How Being Creative Has Helped a Hampshire Photographer’s Mental Health

One of the things the last year has taught us is to slow down…

Life was so fast-paced it seemed difficult to see how anyone would slow down. Then the virus hit us all.

Lockdown has forced us to do things in a very different way and for some, this is going back to nature and appreciating the small things around us – which are actually the big things!

 

The Human Brain

The brain is the most complex and least-understood organ in the human body.
Everyone’s brains are wired differently, and our environment, genes, social factors and experiences all play a role in how it is set up and how it operates.

The brain is the most complex and least-understood organ in the human body.
Everyone’s brains are wired differently, and our environment, genes, social factors and experiences all play a role in how it is set up and how it operates.

It controls all our bodily functions from thinking, heart rate, memory and emotions.
We may know very little about this amazing organ but what we do know is trauma can have a damaging effect on our minds.
While our bodies go into survival mode parts of the brain shut down and our ability to think straight and get out of hyper-vigilance are impacted.

 

Mental Health Issues

1 in 4 of us will experience some kind of Mental Health issue at some point in our lives.
There are many different Mental Health illnesses, and we can present with one or more of these illnesses at any time.
Sometimes it can be a childhood trauma that presents itself later in our 20’s, a chemical imbalance or an adult trauma that can bring on issues.
I am not an expert by any means and can only draw on my own experiences and those of my family and friends.

Sometimes it’s not one thing that helps but many things together that can improve these conditions.
There are several things that have helped those around me and myself and they are finding the right councillor, finding an understanding doctor and being prescribed the right medication, a creative outlet, exercise, healthy eating, having a faith and a good support network of family and friends.

 

How Creativity Plays a Big Part in Recovery

Writing, drawing, painting, colouring, photography, gardening and music are just a few creative arts that can absorb us. These creative outlets allow us to disconnect from overpowering thoughts and stress and channel our minds positively.
In the middle of a breakdown or when you are struggling to control your mind there can be just no words to try to explain how you feel.
Writing/journaling can really help move the thoughts from out of our heads and onto paper.
Maybe for you it could be painting or drawing how you are feeling? Literally singing your heart out or playing an instrument can help to move you into a more positive space.

Gardening, walking or exercising in a woodland or near the beach is another way of connecting with nature.
Forest bathing is now a cornerstone in Japanese medical institutions. Japanese doctors will prescribe periods of time for their patients to spend in the forest.
Phytoncides released from the trees have the power to counteract illnesses including cancer, strokes, gastric ulcers, depression, anxiety and stress. They boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and aid sleep. Soon it could be prescribed by British doctors.

With Nature being this year’s subject for Mental Health Awareness let me know what makes you feel recharged and less consumed by your thoughts?

I love cold water swimming, photography and being out and about in Nature.

I don’t know if it’s because I was born near the sea but whenever I’m away from it I miss it and its healing benefits which are exactly the same as forest bathing.

I love swimming in it, photographing it and exercising along the shoreline. Salt baths can be just as healing!

How Photography Helps Mental Health

As well as having all the creative benefits that I mentioned earlier these are some of the reasons why Photography is considered so important.

Photos are so important, aren’t they? They keep what’s important to us fresh in our minds, as the generations pass down, we can stay connected with who they were and what our loved ones mean to us.

Images freeze a moment in time and quite often we don’t realise how important that moment is until it passes, and we look back.

We can express ourselves artistically. While there might be some standard camera settings we use if we push the barriers with trial and error the results can be outstanding. Quite often it’s impossible to think of two things at the same time. By throwing ourselves into the creative process it can take us out of the turmoil of our minds and give us welcome relief.

Photography is a complex language – it allows us to convey moods in our mental health quite simply which at times no words can convey.

A simple image has the power to move us and bring back memories and emotions just like music.

 

Why Not Join My Hampshire Photography Camera Club

If you would like to join my camera club – 2020 vision photography for mental health – head over to Facebook and send me a request which I can then accept.

Our next planned trip is planned for this weekend at Farlington Marshes.

 

Why a Photo Shoot Can Boost Your Confidence

I work with all my clients to make them feel as relaxed and as confident as possible. We will work on your outfits, location and style of the shoot together. Once the images are edited you will look back on your special day with great memories and the fun you had.
We will eliminate self-doubt, fear and insecurities so you just relax into the shoot.

Contact me to discuss your ideas and suggestions, I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Tonic Music for Mental Health

Tonic are a local Portsmouth Charity in Highland Road who offer singing lessons, choirs, creative writing and musical instrument tuition to help with Mental Health.

Every photo shoot you book I donate a percentage to this worthwhile cause.

 

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