Nicolas' Story
Suffering from repetitive episodes of sleep paralysis, Nicolas channeled his dreams into art, helping him fight depression.
"My art uplifted me from these difficult times."
About Nicolas:
I am a New York based artist creating surreal imagery based on my experiences with sleep paralysis. I work in the mediums of photography, sculpture, and costume design to create my images. I am also the creator of “The Somnia Tarot” series, which explores the world of dreams and the subconscious through photography.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM DEPRESSION?
As a teenager, I suffered from repetitive episodes of Sleep Paralysis. Sleep Paralysis is a sleep disorder that causes you to wake up in a frozen state, and is often accompanied by terrifying visual hallucinations. I began transforming my dream journal entries into artistic self portraits, and it finally gave me control of my situation. My art uplifted me from these difficult times, and I have not felt depressed ever since I started making this artwork.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
Logging my dreams
- By logging my dream journal entries, I was able to analyze and make sense of my terrifying dreams. Recreating each journal entry through self portraits allowed me to relive each experience in a positive way. This also allowed me to realize that the sadness I felt was only a product of my current situation.
Sharing my art
- Sharing my artwork online helped me connect with other Sleep Paralysis sufferers, which made me feel less alone. I finally found a community of people who could understand what I was going through.
Speaking at local schools
- Speaking at local schools about my method of using art as a therapy for my sleep disorder has helped me uplift the lives of many students. My mission in life became clear and focused – to inspire individuals both young and old to use art as a way to heal from difficult situations.
Managing stress through hobbies
- When I am not creating photography, I manage stress through engaging hobbies, such as woodworking, archery, martial arts, playing instruments, and throwing boomerangs. I recommend diving into a hobby that truly speaks to your heart, especially if it can be done in your own home, such as drawing or poetry.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING DEPRESSION?
I highly suggest keeping a journal for your thoughts and ideas. Although I am managing my sleep disorder and not depression, this process can work in both situations. Formulating your thoughts on paper allows you to release them from your mind, which frees up space to think clearly. Seeing these thoughts on paper can also provide clarity, revealing patterns that might uncover a way for you to break the cycle.
– Nicolas Bruno, Long Island, New York 