'My camera helped me beat anxiety'

Which camera brand pales into insignificance. A link to a BBC item link . It's taking the photos that counts

"absolutely"....

Very good read and something very close to my own personal circumstances so a good read for me.

What a cool article. Thanks for sharing.

I liked the message about opening up in here, engaging with others.

I also like the concept of doing something for your own uses, rather than for instatwittacebook likes etc, as I feel it's risky to put your interpretation of how 'successful' your images in terms of how many likes/comments it gets. I caution about this situation itself creating anxiety for kids etc as they grow up in this now very digital society.

Side note, but hope you're feeling well Gareth. Thinking of you man and wishing you all the best.

Thanks Richard, I feel some days are one step forward and two step backwards but today has definitely been a step forward today.

Appreciate the side now

I'll get there

I think it's good to be able (or have an excuse) to get away from everything, even for just a few minutes and have some 'me time' as they say. I'm old enough (and hopefully wise enough) to not worry about social media or fitting in with any particularly popular conventions - everyday life though can sometimes be a battle.

Going for a walk with a camera is a break from the day to day humdrum - I rarely get the chance but when I do, I feel it's worth the time to take things slower. I shoot mostly MF film, I spend all day with computers in an office full of geeky 20 somethings - my P6x7 shuts them all up if they get opinionated. Getting away from your usual environment can make a huge difference and gives you a different slant to feed your creativity.

Stick with it, get out there (even for a few minutes) - it may not magically fix any of the problems you may be dealing with, but a few minutes of respite must be good for you...

My photography has long been my escape from the cacophony that rattles around in my head.
The peace and freedom when I am out with my camera is priceless to me.
I tend to experiment (in case ye hadnt noticed) with loads of different ideas, some work and some dont, but it keeps my passion fueled and my interest piqued.
Happy shooting guys

Hi I have just it and it fetched a lump to my throat and a little tear to my eye

Sometimes I just like to sit outside quietly, watching all the creatures from the almost microscopic insects to birds just busily going about their daily lives. To every single one their own existence is paramount and most are completely oblivious of me or the rest of humanity.

This time last year I had a difficult time and lost interest in most things; however one sunny afternoon I took a break from work and wandered out to the garden where I saw some colourful insects in nice settings. For the first time in a while I grabbed my macro lens and became completely absorbed, and work was forgotten for the rest of the day.

Hi Guys...
I am a little late to this post but thanks for the link Barrie.
I could relate to the article very much.
Like the contributor I also had stomach surgery (lots of it) and a few years back started to suffer from anxiety.
The stomach surgery was a result of a big accident 30 years ago in which I suffered lots of injuries including a brain injury, internal injuries and had to have both legs amputated below the knees.
I have been doing really well though and always been the outgoing happy bloke in the picture.
However in recent years things took there toll.
My son was diagnosed with a brain tumour and my father diagnosed with Parkinson's - and he died approx 18 months ago after much suffering.
Fortunately I am slowly getting back to my old self and photography is my big passion and gives me a big reason to stay positive.
Hope the rwst of you guys continue to do well.
Gareth having purchased a camera from you in the past and followed your posts, if you ever need a chat just drop me a message mate.
All the best,
Wayne.

Thanks Wayne.

When you look at other peoples situations it really brings home how lucky you are, you just wish you could tell your head that! You've had it really rough and a true beacon of how you can overcome so much and still be positive and I do take my hat off to you. How is your son now?

I feel I'm still in a 2 steps forward one step back place but it's getting easier for me. I've got a fly bite that's got infected and that has given me fly symptoms, dizziness and left me feeling weak so it's sort of brought my mood back a few weeks so I'm trying to stay positive but when you feel like crap it's all too easy to let the demons back in ....

Hi Gareth....
My son is doing very well thank you.
So well in fact he has just finished his 2nd year at Uni studying Law and a month ago set off on a cycle bike ride, on his own, going from Hull to Holland on the ferry and has traveled through many countries including Holland, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovakia and is currently resting in Budapest!
Hope you are now recovered from the bite and enjoying your photography.
Kind regards,
Wayne.