How do you cope with anxiety and panic attacks? Artist and writer Jan Saenz refocused sleeplessness in her first photographic exhibition on display Oct. 17-Nov. 14 at Lone Star College-CyFair.

Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself into a poem titled “Nocturnal Anxiety” before touring a collection of haunting photographs – images captured by this author during nighttime panic attacks.

No longer wanting to resort to medication for her nocturnal anxiety, Saenz said she roamed her home searching for peace. Having minored in art photography in college, she chose to soothe her anxiety naturally through creative productivity. She began writing and taking photographs as a distraction “from the shackles of shame and feelings of doom until the panic subsided.”

This “Nocturnal Anxiety: A Photographic and Literary Portrayal of a Panic Attack” exhibition is in part to share her story of struggle to empower others and encourage being proactive about mental health and self-care.

“If we can fuel our chaotic energy into healthy productivity, we can create new coping methods for those who continue to struggle,” said Saenz.

Learn more about Saenz’s story in person at the opening reception from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 which includes 5:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. artist talks. Another opportunity to hear from the artist will be at the Tea+Art+Talk at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 29. There will also be an Academy for Lifelong Learners (A.L.L.) Open House and Coffee at 8 a.m. Nov. 5.

The Bosque Gallery is located in the Center for the Arts building on the Barker Cypress campus at 9191 Barker Cypress. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday. For information, go to LoneStar.edu/bosquegallery.