Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting around one in 10 people in the UK their lifetime. But despite this, misconceptions about the illness are still prevalent in society.
To illustrate what it’s really like to live with the illness, an artist has created a haunting photo series based on her own experience, with the aim of giving those suffering in silence a voice.
Janelia Mould’s ‘A Girl Called Melancholy - A Story Of Depression’ features a character with no face, so that anyone living with mental illness can identify with her.
Each of the images is accompanied by a word Mould links with depression, such as “forgotten”, “barren” or “uninhabited”.
“I am by no means an expert on the topic of depression and this project is completely subjective, based on my personal experience,” she told The Huffington Post UK.
“I’m hoping to give people that have never had depression a small peek into what it feels like to have depression, a better understanding, if you will.
“It’s not just about feeling ‘sad’, it’s about feeling empty, lost, hopeless, tired, it’s so much more.”
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Janelia Mould
It's Complicated.
Mould, now 38, says there was “no exact moment” when she realised she was suffering from depression, as symptoms developed gradually over a period of time.
However, she believes she’s been living with the illness since she was around 27.
“I just literally did not feel like myself anymore,” she said. “It’s important to reach out and seek help, no matter how hard. Luckily for me I was and still am surrounded by very supportive people.”
She added that creating the series has been a therapeutic experience for her.
“I give my feelings a life of their own through my photographs, inspired by poetry and quotes by different authors,” she said.
“Creating my images is so therapeutic, from their conception to shopping for vintage dresses and props in charity shops, to setting up the scene to photograph, to finally sitting down and editing and composing my image to my heart’s content.
“My latest image is always my favourite one and this series has been a highlight of my photography career based upon a very low time in my life. I guess every dark cloud has a silver lining.”
View more of the photos from the series below or visit Janelia Mould’s website or Facebook page to see more of her work.
Dangling
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Janelia Mould
Uninhabited
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Janelia Mould
Forgotten
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Janelia Mould
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Withering Away
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Janelia Mould
Barren
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Janelia Mould
Jaded
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Janelia Mould
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Useful websites and helplines:
Mind, open Monday to Friday,9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
Samaritans offers a listeningservice which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
Get Connected is a freeadvice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk
15 Facts About Depression
It's Not Just About Being Sad (01 of15)
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There’s more to depression than just feeling sad all the time, says Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. Symptoms of depression can include psychomotor (cognitive functions and physical movement) activity changes, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, while others may also have suicidal thoughts or attempts.
It Doesn't Mean You Can't Live Your Life(02 of15)
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Being diagnosed with depression doesn't have to stop you from living your day-to-day life or seeking professional help. Most people would never guess celebrities like Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel and J.K. Rowling all battled depression.
It Can Be Expensive (03 of15)
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In Canada, one 2012 report found depressed workers who take a leave of absence or schedule in doctor or therapy appointments during work hours, can cost an employer up to $18,000.
New Moms Can Get Hit (04 of15)
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Masand says one in 10 new mothers will develop postpartum depression. "This is by no means a character flaw or weakness. Symptoms of depression or the 'baby blues' can occur in many women." Mothers who feel like they do have symptoms should seek treatment and not put it off.
Women Are More Likely To Be Depressed (05 of15)
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Masand says women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and although depression can strike at any age, the average age of onset is 32.
You're More Likely To Have A Heart Attack(06 of15)
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Patients with depression are also more likely to have heart attacks and strokes compared to non-depressed individuals, Masand adds. Researchers note some symptoms of depression can reduce your overall physical and mental health, which increases your risk of heart disease or make symptoms of heart disease worse.
It's Not Just Adults (07 of15)
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One out of 10 adolescents will have depressive disorder by the time they're 18, Masand says. "Compared to adults, children with depression may be more likely to present temper tantrums, somatic complaints, social withdrawal and mood liability."
It Doesn't Always "Go Away" (08 of15)
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If you are seeking treatment or taking antidepressants, Masand adds it's not as simple as being symptom-free in a few weeks. "Medications take time to work, and a 10 to 12 week trial is necessary to achieve remission," he says. He also adds cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are good options to moderate depression.
Depression And Bipolar Disorder Are Not The Same (09 of15)
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Sometimes, people are misdiagnosed or use the two conditions interchangeably. Masand says healthcare professionals should also ask about the history of a patient's experience with hypomania and mania — both of which are linked to being bipolar.
Sometimes Being SAD Is More Than Just SAD (10 of15)
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Many patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is winter depression, have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, Masand says. Again, this can be tracked by looking at the patient's medical history, and experience with hypomania and mood levels. Often, professionals (and patients) wait around for the weather to get better to feel better.
Exercise And Yoga Can Help(11 of15)
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Masand says studies have shown exercise and yoga can be very helpful with patients with depression. "When you exercise, you release endorphins, a chemical in the brain that brings about a positive feeling over the body." The benefits of exercising in general include longer and deeper sleep, improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced stress and alleviated depression and anxiety.
How Is It Diagnosed? (12 of15)
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There are no laboratory tests or brain scans that can diagnose depression, Masand says. Instead, doctors talk to patients about family history, look for depression symptoms and at the same time, rule out other conditions to narrow down depression.
Hidden Causes (13 of15)
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Masand says many medications like steroids or isotretinoin have been linked to causing depression. If you recently started taking a new medication and are feeling the symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects.
The Link Between Antidepressants And Suicidal Thoughts (14 of15)
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Antidepressants don’t usually increase suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies, Masand says, but some studies have shown a correlation with an increased risk in some patients. In particular, children, teens and those under 24 tend to have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts. In this case, anyone under 24 should be monitored extra carefully for any suicidal behaviour.
Resiliency Can Be A Good Thing (15 of15)
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People with the resiliency trait are less likely to develop depression. "The reason for this isn’t totally understood, but resilient people typically have a stronger belief in themselves, don’t let adversity bring them down and are more confident," Masand says. He adds these types of behaviours are also taught in therapy.