Photography has been a game-changer for me.

Not just in terms of mental health but also by kickstarting my writing career. I have written a book about my photographs called "Stories Of My Photographs." It was inspired by one of my mentors in college who wrote a book related to mentoring. I had been taking pictures before and still do as therapy. How did it came to happen? Let me explain in the paragraphs below.

I came to the United States as a Permanent Resident in 2016. In order to get acclimated to my new life in America, I started venturing into the streets of New York City where I lived. It was not my first time coming to the US and New York City. I had been coming before when summer vacations kicked in. This was my permanent move. I walked and would take pictures of buildings, streets and parks in Manhattan and would upload them on my Facebook profile. I noticed people would like and sometimes comment on my pictures. I also noticed the joy and mental relief photography brought to me. It became a regular thing.

I had deleted my Facebook profile in 2020. That dented my photography showcase since it was my main medium to post my pictures for people to see. I created an Instagram account in 2021 where I regularly posted pictures. It has not received a super-huge following but it's still reasonable. Perhaps there is a lot of competition on Instagram. Receiving less than ten likes hasn't really put me in depressed mood. As long as I can go out and take pictures, that is more important for me for my mental health improvement.

Since then, it has just been my smartphone taking pictures. For some reason, I have still not upgraded to a DSLR or a digital camera on a full-time basis. Perhaps being in New York City, it is easier to have my phone since I do not have to take a camera which hangs on my neck or there might be a situation where it could get stolen. You never know! Although I have carried my backpack with me because I would venture out taking pictures in college, I just haven't bought a DSLR to upgrade my photo quality. It's also a price tag attached to it and which DSLR. I'm okay with either/or as long as it does the job.

I would like to leave a message to find a passion or hobby that would distract your mind and improve your mental health. If photography is not your thing, try building models from LEGO, try painting, cooking, sketching. Vlogging is an interesting way to showcase your travels to the world. Writing is therapy too! Which is why I have taken the opportunity to write articles here. Just pick a hobby, develop it as a skill and try to make money out of it.