R U OK DAY
Today is a day to remind us that we have to be consciously aware of the people around us. Mental health is an important topic and something that should be continuously spoken about. There have been a lot of stigmas broken in regards to mental health over the years but we still have a long way to go. There are many people that may not understand what it is like to experience a Mental Illness or what it feels like to know someone who has gone through these struggles. Without knowing what this feels like first hand it is necessary to have these conversations to be able to understand all that Mental Health includes.
As a society, we need to keep that conversation going and continue to be educated about Mental Health to break the stereotypes and stigmas present. This is not only necessary for our own understanding but for people who may be going through these struggles to know that the people around them are able to offer support.
There is nothing wrong with asking for help, there is nothing wrong with checking in with your mates to see how they are doing, there is nothing wrong with starting a conversation that might just save a life. Whilst these conversations might be uncomfortable, the uncomfortable cannot be ignored.
Photography is all about expression and storytelling. This image was taken as part of my Acceptance Photoshoot. This photoshoot was created to document people’s unique stories and highlight that diversity is common and that a picture only shows so much of one story.
The image above represents the struggles that we as individuals go through on a daily bases. The feeling of not wanting to get out of bed because you lack the motivation or drive to achieve the goals you had previously set. This is where Are you OK Day comes in. By asking the question you could save a life.
Images like this are created by photographers to begin the conversation daily. To open up a safe space for people to discuss the uncomfortable.
Don’t ever feel like you can’t reach out to someone around you for help, people care and love you. And don’t ever feel like you can’t ask your friends and family if they are okay or need to talk.
Remember to start that conversation today and every day to be the change we want to see in the world!