Swensrud Depression Prevention

"Sometimes there are just no words to explain how depression feels,” said a young man who struggled with depression. Paintings, poems, music, and photos are often used to fill the void when words are not enough. The Breaking Free art exhibit is a collection of the art that students from across the country have used, either as a means of expression or release during their struggle with depression.

Breaking Free Featured Art

"I painted this late in the year, when I thought I was out of ideas. As I painted the portrait, I focused on not only my emotions (frustration, nerves, and fatigue) I also painted what I saw in her eyes, the emotions the photograph made possible to see. The process of putting together this painting led to an understanding and easing of my darker emotions as I recognized their existence in my subject."

- Male, Age 18

"This reminds me of the calm after a storm or difficult time. The pieces caused by the difficulty have finally come together to create something calming - a sunset."

- Female, Age 16

*This website is intended as a resource of information and support and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care. If you have any questions concerning your medical or psychiatric health or the medical or psychiatric health of your child please contact your health care provider or your local Emergency Room.

*This website was developed with a grant from the Sidney A. Swensrud Foundation to Children’s Hospital Boston.