Destigmatized

One Man’s Mental Health Journey Across the US

(2021-2023)

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9/8/2021 - 9/19

Chicago, IL

#1 Jeanie

Linden, MI

Recorded 9/20/2021

#2 Dave

Linden, MI

Recorded 9/20/2021

#3 Kay

Rochester, NY

Recorded 9/24/2021

#4 Mike

Rochester, NY

Recorded 9/27/2021

Once I completed my BFA Thesis, 31 Days Denver, and graduated college, I felt stuck. Ending that major chapter shifted my perceptions, and I wanted a getaway to ponder the life I eventually desired to live. What’s next? What do I do after college? Needing artistic inspiration, I set out on an ambitious three-month adventure where I drove 16,000 miles across the United States.  

While on the road, I reflected on 31 Days Denver and thought about the main presence of only Gen Zers and Millennials among the participants. My main takeaway from the project? People of all walks of life are struggling–regardless of age. So, I realized I needed also to highlight the stories of older generations. 

In nine states, I interviewed 16 participants from ages 23 to 93–a combination of friends, family, and random strangers. I asked difficult questions about mental health and each participant shared their unique narratives and how they shaped their perspectives. 

I recorded 20 hours of audio from the interviews, shot 70 rolls of 35mm film, over 1,500 Fujifilm Instax, and 200 Original Polaroids.