SIS 2021 is a visual series that examines the art of mental health through photography, mixed media, and film, focusing on the unease and anxiety associated with the post-lockdown period. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its variants and lockdowns, has taken a significant toll on mental health and well-being, leaving many feeling anxious, stressed, worried, or depressed.
Reactions and emotions during this time vary greatly from person to person, but it’s essential to remember that whatever you may be feeling is valid—you are not alone.
In this context, “Sis is everyone. Sis is all of us during these unprecedented times.”
This series captures the emotional landscape of this challenging period, documenting post-lockdown feelings and exploring the intersection of mental health and art. It delves into anxiety, unease, mood shifts, worry, and the profound effects on our collective mental well-being.
SIS 2021 is both a reflection of a difficult era and a reminder of shared humanity, creating space to acknowledge, express, and process the emotions that have defined this moment in time.
FOR WAYS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH please check out Coronavirus Advice Hub on Mental Health Org UK
The pandemic is affecting us all. If you are struggling to cope with your mental health, NHS Talking Therapies can help. Your GP can refer you or you can refer yourself online.
There is a list of mental health charities, organisations and support groups that can offer expert advice which can be found HERE
Also there are tips and information that can help improve your mood and ease depression on HelpGuide.Org
If you are struggling to cope, feeling overwhelmed, anxious or exhausted, you are not alone. Contact Shout on 85258, its UK first free confidential, 24/7 text support service. Its free on all mobile networks.
Samaritans also provides confidential, non judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair including those that can lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face. Call 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)
Listening to music also boosts our mental health and our mood! It leaves a major impact on each one of us. It can reduce stress, improve our health and overall well-being. Music is an essential part of human existence.
Enjoy “Jam Now, Slimmer Down” by Blinky Bill, Ossie. A song for family and friends in these crazy times.
“Astoria” a contemporary jazz music by Steve Laury. There is overwhelming evidence and research that the relaxing effect of Jazz music can have incredible healing influence. Some of the health benefits of listening to Jazz music are – as a stress relief, improves your mood or relieve feelings of depression, causes the strongest brain response and dopamine release etc
Prayers and Affirmations are useful for our mental health especially in this current and post pandemic unease/reality. Negative thoughts contribute to anxiety, depression, fear and many other emotional symptoms, as well as having an adverse impact on your immune system. “The Morning Guided meditation with positive affirmations” video below by Pura Rasa can help you start your day in a very positive way. It will allow you to reach a calm state with a flare of confidence.
BE WELL AND STAY SAFE. I wish you good health during this time. Here’s to a new year of exciting things
Love and Light
Chin We
*images/photography from SIS 2021 project is available to buy from PICFAIR STORE*