(in)visible

An article in a charity newsletter invited suggestions for an alternative to the stereotypical ‘Head in Hands’ image to illustrate mental health issues.

While this image is recognisable it doesn’t actually say anything about real, lived experiences. Mental health issues are different for everyone and are very intangible by their nature.

As a photographer who has struggled with their mental health I wanted to take up this challenge. I created an image to illustrate my experience of anxiety and thought it would be interesting to collaborate with other people to create images that describe their mental health.

I have worked with young people attending Action East Devon’s Headlight groups in Ottery St Mary, Axminster and Seaton to create images based on their experiences.