jrobblee
Chapter 4 - 45/52 - Explored
This photo is the final installation of a Mental Health Awareness campaign I started as part of a 4 chapter story I am doing within my 52 week challenge. I wanted to end the story on a hopeful note, but I also wanted it to ring true to anyone who has experienced any form of a mental health disorder so chasing what to use as a final photo was difficult for me because I wanted it to be a positive message but I didn't want it to be unrealistic or cheesy. The reality of disorders like depression and anxiety is that motivation is low and frequently anhedonia (loss of interest in things you enjoy) develops. These common symptoms inspired this photo for me. I love reading, and it is something that brings me great joy and an escape from the life. It is something achievable, so it inspired me for this photo.
As someone with a mental health disorder starts to improve little things like starting to do hobbies like reading reading or chores like laundry/cooking are great daily wins that should be celebrated. There are good days and bad days. Instead of portraying someone fully better with a big smile, here is someone on a good day who is able to get out of bed, get dressed, make themselves a coffee, and even start a new new book. For some people that is a huge accomplishment on a difficult journey. For each person it is a very individual journey, and I have seen in my experience so many personal stories. There are many steps backwards and forwards. I hope for anyone out there reading this blurb that you have more steps forwards then backwards, more good days than bad, and that slowly you get to a point where most days seem good.
To anyone who feels isolated, alone and ashamed, please reach out to family/friends, a doctor, counsellor, or helpline. I wish you all the best in this journey that has too long been unfairly stigmatized.
Chapter 1: flic.kr/p/DQZq8Y
Chapter 2: flic.kr/p/H7tHjm
Chapter 3: flic.kr/p/L6Y3Cs
(see comment one for all chapters in a row)
Chapter 4 - 45/52 - Explored
This photo is the final installation of a Mental Health Awareness campaign I started as part of a 4 chapter story I am doing within my 52 week challenge. I wanted to end the story on a hopeful note, but I also wanted it to ring true to anyone who has experienced any form of a mental health disorder so chasing what to use as a final photo was difficult for me because I wanted it to be a positive message but I didn't want it to be unrealistic or cheesy. The reality of disorders like depression and anxiety is that motivation is low and frequently anhedonia (loss of interest in things you enjoy) develops. These common symptoms inspired this photo for me. I love reading, and it is something that brings me great joy and an escape from the life. It is something achievable, so it inspired me for this photo.
As someone with a mental health disorder starts to improve little things like starting to do hobbies like reading reading or chores like laundry/cooking are great daily wins that should be celebrated. There are good days and bad days. Instead of portraying someone fully better with a big smile, here is someone on a good day who is able to get out of bed, get dressed, make themselves a coffee, and even start a new new book. For some people that is a huge accomplishment on a difficult journey. For each person it is a very individual journey, and I have seen in my experience so many personal stories. There are many steps backwards and forwards. I hope for anyone out there reading this blurb that you have more steps forwards then backwards, more good days than bad, and that slowly you get to a point where most days seem good.
To anyone who feels isolated, alone and ashamed, please reach out to family/friends, a doctor, counsellor, or helpline. I wish you all the best in this journey that has too long been unfairly stigmatized.
Chapter 1: flic.kr/p/DQZq8Y
Chapter 2: flic.kr/p/H7tHjm
Chapter 3: flic.kr/p/L6Y3Cs
(see comment one for all chapters in a row)