Happy Help

Photo taken by a 40+ year-old woman diagnosed with bipolar 3 disorder and ADD.  She is also a Clinical Psychologist and budding photographer.

About this photo: “This photograph was taken for the second half of an assignment in a photography class I was taking last year.  The first part was to photograph symbols of our nightmares.  This second was to photograph something that spoke to our “happy or good dreams.”  I was really surprised how difficult it was for me to access fantasy or happiness of any sort.  This was the most difficult assignment last year by far.  I decided I wanted to convey how helpful medication can be if it is prescribed by a well-trained physician in tandem with excellent psychotherapy.  My two doctors seriously keep me afloat and the medications, when balanced, truly provide happiness and balance.  There needs to be improved media attention to mental illness, symptoms, and it’s repercussions and effects on individuals and families.  I hoped to explore these issues in an honest way with my Xanax, Vyvance, Lithium, and Lamictal.  

Unfortunately, it didn’t go over well.  Some of my classmates seemed shocked and unusually quiet.  My teacher, who is normally very supportive of my work, told me I missed the point.  Perhaps I did, but I also want to believe I stretched it to a place that people who do not rely on psychotropics cannot go yet, but will someday.”

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