1st place
gold star award
NiloofarD Photography
australia 
title
Chronic Depression
Many people live with functional depression for a number of years without even knowing what it is that they are suffering from. It is important to know that although people with functional depression manage to function, it does not mean that they don't suffer. In fact, it can be even more painful and draining than the most known type of depression, because you would need to use excessive mental energy in order to pretend everything is ok. Raising awareness about functional depression can normalise it and make it easier -for individuals who suffer from it- to know how and where to seek help.
This series which is called "Chronic Depression" contains five self-portraits, each representing one important aspect of chronic depression.
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entry description
Chronic functional depression is probably one of the most unspoken mental health conditions that many individuals silently struggle with in their lives. When we hear the word depression we often associate it with social withdrawal, constant crying, not being able to perform daily tasks, or overall not being able to function in daily life. However, many people with depression manage to function well, despite their suffering. In other words, although they suffer from chronic low mood, appetite issues, sleep problems, lack of motivation, and so on, they manage to successfully hide it when they are with others.Many people live with functional depression for a number of years without even knowing what it is that they are suffering from. It is important to know that although people with functional depression manage to function, it does not mean that they don't suffer. In fact, it can be even more painful and draining than the most known type of depression, because you would need to use excessive mental energy in order to pretend everything is ok. Raising awareness about functional depression can normalise it and make it easier -for individuals who suffer from it- to know how and where to seek help.
This series which is called "Chronic Depression" contains five self-portraits, each representing one important aspect of chronic depression.
about the photographer
I am a freelance, self-taught fine art photographer based in Australia. For me, photography is not just a mere documenting of moments but a tool I can use in order to express concepts which can not easily be expressed in other ways. Concepts such as existential topics or psyche struggles. My professional background in psychology as well as my experience of growing up in Middle East has very much influenced my works. My style doesn't fit into one category; it's dynamic and constantly changing as I believe creativity and improvement would never fit into the box of too much structure and repetition.back to gallery
