Photography with anxiety and PTSD
These are my thoughts and feelings as a fairytale photographer struggling with anxiety and PTSD.
Living in the Moment: Photography encourages me to focus on what’s happening now, shifting attention away from intrusive thoughts or overwhelming emotions.
One of the first things my therapist suggested was using my phone to take photos or to film my experiences. Looking through the screen created separation but also a connection to others.
Observation and Awareness: Looking for light, shadows, details, and composition trains the mind to slow down and become present. Anxiety and PTSD can cause spiraling thoughts. I can often get lost in these thoughts and senses, but using it in my photography is productive. Holding the camera, feeling its weight, adjusting the settings, looking through the lens, and focusing on my composition can act as a sensory grounding exercise.
Creative Expression as an Emotional Outlet
Nonverbal Communication and Expression: I have a hard time putting my thoughts and emotions into words in the moment. Photography can express what’s hard to put into words, offering a safe way for me to explore and process my emotions. Often times the fantasy world I’m creating will relate to what I’m feeling emotionally. I might be telling a fairytale story with my camera but looking back at the photoshoot will hold memories of emotions and experiences for me. Working on building that photoshoot helps me process something small or large to me. Through my images, I'm documenting my journey in a non conventional way. Creating art has allowed a healthy exploration of my feelings and trauma, providing distance and perspective on my difficult emotions.
Sense of Control and Purpose
Controlling the Frame: Anxiety and PTSD often involve feeling overwhelmed or powerless. Photography allows me to have control over what I capture, how I develop it, and the final outcome. Completing a photoshoot or capturing the perfect shot provides a sense of accomplishment and progress. Whether it’s finding the right location, waiting for perfect light, or editing an image, photography creates structure and purpose. I get a sense of completion in something I know I did well with. Finishing a photography project is a breath of fresh air to me.
Photography as Exposure Therapy
Facing My Triggers Safely: Photography can gently expose me to difficult or anxiety-inducing environments (crowded places, social interactions) while providing a sense of control. By focusing on beauty, light, or art in challenging environments, I can change how I relate and see those spaces. Adjusting camera settings (like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) and focusing on composition keeps my brain engaged in a productive way.
Photography helps me to interrupt negative thoughts and patterns. It’s an escape from all the noise into my perfect fairytale world.
Social Connection Through Photography
Building Community: Photography groups, online platforms, or workshops allow me to connect with others who share their passion. I’ve always wanted to help and encourage other people. It feels amazing to have insight into something that might be of interest to others in my community. Having a shared interest reduces social pressure and anxiety and creates a “safe feeling” social interaction. Sharing my work over the years and receiving positive feedback or connecting through my images has built my self-confidence and given me validation.
Providing a Safe Space for Others with Trauma
As a photographer, offering an environment that is calm, respectful, and free of judgment allows individuals to feel seen and valued. For subjects who may struggle with anxiety, PTSD, or other challenges, my photoshoots can be a healing experience—whether it’s through capturing their strength, telling their story, or helping them reconnect with themselves. By guiding others to use photography and character building as a creative outlet or a therapeutic tool they can be empower to process their own struggles and rediscover beauty in their own lives. For me immersing myself in these magical creations provides a healing escape. It's my hope that creating a fantasy world together can be a healing experience for all.
