Tosin
Do you mind telling us a bit about yourself and what made you decide to participate in this photography project?
When I came across this project on social media, I found it really interesting as the perspectives of Black women are often muted in society. Aside from being underrepresented, Black women have unique challenges as a result of history. I was really glad to see someone capturing our perspective in a way that is authentic and expressed through art.
Do you have a mental illness besides depression that you suffer from? Do you ever feel like that it became a part of your identity? If so, how? If not, how were you able to separate yourself from your illness?
I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. I don’t particularly think of it as part of my outward identity, but rather my lens through which I see the world. I know that some things that don’t cause normal people to panic will send me into a racing thoughts spiral. I know that I require a lot more preparation for social activities and scenarios that require me to socialize than most people. I didn’t officially learn that I had this condition until fairly recently, so it is still pretty to new me as far as understanding myself and the things that cause me to feel anxious.
When I came across this project on social media, I found it really interesting as the perspectives of Black women are often muted in society. Aside from being underrepresented, Black women have unique challenges as a result of history. I was really glad to see someone capturing our perspective in a way that is authentic and expressed through art.
Do you have a mental illness besides depression that you suffer from? Do you ever feel like that it became a part of your identity? If so, how? If not, how were you able to separate yourself from your illness?
I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder. I don’t particularly think of it as part of my outward identity, but rather my lens through which I see the world. I know that some things that don’t cause normal people to panic will send me into a racing thoughts spiral. I know that I require a lot more preparation for social activities and scenarios that require me to socialize than most people. I didn’t officially learn that I had this condition until fairly recently, so it is still pretty to new me as far as understanding myself and the things that cause me to feel anxious.
Do you have family or friends that you are able to confide in regarding your mental health? Who makes you feel safe? How has your mental illness affected your relationships with friends, family, or even work?
I have friends who are very understanding about it, in fact, some of them are also dealing with mental health challenges. I feel safe with my friends and expressing my needs but I also don’t always feel comfortable addressing or talking about it. I feel that I have a strong enough outlet and support system that I don’t always feel compelled to make most people aware that anxiety affects me. Anxiety, however, makes it more difficult for me to deal with conflict, express deep feelings, and do things outside of my comfort zone. This affects the way I operate in social settings and the decisions I make at work. I’m fortunate to have the support I need in most settings to feel safe.
Do you feel as if having a mental illness as a Black woman has been somewhat a harder struggle? Have you experienced the stigma of being mentally ill within the Black Community?
I have mostly experienced the stigma around mental illness around family members who aren’t knowledgeable about the benefits of therapy and/or medication for the people who need it. Most people mean well, but mental illness is often perceived as a sign of weakness, something brought on by one’s own actions, or an “excuse” for not wanting to/being able to do things in the way that people are expecting. The media has also painted mental illness in a light that doesn’t improve the stigma. I haven’t been diagnosed for very long, so I can’t say I’ve experienced it firsthand - but I have witnessed the way that other people talk about mental illness.
I have friends who are very understanding about it, in fact, some of them are also dealing with mental health challenges. I feel safe with my friends and expressing my needs but I also don’t always feel comfortable addressing or talking about it. I feel that I have a strong enough outlet and support system that I don’t always feel compelled to make most people aware that anxiety affects me. Anxiety, however, makes it more difficult for me to deal with conflict, express deep feelings, and do things outside of my comfort zone. This affects the way I operate in social settings and the decisions I make at work. I’m fortunate to have the support I need in most settings to feel safe.
Do you feel as if having a mental illness as a Black woman has been somewhat a harder struggle? Have you experienced the stigma of being mentally ill within the Black Community?
I have mostly experienced the stigma around mental illness around family members who aren’t knowledgeable about the benefits of therapy and/or medication for the people who need it. Most people mean well, but mental illness is often perceived as a sign of weakness, something brought on by one’s own actions, or an “excuse” for not wanting to/being able to do things in the way that people are expecting. The media has also painted mental illness in a light that doesn’t improve the stigma. I haven’t been diagnosed for very long, so I can’t say I’ve experienced it firsthand - but I have witnessed the way that other people talk about mental illness.
What are some positive things or even ‘vices’ that help you through the tough times of your mental illness? Are there things you used to do that no longer benefit you? Why did these things help you?
I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating (mostly) healthy food, and taking overall care of my physical and mental health. I also take Lexapro to manage my anxiety, and it has helped me a lot. I am a medical marijuana patient, and I use marijuana to acutely manage my mood and help me relax. I have also recently started painting and doing more art projects, which has really helped with grounding me and feeling peaceful when I’m at home alone. My dog, Archie, is also a major key in my increase in happiness. Dogs are amazing emotional support companions!
Do you feel proud of yourself for how far you have come with your mental illness?
Definitely. I am so glad I made the decision to address my issues - I suffered silently with them for so long that it was normal for me. It wasn’t until I started taking the steps to improve my mental health that I realized I was almost constantly in panic mode. There have been so many improvements in life that I’d never have imagined even a year ago.
I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating (mostly) healthy food, and taking overall care of my physical and mental health. I also take Lexapro to manage my anxiety, and it has helped me a lot. I am a medical marijuana patient, and I use marijuana to acutely manage my mood and help me relax. I have also recently started painting and doing more art projects, which has really helped with grounding me and feeling peaceful when I’m at home alone. My dog, Archie, is also a major key in my increase in happiness. Dogs are amazing emotional support companions!
Do you feel proud of yourself for how far you have come with your mental illness?
Definitely. I am so glad I made the decision to address my issues - I suffered silently with them for so long that it was normal for me. It wasn’t until I started taking the steps to improve my mental health that I realized I was almost constantly in panic mode. There have been so many improvements in life that I’d never have imagined even a year ago.