FINLAND!,land where u can see sun shining 30 days per year.
Or the UK where you see the sun less and less now even though it's been warm and humid all summer. It feels like there is a lot of chem smog about but higher up in the sky than the old pea soupers in the 50's.
Thank you Maureen and Paul for sharing this.I found it beautiful and so comforting to me as my husband and I have experienced these feelings
Oh husband... Let me take pics of you and turn you into a boring click bait art project please and thank you. Oh and here's a shot of me half nude to really get the Internet's clicking going... You know... To bring the focus on you, dear. This was dumb and exploitative for the sake of her ego.
Well said. Though I am concerned about large mental health charities using models or staff members when they are slightly depressed to depict depression. Or a girl looking wistful into the distance.
If the person with depression is on a relationship, their partner is also fighting their own battle, my husband was amazing while supporting me, but I could see him hurting too. I think the photographer is just trying to get that across, and in my opinion she has done it beautifully 💕
Got to agree with Arty, and even if I didn't.... I couldn't help but feel the stated subject matter is being trivialised cheaply here
To those of you commenting "Why is she naked?"... I see that photo as the ability depression has to completely rid you of your sexual desire. Here's a beautiful, naked woman standing in the same room and you don't see her. Depression robs you of everything.
Photographers often use their art to understand the world around them and I, as a person who has experienced crippling bouts of depression, see the expressions of her husband as being very connected and well represented by the shots of the barren island. Art is not understood by everyone since it's not just about what is seen but also what is experienced. I understand that some may experience this in a negative light but that does not deter from its value to others. Take it easy and assume nothing
Also let's get my boobs out.
lol...pained, pained vanity....what will he do? I recommend instead taking pictures of those tits.
I understand the depression thing, however why did have to show her breasts and ugly bush ( Ugh)
Oh my dear husband, let me take photos of you and make sure my naked body is on show
She should have shown us her beav as well.
everyone is "artist" these days...
I know how this guy feels. I have a wife, kids, success but when the cloud of depression comes i go into autopiolot mode. Just so they dont have to suffer with me. It really sucks.
Oh you have depression? Let me exacerbate it by taking awkward pictures of you while Im also naked for all the pervs on the internet to ogle at my boobs and call you names.
Depression is very real, lonely, sad. It's hard for others to understand
Article gave me AIDS
I love your photos, I dont know why your husband is depressed and Im sorry about it, but your photos also express that feel, well atleast I feel in that way when Im watching it, and if I feel bad when a sees this I wont to know how your husband feels, just tell him I send him a hug from Mexico and whenever you're free to visit us and have a great time. Im willing to help.
art doesn't wear an outfit, doesn't follow orders. don't question it. read it with a neutral, clean gaze, please. you'll feel more relaxed too. these pictures aren't supposed to make sense, but simply to capture a feeling I think. it's simple poetry.
Your neurological disorder is physical and, can be fixed. If it is just your imagination or someone else's fault, you can get rid of them. I would imagine them away. I repeat, the problem is physical and, this means, it can be fixed.
never doubt a leica camera
Dayna
I welled up at the picture where he has red eyes, I've never rescued to art so powerfully before
She's no photographer. She's just got hold of a fancy camera and takes snaps with it. It's automatic so now fiddling with settings needed as with the old film 35mm cameras.
She takes photos, so she is by definition a photographer.
Depression is a terrible illness, as someone who has suffered with and continues to, I can honestly say that I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.
Feel sooo sorry for this man. It is hell being in such a dark hole. Just hope he gets treatment soon and that it works for him. It may sound really silly but rescuing a dog can help. Very often the connection between the 2 can be soo strong and it changes the persons life around.
Maybe leaving her or kicking her out might help.
as long as he had your consent and purpose, its all good
Depressed people like that don't give their true consent. They are either too amenable and then regret what they allowed or they don't want to do anything. They are too vulnerable.
Or maybe he gave his consent when he had recovered from that bout of depression.
It's pretty easy to talk for the man in this photo when he's nowhere around to defend himself or his decision.
Sorry:(
It is sad because the majority of people who we refer to are very very bright.
Depressed? With a wife that has such beautiful tits?!??!
I think he's depressed he married her.
The impetus is creative but the images are not very good choices, the photography is less than gifted, and the work it itself fails (miserably ) to accomplish its mission.
I think it's beautiful, a wife using her talents to represent her husband's depressed inner world. It is her showing her understanding of it, and giving the horrible disease a tunnel to the world for their understanding too. If I were the husband I would see her making beauty out of pain, and ultimately giving my sadness a voice and being loving and supportive.
Well, at least BoredPanda got something out of it, and that's all that matters.
Paul, you make The World prettier cuz you are IN IT!!!!....Please, do not step out cuz we all would miss a precious piece of our beautiful puzzle without you!!!!... Maureen, thank you for reminding Paul how precious he is!!!! XXX
Beautiful photos!
It's funny,how people who work 16 hours a day for survive , never have a depression
..yes.. funny.. :P
Absolutely rubbish. Just ask those junior doctors working long shifts often back to back. And when they stop working such long hours the depression really hits them.
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No reason to be depressed when you have a wife with poonts like that
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Pretentious wankers
Only in the comment section.
Not him, her.
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why she is nude and in the photo doesn't seem a little weird? and the grass is? maybe he's depressed because she's not listening or paying attention to him
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Oh ...... Dear you don't feel well?
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"I was depressed, now im also angry that my wife showed her boobs to everyone"
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I'm thinking the same way like Arty!
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She could pack her bags and leave this prat that lays around all day looking for sympathy instead of seeing a doctor and getting it sorted.
How do you know he doesn't have a job or studies full time?
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I'm fully aware that by saying this, i will be laughed or bullied by some.. directly or indirectly.. But to Paul (and Maureen).. and to all people out there who are experiencing the same thing (depression), and you feel that noone fully understand what you feel inside.. even the closest people in your life.. as a member of that group.. i just want to say.. Jesus (still) cares and understands you... : ) If you feel you've tried everything to stand and endure... try kneeling down for once.. give Him a chance..
Plus Jesus already has immaculate oral hygiene.
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Fuck all the dumb shit. I can see her got dang boobies, an I like it. She gots her nipple is showin.. I like uh have it.
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I'd also be depressed if I had a carpet covering my torso.
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Well umm...Nice boobs
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There is no such thing as depression. It's just another reason to sell us overpriced drugs and health insurance. Grow up and get over it
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Depression isn't a real thing. Grow up and get over it. Just another excuse to sell us pills for extravagant prices.
Is this what your music is about!
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depression is just the politically correct word for " I am lazy and just want to be a burden to my love ones", just tighten your bootstrap and work or better yet go save the whales
depression is a real disease that kills real people. It is more deadly than cancer if left untreated. You don't tell someone with cancer to just get better. You don't tell people with depression to just get better. People don't kill themselves because somebody hurt their feelings. They kill themselves because they cannot bear to be alive in a world their brain says does not want them. So leave the "real meaning of depression" to the doctors who diagnose and treat it and the people and their loved ones who deal with it. In other words, fuck you.
I agree... Depression is a silent killer...of hopes, dreams, happiness... :,(
You have no idea Felipe. I wish you never have that experience.
Dear Felipe, I mean this from the bottom of my heart. Fuck off and die.
Ajax Wright, I'm with you although I don't wish death on Felipe. Rather, I hope he finds himself dealing with depression himself or having to deal with someone he loves deeply going through it for a long, LONG time). It's people like Felipe and his ilk that I so wish could be banished to their own selfish, self centered planet. This world would be a better place without them.
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whoaa now I am depressed??, If I am to be banished with my ilk to our own world, who will work and pay the bills so that the depressed can enjoy their depression? You know just them lying around, enjoying their self pity while some people has to work to ensure the "depressed" have something to eat when they are feeling not that depressed and so when they are full they go on depression mode again. Do not worry, many people have wished me dead, but I killed them first, maybe someone will be successful and kill me one of these days, already accepted that as just part of my job, you cannot live forever you know, but it does not help If I get depressed about it
Do us a favour and unburden us from yourself.