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Raw In-Hospital Self-Portraits Capture the Reality of Depression
Photographer opens up about her mental health journey through a striking photo series.
At just 21, Mia Thompson faced her demons head-on after a suicide attempt, leading her to a psychiatric hospital in the Netherlands. Instead of hiding her struggles with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, she chose to document her experiences in a deeply personal photo series that speaks volumes about mental health.
In her own words, Mia wanted to offer a glimpse into what it truly feels like to be a “girl, me, who is on the brink of despair.” She described the emotions she experienced during her hospitalization as overwhelmingly intense, hoping her photos would convey that rawness to viewers.
For Mia, the act of photographing was cathartic. “It was incredibly liberating,” she shared. “I could let out my anger, my fear, and all those feelings I couldn’t express in everyday life.” Sharing these intimate images wasn’t a decision she took lightly, but Mia felt it was important. “By revealing these photos, my loved ones could finally grasp what I was going through. It was tough for them to see me in such pain, but at least they understood,” she explained. “It made me feel less lonely.”
In a world where social media often showcases only the highlights, Mia felt compelled to break that trend. “I wanted to rebel against the notion that only perfect lives deserve to be shared,” she said. “It’s okay to tell difficult stories; they deserve to be heard too. I hope others feel inspired to share theirs and find the love and support they need.”
Mia’s photos resonate with many who face similar mental health challenges. She stresses an important message: “I want to clarify that I’m not ‘crazy.’ Anyone can find themselves in a hospital for mental health reasons. It’s a painful loss of control, and we should think about those who can’t reach out due to their struggles.”
Her advice to friends and family wanting to support their loved ones? “Just send them love. Let them know they are on your mind. That simple message can mean the world to someone in the hospital.”
Beyond being a creative outlet, the photo series garnered significant attention, leading to opportunities for Mia, including her first book. “Out of something negative, I created something positive. It’s proof that I can overcome,” she shared. However, the newfound fame did bring its own pressures. “I felt a heavy weight with all the messages I received from around the globe,” she admitted. “Yet, it felt rewarding to finally channel my experiences into something productive. Plus, it’s nice to be recognized for my photography.”
Mia acknowledges that her journey with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders is ongoing. “It’s been a rollercoaster, but I’m committed to recovery. What matters most is that I’ve rekindled my will to fight,” she said.
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In summary, Mia Thompson’s powerful photo series sheds light on the often-hidden struggles of mental health, encouraging others to embrace their stories and seek the support they deserve.