Mental Health Awareness Week: Can therapeutic photography really improve mental health?
Mental Health Awareness Week was established in 2001 by the Mental Health Foundation. Since then the Foundation has been raising the visibility of mental health issues in children and adults to encourage people to get the help they need and improve the nation’s wellbeing.
More sunshine, brighter mornings, and Summer round the corner may all contribute towards better mental health. However, for some people, nicer weather and longer days may not be enough to beat the blues. It’s okay not to be okay!
It’s been a tough time over the last 2 years. Government statistics show that the number of adults over the age of 18 suffering from psychological distress rose by almost a third following the first national lockdown in March 2020.
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place on the 9th – 15th of May, and leading photography equipment insurer photoGuard is encouraging everyone to pick up their camera and give themselves a much-needed mood lift.
Head of Marketing at photoGuard, Alex Bennett said: “Photography has a number of therapeutic benefits linked to our mental health. It helps us showcase our creativity, allows us to detach from otherworld responsibilities, and improves our mood.”
photoGuard, a camera equipment and accessories insurer for over 20 years, has written about what therapeutic photography is and its benefits for wellbeing.
Therapeutic photography encourages people to use their photos for wellbeing or personal healing purposes. According to Bennett, photography can be an act of mindfulness in itself. “When you’re behind the camera, you focus your energy not on your outside concerns, but solely on the moment, and the task at hand”, he adds. “As a result, a photography session can help you feel calmer and more present.”
According to Mind, 1 in 4 people in England experience some mental health problems every year. In a hectic world, it can be hard to see how an enjoyable hobby can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. But picking up a camera could just be the key to feeling that little bit brighter.
Indulging in a photography session, no matter how brief, allows photographers to express themselves, their moods or feelings and their personal style. As a result, taking photos can boost confidence and self-esteem. “Sometimes, picking up a camera and taking a fresh perspective through the lens can really help put us at ease,” explains Bennett.
You can read more about photoGuard’s take on photography and wellbeing here:
https://www.photoguard.co.uk/mental-health-photography
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