Photographer suffering from depression captures his mental illness in haunting series of self-portraits to raise awareness for the disorder
- Edward Honaker, 21, from California, was diagnosed with depression and anxiety two years ago
- After his diagnosis, he turned to his camera to document his personal experience with a series of black and white images
A young photographer battling depression has captured his torment in a powerful series of self-portraits as a way to share his internal suffering and raise awareness for those with similar struggles.
Edward Honaker, 21, from California, was diagnosed with depression and anxiety two years ago, but up until that point he was confused by his crippling emotions. After learning the cause of his persistent melancholy, he turned to his camera to document his personal experience.
'It's kind of hard to feel any kind of emotion when you're depressed, and I think good art can definitely move people,' he told the Huffington Post of his picture series.
Mental torment: Edward Honaker turned to photography after he was diagnosed with depression and anxiety to document his personal experience with depressive disorders in a series of self-portraits
Deepest fears: The 21-year-old from California photographed himself holding a balloon while standing in waist deep water for the image titled Idling Life Cause / Feeling Suicidal
Looking for help: Edward blurred his face in this powerful photograph, which is entitled Any Exit / Anxiety
Edward's face is blurred or covered in all of the haunting black and white photos, which are meant to portray the helplessness felt by someone who is battling a depressive disorder.
'All I knew is that I became bad at the things I used to be good at, and I didn't know why,' Edward recalled of the time before his diagnosis.
'Your mind is who you are, and when it doesn't work properly, it's scary,' he noted.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than six million American men suffer from depression each year, however, the stigma surrounding mental health issues prevents many from seeking treatment.
Blending into the background: Edward's face is blurred or covered in all of the haunting black and white photos, which are meant to portray the helplessness felt by someone who is battling mental illness
Treading water: Edward said he hopes his images will help those who suffering from similar afflictions
Sinking down: In the photo Grin Down / Drowning, Edward photographed himself submerged in the bathtub
Edward, who hopes his series will help combat that stigma, encourages others to be there for those who are suffering.
'You never really know what others may be going through so all you can really do is be kind and nonjudgemental,' he explained.
After Edward's photos were shared by the Huffington Post, fans visited his Facebook and Instagram pages to praise his work.
Skin and bones: This haunting image highlights Edward's spine as he poses next to a wilted flower
Where did he go: In Sad Ailment / Mental Disease, the photographer is looking in the mirror, but his reflection is blurred
Roller coaster of emotions: For the image titled Great Day / Tragedy, Edward covered his head and tied balloons around his neck like a noose
'You've captured the feeling. You have actually captured it,' one Facebook user wrote.
'[I] just saw your portfolio on Huffington Post - blown away - outstanding work. This one is the best I've seen. Thank you,' the person added.
'I've felt so close to your pictures about anxiety and depression. It's very well retranslated... Thank you for this "catharsis",' someone else wrote on his Instagram page.
And Edward responded on Instagram by noting that he is 'really touched' by all of the comments and emails he has received.
'I feel very #blessed to be alive right now,' he added.
White space: In the image entitled I'm Sorry, Edward can be seen staring into nothingness
Scary thoughts: Edward combined portraits of himself falling, drowning and sleeping to portray his mental state in the picture titled Bad Dreams / Worse Reality
Inspiring message: After receiving numerous emails and comments praising his series, Edward took to Instagram to say that he feels 'blessed to be alive right now'
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