Today I want to bring something to you that I realize might be very difficult subject for people but I think it is a subject that is extremely important. I want to introduce you to Live Through This. It was started by Brooklyn photographer Dese'Rae L. Stage and is a collection of portraits and stories of suicide attempt survivors, as told by those survivors. I think it is incredibly important that mental health is talked about. It is something that has been shoved in the corner and not talked about for far, far too long. I met Dese'Rae through Gray and immediately felt inspired by this project. I am inspired by the bravery and willingness of these survivors that are openly talking about what they have been through in hopes that it helps another person. I think that is a beautiful thing. If we all had the mind set of being more open, to help just one other person not feel alone, I think this world would be a better place. Conversations need to be started, hands need to be extended and hearts need to be opened to help people. I truly hope that this starts more of that. We need to help one another especially when it comes to the issue of mental health.
Dese'Rae says “I think the world needs this, especially in light of the massive media coverage on suicide of late. This is not a new trend. It is a pervasive public health issue, but when the media talks about suicide, they’re usually sensationalizing the suicide of a famous person in some way. Mindy McCready and Aaron Swartz are perfect examples. We don’t see enough helpful information about how we might prevent the suicide of a loved one, and we certainly aren’t seeing real people talking about their experiences with suicide attempts and how they dealt with the aftermath.”
Dese'Rae has photographed 13 survivors in the New York area, but nearly 100 suicide attempt survivors across the country have offered to share their experiences with her. She just launched a kick starter this week to take this project on the road to capture more experiences and more stories. She says the main goal is to have the project seen and contributed to by as many people as possible. Long-term goals for the project include book publication, larger scale exhibitions, and a documentary with footage captured in the making of the project. Suicide is a dark topic, it's true, but she says the purpose of Live Through This is to shine a light, to cast a line, and to celebrate life.
I definitely urge you to watch the kickstarter video even if you cannot donate. This is a project to help save lives.
If you would like to find out more about Live Through This click HERE.
If you would like to help Dese'Rae with her Kickstater, please click HERE.
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing it! I can't wait to show my boyfriend who is a suicide attempt survivor.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
-Cait
And the goal of this post has been reached. So glad you saw this Caitlin! Thank you!
DeleteI'm excited to hear what your boyfriend thinks, Caitlin. And if he's interested in maybe participating, please have him email me!
DeleteThis is a great project. Thank you for sharing, Nicole!! Feeling and knowing that you're not alone is the first step of survival.
ReplyDeleteIt absolutely is. I hope that she meets her goal, so many are touched and many more saved from not feeling alone.
DeleteHaving lost someone very near to me to suicide, I definitely see the importance of this. People need to be educated on this subject and take any warnings very seriously. I don't know how many times I have heard people say " it's just for attention" or "they wouldn't really do it". But people do. Every day.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely hope this project brings the attention this subject deserves. Really well done.
I know we have had many talks about all angles of this, Lindsay. You are absolutely right. I hope this brings the attention to it too. Because it needs it so badly.
DeleteThank you for sharing this amazing project! It's truly inspiring and I hope it gets through to people. Suicide is a problem and it's about time people try to reach out to each other. This project is amazing and soulful. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this Nicole. I'm in tears right now. Being someone who has suffered from mental illness for most of my life, I'm so glad more people are starting to talk publicly about this. I fight for my life every fucking day and I get so mad when people who haven't suffered or loved someone who suffers judge. It's hard enough to fight my own demons, I don't need outside influences making it even harder, ya know? I try to be open as possible about my struggles in hopes that it helps someone, but there are a lot of things I'm still too embarrassed to share with the world. It's not easy but knowing there are others out there who support me makes it a lot more bearable.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad (?) that something like this exists. Suicide and mental illness (especially depression) shouldn't be a taboo topic. It's a common problem, and always has been. There is someone I currently know who is on "mood enhancers," and she refuses to talk about how they affect her, because, honestly, I think she is embarrassed. But, really, outside forces can be necessary sometimes, especially if you don't find someone to confide in. I know that the phrase "they're doing it for attention" pops up, but no one seems to look beyond that initial statement. Perhaps someone is "doing it for attention" because no one cared to ask them how they were in the first place. It's hard for someone with mental illness to openly and eager discuss their concerns and issues so it is our job (the public's job) to reach out, talk, comfort, and make every step more welcoming and comfortable. No one has to be alone. Ever.
ReplyDelete