HANDLE HER WITH CARE : From Trauma to Artistic Healing

Recently, I endured a traumatic relationship that left me emotionally scarred. I was overwhelmed with emotional turmoil—anger, tears, anxiety, excessive sleep, and depression. My body bore the brunt of these emotions, and I struggled to return to any sense of normalcy. I tried everything—yoga to relax, grounding exercises to stabilize my nervous system, emotion-blocking techniques to regulate my feelings, and sound baths to release tension. Yet, I often felt trapped in a cycle of intense emotions that weighed heavily on my well-being.

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During this difficult time, I connected with friends who had also experienced trauma. We shared a mutual desire for quick healing but knew the process took time. Despite the pressures of life and societal expectations, my emotions often immobilized me, leaving me curled up in bed, unable to move. Over time, I learned the importance of listening to my body—resting, crying, and being patient with myself rather than ignoring my pain.

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This led to my project, Handle Her with Care, a photographic exploration of Black women processing the emotions of traumatic relationships. The project invites viewers into their world, emphasizing that the journey of healing can look and feel differently but we should stop and say, “Hey…Handle her with care.”