We were lucky to catch up with April Vertucci recently and have shared our conversation below.
April, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Overcoming mental health challenges has been a profound and ongoing journey for me. In my early twenties, following my first divorce, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. Having been ill since childhood, compounded by the emotional toll of my divorce and inaccurate lab tests, I hit a breaking point and attempted suicide. My stay in a mental health facility drastically shifted my perspective on using permanent solutions for temporary problems.
Like many, I’ve wrestled with mental health issues. For years, I used alcohol to numb the pain and avoid confronting life’s harsh realities. Four and a half years ago, I decided to stop drinking, but the stress didn’t disappear. When the world reopened after COVID, I found myself overwhelmed, working countless hours, maintaining my household single-handedly, and trying to mend a strained marriage. This time, instead of alcohol, I turned to cocaine to cope.
Eventually, I reached a breaking point. I stopped using cocaine and faced the hardest truth: I wasn’t superhuman. I admitted out loud that I couldn’t do everything and needed help in all aspects of my life.
My depression often stems from dissatisfaction with who I am, and I’ve fought hard to be proud of the person I’ve become. Now, whenever I feel myself slipping into depression, I confront the difficult truths of life and strive to reshape myself into someone I can be proud of.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has taught me the importance of seeking help and continuously working towards becoming a better version of myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a passionate photographer, and my primary focus has been landscape photography with a special interest in urban exploration. Urban exploration involves venturing into abandoned locations, capturing their haunting beauty and hidden stories through my lens. This unique niche allows me to document forgotten places and breathe new life into their neglected corners.
Lately, I’ve been eager to expand my horizons and delve more into concept portraits and event photography. These genres offer new ways to tell compelling stories and capture memorable moments. I’m currently open for shoots, so if you’re interested in collaborating, please feel free to reach out. Additionally, I have prints available through my Darkroom for those who want to bring a piece of my work into their homes.
Beyond photography, I’m also an influencer with a mission to inspire. I aim to reach a broader audience to share my journey and show that no matter what challenges you face, it’s essential to make yourself proud. For me, this means living honestly and serving others, using my experiences to be a beacon of hope.
Recently, I was lucky enough to be in an upcoming motion picture, and I’ve been bit by the acting bug. I’m excited to explore this new avenue and look forward to finding roles in the future to develop this new craft.
Stay tuned for upcoming projects and events—I’m excited about the future and look forward to connecting with more people who share my passion for capturing life’s moments and making a positive impact.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities or skills have been most impactful in my journey: resilience, self-reflection, and adaptability.
First, resilience is crucial. Life is full of challenges, and the ability to bounce back and keep moving forward is essential. For those early in their journey, focus on building your resilience by embracing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Remember, each obstacle is a chance to grow stronger.
Second, self-reflection has been a powerful tool. Understanding your actions, motivations, and the impact you have on others is key to personal growth. Cut out toxic elements from your life, including negative behaviors and influences. This doesn’t mean ignoring constructive criticism from those who care about you, but rather distancing yourself from individuals who consistently bring you down. Learn to be self-reflective and honest with yourself about what you need to change.
Finally, adaptability is vital. The ability to relearn and redefine your understanding of what’s right is important. Our parents and society often teach us certain values, but it’s essential to evaluate and determine your own idea of right. Life is dynamic, and being able to adjust your perspective and actions based on new information will serve you well.
For those starting their journey, my advice is to embrace the idea that “Never Knows Best.” Understand that you are an ever-evolving being, and grant yourself grace for decisions made with less knowledge. However, hold yourself accountable when you know better but choose the easier, wrong path. Strive to make informed, ethical decisions as you grow.
Focus on building resilience, practice self-reflection, and remain adaptable. These qualities will guide you through your journey and help you become a better version of yourself.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Me. The most helpful force in overcoming challenges and building essential skills has been the experience of crashing and burning. Embracing failure, especially when you already feel like one, has been transformative. Instead of fearing it, I’ve learned to see failure as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. This mindset shift allowed me to embrace the imperfect creature I am and to continuously improve.
The process of falling down and getting back up has taught me resilience and adaptability. Each setback provided valuable lessons that shaped my path forward. It’s through these experiences that I developed a deeper understanding of myself and cultivated the qualities necessary for success.
To anyone on a similar journey, remember that failure is not the end but a crucial step in personal and professional growth. Embrace your imperfections and use them as a foundation to build a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://harleyqurbex.darkroom.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harley.q.urbex?igsh=Y25scjR2aDNsNjhs
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- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@harleyqurbex?si=eXzyPBaEIaKeqgBN
- Other: https://linktr.ee/harleyqurbex
Image Credits
Nick Vertucci, Photographer of My Photograph
