Charlotte in Wonderland: a Journey Through Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
As my daughter navigated depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, I felt myself constantly searching for some solution to her pain. Creativity has always been an outlet in my life, and throughout this project, I hoped that something beautiful might invoke hope and encouragement in people like my daughter. The absence of her face in most of the images are portrayals of ‘emptiness’ and ‘disappearing’ which are common feelings among those suffering from depression. The opportunity to use her as my subject, was a cathartic process in both our journeys to healing.
The dream-child moving through a land
Of wonders wild and new,
In friendly chat with bird or beasts -
And half believe it true.
And ever, as the story drained
The wells of fancy dry,
And faintly strove that weary one
To put the subject by,
“The rest next time-” “It is next time!”
The happy voices cry.
-Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll