(in)visible

I was inspired by a charity newsletter article that called for alternatives to the stereotypical ‘head in hands’ image depicting mental health issues like anxiety and depression. While this image is recognisable it fails to convey anything about real, lived experiences.

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 rewarding to collaborate with other people to create images that depict their mental health.

Working with young people in Action East Devon’s Headlight groups in Ottery St Mary, Axminster and Seaton, we have created images reflecting their experiences.

Action East Devon enables children and young people in East Devon to work through mental health issues and move on to live happy, healthy lives.

They run local peer support groups for young people aged 11-25, with optional one-to-one mentoring alongside. The groups offer a welcoming, safe, non-judgemental space, encouraging them to build healthy relationships with peers, establish support networks in their community and helping them avoid a mental health crisis.

Some images have been recreated with models.

During 2025 the work will be exhibited in these venues:
Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre (May 22 – June 26)
Axminster Library (June 30 – July 25)
Exeter Central Library (August 04 – 29)
Ottery St Mary Library (September 01 – 26)
Honiton Library (September 29 – October 24)
Sidmouth Library (October 27 – November 14)

Dedicated to my cousin Nick Lee.

If you are affected by any of the work the following organisations can help:
Samaritans 116 123
CALM 0800 58 58 58
text SHOUT to 85258
Mind