Photovoice Gallery
Through Photovoice, we asked our participants questions about their personal, community and societal experiences. Swipe through our gallery to see a sampling of the photos.

THE FIGHT FOR MY LIFE
I have fought through all my struggles, I have fought to acquire my life today. I’m always fighting for my life, the life I have with my husband, and the enjoyment and fulfillment I have every day.

THE VILLAIN WITHIN
Part of me feels trapped behind the mask after years of being hurt, rejected, having my heart and trust broken, and being used and abused. I had to put the mask on. I struggle with my own identity, I’m both the villain and the superhero of my own story.

BELIEVE
Health work is to do something, to believe. If you don’t believe it doesn’t work. I believe it’s right because it work for me. I repeat to myself, I am good, I am well, I am happy.

DON'T JUDGE ME BY MY COVER
The inside is nice, sweet, and good, but the cover is though. When you have mental health issues, they just see the surface. They even don’t think that inside might be better than outside.

I FEEL HEARD
My mom has endless patience and allows me to talk it out, regardless of how much I ramble on. She always takes the time to listen to me. I become calmer and ready to handle my next obstacle or life event.

FOUNDATION FOR MEANINGFUL CHANGE
People aren’t aware of the needs of the Aboriginal community, just like they aren’t aware of the needs of the mental health community. We need patience because things don’t happen overnight. Openness, built on a foundation of safety and trust, is needed for people to know who we really are, and to facilitate meaningful changes to our mental health system.

SELF-PORTRAIT
I identify as Celtic, lesbian, artist, musician and crazy.

I FEEL LIKE AN ALIEN
This is my experience of mental illness, it’s like living in a UFO on another planet. I don’t know where I belong or what to do.

A WILD RIDE
My experience of recovery is like riding a roller coaster. I’m trapped and can’t get off. I don’t know how many times I’ve gone through all those highs and lows. It prevents me from doing things I want, and people don’t understand what is wrong with me.

ANOTHER WORLD
When I am better, I am like that boy taking photos and enjoying life, but many people see me as different now. I feel confused. I’m living in another world when I live with mental illness.

IT'S A LONG ROAD
Let’s try this medication, let’s try that medication, that’s not working, let’s add this and take that away, increase this and add some more of that, let’s take it all away.