How photography helped my mental health

Hi. This is my first blog and I would like to share with you how photography has helped my mental health.

I was born in Liverpool England in 1972 and I started to work as a Civil Servant in 1990. After 25 years I left due to my mental health including anxiety, depression and I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 47.

When I left work in 2015 I didnt want to go out the house. My Doctor suggested I get out into the parks and waterfront of Liverpool. There are many wonderful parks in Liverpool and I decided to take the Doctors advice. He said get out and smell the Roses. I started taking photos on my iPhone 6 and I got the photography bug. It helped me to look around at the beauty of nature as I walk. I bought my first DSLR in 2018. A Canon M3 with a second hand lens. It opened up new opportunites for me. I know have a Canon 80d. I am a carer for my father and photography/walks help me to have a break and a chance to reset.

Photography helped me stay calm in the storm of life. My future blogs will document my journey.

Phil Longfoot.