"Anorexia" - Digital Photograph.
It is a long journey to learn to love yourself and your body. To be rid of the thought of shrinking into nothing. To not wish to evaporate. Learning to love yourself may not be the first step to healing, but it is the one that counts the most..
"Depression" - Digital Photograph.
Sometimes it can feel like you're drowning. Like the world is pulling you back to its core. Safe and warm; waiting for you to return to the earth. You are burning the candle at both ends with the hope to feel warm and gooey at the centre.
"Schizophrenia" - Long Exposure Digital Photograph.
Caring for others with a mental illness can take its toll. We must always remember to care for ourselves in order to help care for others.
I call this image 'sinking into the unknown' illustrating the importance of recognising a call for help as people experiencing mental distress is often able to hide their vulnerability behind a smile and serving a hand to those around you to help them come out of the space mentally. Through this image, I wanted to emphasise that mental health is real and it matters.
Taken in an abandoned mental asylum, this photo illustrates the isolation often felt by survivors of mental distress. Man's fear of the unknown contributes to an 'us and them' mentality; resulting in separation and stigma. My message is to unlock the doors. It's the only way to build trust and recognise our equal and shared humanity. Mental health must always be faced in community - together.
