After taking on the subjects of dating and learning to be kinder, designer Jessica Walsh's latest project tackles something similarly personal, but deeper: the stigma of sharing struggles with mental health. Her new project, Let's Talk About Mental Health, compiles honest accounts from people dealing with all kinds of mental illnesses — and invites you to share your own experiences.
Walsh says she was inspired to start this project while working on another one, 12 Kinds Of Kindness, in which she and fellow designer Timothy Goodman set out to learn how to be nicer. "Step four [of 12 Kinds of Kindness] is about learning to forgive yourself for something in your past," she explains in an email. "When we formulated this step, I immediately knew what I had to write about: my past struggles with anorexia, depression, and self-harm. I went through these issues for many years, but since I’ve recovered, I’ve kept them a secret from almost everyone."
In addition to telling her own story in a moving, personal video, she reached out to friends and colleagues to see if they would be willing to share their experiences. The response was extremely enthusiastic: About half of those she reached out to offered to contribute their stories, and the other half referred her to someone else who could contribute, she says. There are currently 10 stories live on the website, and another 15 will be added over the next few weeks. Simultaneously, she's sharing quotes and illustrations from the stories on an Instagram feed. Walsh is also inviting everyone to add their stories through the website.
Considering our complicated relationship with social media's pressure for perfection, Instagram may seem like an odd place for the project. But, Walsh explains, that's exactly the point. "I realized I had been curating my public persona to only show certain sides of me, or the best moments in life," she says. "The truth is, my life can be messy and complicated, and I have ups and downs just like everyone else; I am no different."
And, similarly, those dealing with mental illnesses are "normal people who lead otherwise productive lives," Walsh says. "The more [that] people open up and share their stories, the more we can change people's perspectives on these topics, end the ignorance around these disorders, and help end the stigmas attached to them."
Click through to see a sampling of the honest images from the Let's Talk About Mental Health Instagram feed.
"It was difficult to get my story out on paper, but once I had written it down it felt like a huge relief," says Walsh. "I realized this secret now no longer holds any power over me."
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
This quote comes from Jessica Walsh's own story.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
"I hope people who can relate to the stories feel less alone," says Walsh.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
This quote comes from Anna, a 27-year-old filmmaker.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
"I hope people who are ignorant to the topics will be curious to learn more about these issues," Walsh says.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
Another quote from Walsh's story, which will be live later this week.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
"Its been amazing to see that people are not only willing, but excited by this idea of sharing their stories and helping to end the stigmas," Walsh says.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
Sienna, an artist in Berlin, contributed this quote.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
"When I see people opening up about their mental illness online, I find its often celebrities who are very famous, or writers," Walsh says. "I don’t see a lot of people in business opening up about these issues."
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
This is a quote from Andre, an art director in New York.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
"I am both nervous and excited," says Walsh. "I am excited to release this and let people know you can go through these struggles and come out the other side, and live a really happy life."
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
This quote comes from a story sent in by David, a 29-year-old project manager in NYC.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
"I’m nervous because people have only known a certain side of me online through my work and speaking engagements and interviews," explains Walsh. "These often only highlight my career success, which is obviously not the full story of who I am."
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
This quote also comes from Sienna's story.
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.
"I do feel like [opening up about mental illness] leaves me somewhat vulnerable, and I am sure some people will judge me for it," says Walsh. "However I hope the positive sides of sharing the story publicly will outweigh the negatives."
Image: Courtesy of Jessica Walsh; @letstalkaboutmentalhealth.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
This Is The Most Sensible Advice We've Heard So Far This Year
Let Us All Have The Kindness Of Sarah Silverman In 2018
Dealing With New Year's Resolutions When You've Got Depression Is Awful