Siren Gallery

Siren no. 3 | Anxiety, PTSD, Depression

“I hate to do this, and completely recognize the irony in this, but I'm not in a good enough mental place to do this. I'm happy to email you a picture or two if that would help, or I can withdraw completely. I'm so sorry.”

Siren no. 3 left the Siren project two days before she was meant to sit for photos with me. Instead of replacing her number, I wanted to honor her initial interest for the project by keeping the number open in case she wants to share her story in the future.

Siren no. 5 | Social Anxiety, Depression, Selective Mutism

I was 29 when I first heard the term “selective mutism” and realized that was the name of my childhood social anxiety disorder. I knew I suffered from social anxiety and depression, but never really understood why I was often unable to speak as a child. I spent a lot of time isolated, fearful of any social interaction no matter how small.

Siren no. 6 | Anxiety

I have always tried to combat my anxiety in ways outside of medicine and it wasn't because I do not believe in the benefits of medication, but rather I thought what I was doing could help on its own.

Siren no. 7

“Thank you - for loving yourself in a way that your souls needs in order to be full in this realm. Continue to follow your heart and allow your dreams to manifest.

As your fullness allows others to their own fullness.”

Siren no. 8 | Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, C-PTSD

“I am in control of what I want you to know.”

Siren no. 9 | Anxiety, Depression

When I first saw a therapist at age 27, I told her I was there to figure out how to be happy in my marriage. What happened instead was a divorce followed by a five-year journey to understand the life story that had first led me to her office.

Siren no. 10 | Anxiety, Depression, OCD

I've had anxiety my whole life and OCD-type obsessive thinking that emerges at more stressful moments. I was clinically depressed during my second year of graduate school. The program was a poor fit for me and I really didn't want to finish it - but a lot of family pressure and external pressure convinced me to "stick it out.”

Siren no. 11 | PMDD, Potential ADHD

I'm endlessly frustrated with how difficult it's been to get consistent care when it comes to things like fatigue, weight change, and emotional duress from medications that are supposed to be helping me feel better.

Siren no. 12 | Bipolar

“I'm interested in your project. I've been trying to open up more about what living with mental illness is like. I'm reaching a point where I'm embracing it as part of me. And I like me.”

Siren no. 12 was dealing with various chronic illnesses when we tried scheduling her photo session. I am saving her number for if she can participate in the future.

Siren no. 13 | Depression, Content Warning

Way back in 1976 I declared to my friends and family that I was officially declaring myself to be The Third Sex. Not male, but definitely not female. I hated the stereotypes that were asserted on me, the incredible lack of respect for my body, mind, will, hopes, and dreams.

Siren no. 14 | Depression

If we are faced with trauma in our lives it causes fear, lack of trust, or leaves us with mental health issues. All of these are overwhelming, causing distortion in our minds and daily life.

Siren no. 15 | Sexual Abuse Survivor, Postpartum Depression

My water is dark, but I am bright, walking out of it.

Which number are you?

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