Not One More Loss
I am a photographer. I also suffer from anxiety and depression. I remember when a friend suggested that I see a counsellor. I was scared. I was hesitant to talk about it, afraid that something was "wrong" with me, worried that I would be judged unfit to do my job, or be given responsibility since I needed help. I had never really talked about mental health with anyone, all I knew was the stigma attached.
I have since started talking more. I am no mental health professional, but I am committed to being a listening ear and helping people connect with the services that can help them. I always thought that if you just reached out, the help would be there. A recent loss I experienced due to suicide has made me question that, so I decided to sit down with some New Brunswickers and have an honest conversation about their struggles with mental health. Some chose to highlight issues with accessibility to timely and effective care. Others chose to emphasize the struggles they deal with daily. Others just wanted to offer a kind word to those struggling. Over the course of a couple of weeks, I listened to the concerns and trials of many. After we spoke, I photographed them. This is a collection from those conversations. Each photo includes a snippet from our conversation. Thank you to all those who shared their stories (even if you are not pictured here). Your courage in coming forward will hopefully inspire others to do the same. Let's start talking, let's start demanding change, let's do better so that not one more life is lost. Much love.
The photos in this blog belong to A.DonovanPhotography. Any use or distribution without consent is prohibited. For collaboration, use of photos, or any related questions, please contact adiezedd@gmail.com
