Photographer Anna Guadagnini Tell me. She was motivated to start the project. The Other Side of Joy After years of struggling with emotional and health issues caused by hormonal changes, I finally found a solution.
The artist explains that “for most of my adulthood, I’ve gone through cycles where I feel like myself for just a few days, then completely fall into depression, anxiety and lethargy, sometimes for as long as a week.” “I’ve been researching hormonal issues among women for many years. In my late 20s, I stopped taking the contraceptive pills because they were making me feel sick.
I suddenly had to deal with symptoms which were blocked by hormonal therapy up until that point. The symptoms included mood swings and debilitating migraines. I felt out of control and suddenly hopeless. Body aches and painful periods were also present.
She visited her doctor who ordered tests. Her thyroid and hormone levels were checked, and the results came back as normal. Herbs, supplements and yoga helped her cope. She recently learned about PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a severe, often debilitating, form of PMS.
Guadagnini recalls, “I went deeper and found forums and blogs where these women discussed these issues.” I could recognize myself in the words of other women. They were all talking about feeling trapped in an endless cycle where they become a different person just a few days or weeks before their period.
Despite its severity, this condition is frequently misdiagnosed. If it is correctly diagnosed, treatment options may include hormone therapy, mental health therapies, antidepressants or mood stabilizers. In severe cases, it may be necessary to have a hysterectomy, which will cause the body to enter menopause.
The photographer says, “I believe that this condition is widely misunderstood. It may even be overlooked.” According to my research in the medical community there is debate about whether this syndrome is culturally bound or not. According to my experience and that of my female friends, I believe the best word to describe the response when a woman complains about hormonal symptoms is dismissed.
During her research, she began to develop the idea for her photographs. Guadagnini began taking photos of herself in college. She does it mostly for necessity, as she is always available. With this series, the act of placing oneself in the frame has a new meaning.
She says, “When you place yourself in front the lens, something happens.” It’s like therapy, but it can be difficult too. You start to notice things that you didn’t know about yourself. The process becomes one of discovery. She used objects she had at hand to create her work in both her London studio, and Italy, near her family’s home.
Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ feminist classic Women who Run with the Wolves, Myths and stories of the Wild Woman archetype inspired the artist. Guadagnini explains that she used the book as a reference, reading certain chapters repeatedly and repeating phrases in her head as mantras.
The series is a celebration for the feminine universe.
The title was inspired by the idea of transforming struggle into beauty. Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder is what PMDD stands as. I focused on the word “dysphoric,” which is the opposite to euphoric. I wanted to highlight the idea that a weakness can also be a strength. The opposite of joy isn’t the other side. “It is a different way to look at joy.”
Guadagnini was initially hesitant to publish the work, but remembering the feelings she had when she read about PMDD – the recognition and relief – encouraged her to make the leap. She is glad she took the leap. “Other women responded by telling me about their experiences, such as how frustrated they were with how they were treated during a doctor’s visit, or how they could relate to my experience,” says Guadagnini.