ILLUMINATING PERSPECTIVES ON MENTAL WELL-BEING
MindCanvas
BACKGROUND
Mental health is a complex aspect of well-being that affects individuals of all ages. Millions of people face mental health challenges in the United States. It encompasses a spectrum of disorders, each with its unique impact on an individual's emotional, cognitive, and behavioral realms. This matter requires understanding, empathy, and collective awareness.
GENERAL INFO
Timeframe
Nov - Dec, 2021
Role
Researcher
Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Data Visualizer
Mediums
Digital art
Drawing
Mixed media
Watercolor
CHALLENGE & GOAL
Mental health issues are diverse and complex, but the first step towards finding solutions is to raise collective awareness about them. By adopting a proactive approach and promoting open conversations, we can empower individuals to address mental health concerns early on, minimizing their negative impact and creating a supportive community.
Credits
Professor: Matt Overwine
Feedback from Visual Communication Design students
In order to accurately depict the prevalence of mental health issues, I conducted research and found some staggering statistics.
I then used the data to design these infographics.
This generalized icon is used to depict people with mental illness experiences.
Looking back, I would use a more neutral icon that wouldn't signify that mentally struggling individuals would typically seen sad or depressed like this.
Looking at these alarming statistics, I felt compelled to express the multitude of emotions that those experiencing such struggles may feel, such as confusion, loneliness, helplessness, anxiety, and feeling lost.
To do so, I decided to create a series of mixed-media collages.
A question popped up in my head:
"Why is this such a big problem but not enough people seem to care?"
The signs of needing help can be present anywhere and everywhere,
so it's essential to be mindful of them.
Here is a closer look at the details in the poster:
Broken mirror sitting on the shelf
"SELF CONTROL" being scribbled on the board
A medical prescription paper being torn into pieces
Heavily broken pair of glasses
A giant jar of alcohol liquid and a smaller jar of drugs
There are so many more signs as these vary from person to person. Above is only my own interpretation of some of the signs.
Note:
People who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, can call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to reach a trained specialist who can offer help and support.