My name is Jolie Parker. I decided to apply for SIP because of my passion for both photography and mental health awareness. I am incredibly excited for the challenges SIP has to offer, and I cannot wait to see what I accomplish with my project. I am researching different mental illnesses, performing photography shoots to depict those illnesses through art, hosting an art show to display my photos, as well as making a coffee table book full of my images and research. All of the money I raise from the art show and coffee table book will be donated to an organization that supports mental health awareness.
The purpose of my project is to not only raise awareness on several different mental illnesses, but also break the stigma surrounding them. 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Did you know that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-34 in the United States? It is so incredibly important to normalize the conversation about the struggles of mental illness because mental health is just as important as physical health.
I hope that my project can shine a little light on those who struggle from mental illness, and help educate people on the dangers of the stigma society has placed on mental health issues. I want those who are struggling to see these photos and hopefully be able to relate in some way, and feel comforted knowing that they are not alone in this fight.