Please say hello to first-time contributor Liz Gilbert, a 28-year-old graphic arts student who resides in North Canton, Ohio. 15 years ago, Liz was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. This is a mix of bipolar and schizophrenia. She easily becomes paranoid, and has struggled with severe depression and a long battle with self harm. Even though she is balanced with medication, she still has those days where nothing seems to go right. More than anything, Liz wants to bring awareness to the unseen mental illnesses that exist in the minds of millions.

About these photos: “I have always had a love for typography. One day I was able to go to a printing press and granted the ability to print a few posters with whatever ran through my mind. A song was in my head that day and some of the background lyrics were “We are no one, we are one.” It rings true to schizophrenic…

Photo taken by contributor Liz Gilbert, a 28-year-old graphic arts student who resides in North Canton, Ohio. 15 years ago, Liz was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder after her first hospital stay. Since then, Liz has survived suicide and self-harm, but it has been seven years since her last major episode.

About this photo: “I have a fascination with the ocean. During sunrise at the Outer Banks, I noticed a little bird called a Sandpiper. They follow the waves as they rush in and out to forage for food. Perfectly timed, they never get washed away. I recently read a book that stated, “Deal with life as it comes, moment by moment.”  The dangerous life of the sandpiper could be viewed as risky or intelligent. Either way, they know what they’re doing and I hope I can take a note from the little bird.”

Find more from Liz at her website.

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**Visit Broken Light’s…

Photo taken by contributor Liz Gilbert, a 28-year-old graphic artist who lives with schizo affective disorder. Liz has made it a priority in her life to not be stigmatized by her disease. Being diagnosed at an early age, Liz has learned the ways of life in dealing with schizo affective. She knows the hallucinations will pass and she is not powerless by them. She has not attempted suicide in many years, even though every day is a constant battle. Liz is not ashamed to talk about her past and has a desire to help others dealing with similar problems..

About this photo: “These berries grow in my yard.  I see them daily in the summertime and for some odd reason, I’m drawn to them.  I normally photograph dolls but whenever I see these little berries, I have to take pictures of them.  The Billie Holiday song, ‘Strange Fruit’ runs through…