:: PhotoVoice ::

The Photographers

A selection of self-portraits by some of the photographers:

Self-portrait

'My persona has crumbled away due to my illness and it needs to be replaced. Often I wonder who I am. I don’t have many memories before my illness as I blacked out a lot. Blacking out is a way of not dealing with your past. It is hard to know who you are if you don’t have a past.'

Polly

Rising above the Heap

'If you have schizophrenia it can feel like the heap of rubbish in your life. Don’t try and sort it or order it but find a balance on it and climb to the top. Having support and accommodation gives you a lift. You can use medication to step up it rather than be buried under it. You are afraid of falling . At the top the air is fresh.'

Simon

Self-portrait

'I always want to put a smile on my face because it lifts my day. I want to be a positive person amongst my friends and family. I don’t want to get bogged down with heavy issues even though they arise in my mind. I feel like I have to hide my mental health problems so I won’t be categorised as someone who needs to be pitied. I’m wary that if I lift my guard then people will treat me differently. Sometimes I have told people about my past mental health problems and I feel exposed and looked down upon. Is this the way I have to carry on?'

Dan

Self-portrait

'Despite my physical and mental disabilities I have a good sense of humour and I laugh a lot. I suppose that is how I come to terms with my reality. It brings me relief. I like this photo of my self – it is cheeky.'

Terry