Depression is a Nasty Bitch. Did you know that 11% of Canadians aged 15-24 have experienced depression at some point in their lives? 11% doesn’t sound like a very big number, but if you do the math it works out to almost 4.1 million people. If you’ve never experienced depression, calling it a nasty bitch is really the only way I know how to describe it.

Myself and my beautiful intimate portrait client Miss B. have both had experience with depression in our pasts. For me, my depression has become much easier to manage since I was first diagnosed when I was 13. Around the holiday season (phew, I survived again!) usually gets harder for people with depression (or any mental illness, really). My anxiety is where I have the issue, these days. Though that as well has been easier for me to manage since escaping my past relationship.

My beautiful intimate portrait client, Miss B? Well… her struggle has been a little more real, more recently. I didn’t come to find out that Miss B was struggling until she posted this very personal message into my private VIP client group on Facebook accompanied by one of her favourite images from her session.

Graciously shared with permission from Miss B. herself;

“You are a hurricane of a girl. Remember to breathe every once in awhile. Do not drown in your own storm.

Get ready for a long one friends and fam. As some of you may know, my depression has consumed my life. I have been off work for just over 5 months now due to that reason. Some days I lay in bed or sit on the couch all day. Some days I cry for the most part of the day. I wasn’t able to go into a store without thinking the world was against me. I could go on and on for a while.

The biggest struggle I have is my self confidence. Not only the way I think I look, but my thoughts that I’m the worlds worst mother, wife, daughter and sister brought me so far down.

Something I have always wanted to do is an intimate portrait session. I have always thought I was never good enough, pretty enough, confident enough to do one though. I had the most amazing opportunity to finally push myself out of my comfort zone and really try to find myself. To see what I am capable of.

Erika Gayle Photography made me feel so beautiful, so comfortable, so relaxed. She doesn’t look at you as the person you think you are. It’s like she looks past the outside and goes all the way in, knowing what you are capable of and finds a way to make you shine and feel like you have never felt before.

This did not “cure” me. This experience showed me who I can be. To finally see myself so vulnerable and just let go. It has brought me one step closer to feeling like myself again.

Thank you so so so much Erika Gayle Photography. You truly are a blessing ♥️ And also I huge thank you to all my family and friends that have stuck by me. I know I haven’t been the most fun and happy person I usually am. But you people in my life, especially my husband and daughter, are the reasons I will get better. I love you all forever and always ♥️♥️♥️”

Keep scrolling to see some of my favourites from badass Miss B’s session!