Despite being in a time and age where Mental Health is talked about there is still a lot of stigma around this invisible illness. Sufferers can often feel as if they have to constantly justify their feelings and thoughts to not only strangers, but family and friends, which can often put tension on relationships as belief is brought into question.
It can be hard for people to know how to support those who suffer as try as they might they can’t fully understand the feelings and thoughts that plague their loved ones. A picture is worth a thousand words, and although those who suffer with mental ill health may find talking about their feelings helpful, it can be difficult for others to understand the whys and how's.
After having many people state, “what have you got to be sad about?” and other such dismissive comments, it became clear that talking about our mental health isn’t enough.
“Seeing MI” is a visual representation of what Mental Health actually looks like behind the closed doors and the forced smiles. It is a chance to see beyond the mask that sufferers feel they must wear so they are not judged by society..
The intention is that through these photos sufferers can connect and know that they are not alone in their pain, and that family, friends, and colleagues can gain a better insight and understanding of this debilitating illness beyond the difficult conversations.
This is a visual arts project.
Model: David Gregan-Jones Model: Kira Lyon Photographer: Gregory Day