I Take Self-Portraits To Cope With Depression

My name is Felicia Simion, and I'm a 26-year-old photographer and visual artist from Romania.

My relationship with depression is almost as long as my relationship with photography. Rooted in my adolescence, the "black dog" came to me without warning and continued to develop throughout my youthhood. The last shape it took was a postpartum depression, which launched itself right after my daughter was born.

During all these difficult times, I challenged myself to take self-portraits, which helped me save and boost the last traces of self-esteem and self-love. I began experimenting with various props, finding inspiration in nature, astronomy, and my own culture. Each time the episodes of depression seemed more and more powerful, I would defy them with photography. It was also the case during the COVID lockdown when I kept creating to survive the mental distress.

For me, the story goes on. Art comes as a rescue, and I hope I know it is the case for many others.

More info: feliciasimionphotography.com | Instagram