Anniston, Alabama (WLJS) -- Anniston photographer Landon Brooks spoke with Jacksonville's 91.9 FM WLJS news anchor Ed Moore III Sunday to announce that after 10 years and almost 10,000 clients from across northeast Alabama and around the world, he will set his camera down for the last time on January 1, 2014 due to health concerns.
Brooks, who got his start in amateur photography in 2004, then becoming the youngest African-American man to open a business inside Oxford’s Quintard Mall called Landon Brooks Photography in 2006, tells Moore that he is dealing with high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, anxiety and depression.
Brooks, who celebrated his 31st birthday Monday, says recommendations from his doctor has brought him to the decision to bring his profession to a close.
Brooks released this statement to WLJS News:
"After long thought and medical advice, I have decided to retire my services in photography on January 1, 2014. I would like to thank my customers who have made me who I am today and for entrusting me to capture some of their most important memories. I have enjoyed capturing these moments that will last a lifetime. It has been an honor to serve you. I would also like to thank all of my family and friends who have supported me over the past 10 years. You all have helped make me who I am today."
"[At this time] I am dealing with high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis in my hands, knees and feet which is affecting my back. I [am also being] treated for anxiety and depression.
"[First] I want everybody to know that it’s okay and that people go through stuff. Don’t be embarrassed. I don’t care if you are a drug dealer, a politician, a singer or an artist. Don’t feel embarrassed to talk to somebody about what’s going on. I know so many people --- who if they just talked to one person --- thier life could have been saved or changed, because you never know how your story could save somebody else’s life.
"I haven’t told this to too many people. I’m to the point where now, I can talk about it. It almost helps me to really talk about it and get it off my chest. I think that when people hold [things like this] in, it just builds up and builds up.
"[14 weeks ago], I was put in the hospital with high blood pressure and had to have surgery. That really played a big toll. When I went to the hospital, my blood pressure was in the high 200’s. The doctor said had I not come in, I would have died.
"My family jumped in and said, 'You’ve got to take care of yourself.' I didn’t want to slow down. I would keep busy to deal with the depression. I wanted to keep my mind busy and occupied doing something. I just felt like if I kept going and kept going --- then, if I slowed down --- that’s when the depression would kick in the most. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I really wasn’t supposed to be doing what I was doing. So when I took the pain medicine, it would stop the pain, but I think [with] all that building up, my body started shutting down.
"[As far as my battle with depression], it's been a while. I would say [since] 2008. My family has told me that I have lost interest in things that used to make me happy. I have pulled myself back and become more reclusive when it comes to talking with people. I sleep more. My energy level just goes away. There are times I just feel sad for no reason. I could be in a real good mood. Then, all of a sudden, I feel that I’m living a lie and that it's just over. It could come out of nowhere sometimes.
"I am currently taking anti-depressants and I was referred to speak wuth a mental health counselor.
"Dealing with all of these medical issues, I have tried to make a comeback. Now, I’m getting to the point where the doctor is making me not work, so I cant.
"The only thing that kept me going was people saying that I inspired them or motivated them. If they knew the truth, [I was afraid] people would not look at me the same way. People [have told] me, 'I got into photography because of you.' How do I tell people that what they are chasing is not what the picture really is. I have created this picture perfect business enterprise. I have gotten in front of the camera smiling.
"But I am dealing with personal depression, rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure. If I tell them what I’m really going through, they are not going to trust me or the name I worked so hard to build. I was embarrassed by that fact.
"By doing this, it’s almost like a sense of relief. It's almost like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I heard this pastor say if people have nothing to hold over your head, they don’t have power over you. I have already been able to express what has been going on in my life. Now it’s almost like a relief that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Going to church has really helped. There were several men in the Bible that dealt with depression. Moses, Jonah, Elijah, all those people dealt with depression.
"With Moses, in the Bible, several times, there's a scripture that says, 'God I am so tired. I am so frustrated. Just take me out.' Even great men have dealt with depression. I definitely turned to my deepest roots which is my faith in God and prayer.
"When I retire in December, I am not going to be as accessible to people. I am not going to do more than [what] I am able to do. Hopefully with the help of friends and the customers, I want to do a gallery of the past 10 years with my best pieces.
"Anybody that hears this story and is dealing with depression and feel that they have to hide behind the embarrassment of it, there is hope. Find somebody you can trust or if it’s to the point where you can’t deal with it any more, find somebody who can help you with your problems. If not, it could turn you into somebody that you are really not. What has made me so successful, but has always hurt me, is trying to hide. Take time for yourself. Never get so busy that you can’t realize what’s going on in your own life. Some things you just have no control over. So what you don’t have control over, don’t let it weigh you down."
This report was made through WLJS News in Jacksonville, Alabama on 12/2/2013 at 5:43 P.M. Updated on 12/2/2013 at 11:32 P.M.
For those who are experiencing symptoms of depression and need assistance, please call the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance at 1-800-826-3632 or the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
