MRKH CONNECT / IM OK
In 2021 MRKH Connect launched a photo challenge to collect images of the things, places and people that have helped or inspired us on our journey. These images, combined with short captions, created a montage of inspirational reflections and messages from people across the world. This uplifting collection offered a heartfelt snapshot of what helped people to inspire and encourage others.
This collaborative visual story-telling project is designed to raise awareness around mental health issues and MRKH. We could not have been more pleased to join forces.
“I’m OK” is a project encouraging people to talk about their emotional wellbeing mental health experiences in their own words whilst telling their story through their portraits. Never before has it focused on just one condition.
We all know, and have experienced, how mental health support is often secondary to physiological support in our journeys. This project aims to refocus our attention to the impact MRKH has on our mental health and emotional wellbeing in our words: unfiltered, unscripted, unrehearsed.
We want you to join us and help shine a light on our amazing community and raising awareness publicly through your words and photos.
Adrienne
I had never heard of MRKH until my daughter was diagnosed. I saw the effect it had on her over the years although we didn't talk about it a lot back then.
Anna
It’s strange, I remember the day so vividly yet it was all a big blur. I was always the little girl with the pram, that’s why it hurt so much when it all got ‘taken away’.
Tell me more!
We are inviting our community – that’s you! – to share with us, if you feel comfortable doing so.
‘I’m OK’ is built on portrait photography accompanied by the text of your story, in your own words.
The images are designed to be authentic and critically, they should feel like they relate to you, however you interpret the brief.
We want individuals to take an image of themselves with their phone.
Then write 100 – 200 words for the caption that shares a little about their mental health journey with MRKH or if you’re supporting someone with MRKH.
Where will it be shared?
Your stories will be shared on a public online gallery – the I’m OK website– and will stand as a collection of images and messages to provide shared experience, comfort, support and inspiration to others. Vitally, you will be part of a project that will let everyone know that there are real people behind the diagnosis, all over the world. No one should feel alone.
Who can participate?
This is open to all. Whether you are living with MRKH or supporting someone who has MRKH, we want to hear from you because we believe everyone affected by MRKH has a story to share.
It is important to note that this project relies on an individual feeling comfortable sharing a picture of themselves publicly and we understand this is not the right step for everyone.
Charlie
I have been brought up to be strong and I thought that meant I had to figure it out on my own. Bury the bad feelings and carry on with a smile. It was years later when I realised the importance of being able to find the right support.
Richard
I'm OK. I haven't always been, but I am now. I had to learn to talk about depression and breakdown, and now just try and stop me.
Richard’s bio
I’m OK is a long-term project by photographer Richard Eyers that he created to challenge perceptions of mental health through words and photography.
Richard works closely with charities and community groups in the North East of England and further afield, exploring storytelling and identity. His most recent collaboration was with Illuminos: a light and sound theatrical projection onto the National Trust’s Seaton Delaval Hall. The Cast of Players featured the story of the hall with portraits of 300 people and some pets.
Richard’s past work includes documentary and social engagement, working with organisation including the Durham Fringe, Ridge SCIO in Dunbar, Society Matters and independent theatre, musicians and performers.
Guidance – where do I start?
You’ll need a digital camera or smartphone and get someone to take the picture of you that want to share – note that this doesn’t have to include your face if you don’t want it to!
This isn’t a technical guide and it isn’t about making a perfect photo. It’s about capturing a moment; an image getting a photograph of you where you recognise yourself and are comfortable in your surroundings.
The important thing is that this doesn’t have to be perfect, it is meant to be and feel representative for you.
Where should I take it?
The short answer is wherever you!
If you enjoy sitting in a café with a good book, that might be the place or if you enjoy walking along a river then use that.
Natural light is great but try to avoid ‘harsh’ sunlight. An overcast day can work well, with even light and soft shadows. If you feel it is too bright just find some shade.
If you find somewhere indoors, natural light from a large window can work well and reflections can be fun to play with.
Where do you want to be in the photo?
Remember, this is your picture and your story to share: do you want to show your face or not. It is up to you.
Filling the frame with the face creates intimacy. Stepping back and including your shoulders or hands adds a story and your surroundings can provide context.
Eye contact can be powerful but so can deliberately looking away from the camera. Pay attention to posture. Shoulders relaxed, chin gently forward can be more flattering. Hands can rest naturally or add gestures.
Including a familiar item such as a book, a drink or something with meaning can be helpful, giving you something to be occupied with in the photograph. Try looking at this, rather than at the camera. For some, looking down the lens feels powerful and natural, and for others, a ‘candid’ shot feels more ‘you’.
This is the brilliant thing about this project – you’re the creative, photographer and the subject.
Caption guidance
We need between 100-200 words and we know that this is likely to feel like nowhere near enough! However, when we have fewer words to play with, it can encourage us to drill down into what is most important.
Less is more.
Focus on the impact that your MRKH diagnosis had or has on your mental health.
Maybe consider a theme or topic. For instance, as a person with MRKH did treatment options stand out as the most triggering for your mental health?
Or, for partners and support people did the aspect of infertility cause the most challenges on your mental health?
We have suggest a few below but of course feel free to choose your own:
- Disclosure and acceptance
- Vaginal lengthening treatment and the choice(s) you made
- Sex, relationships, and intimacy
- Infertility and planning to have children
- Adjustments within your family environment
- Education, awareness, and support
As this project is based on trust, we want you to feel supported and comfortable throughout the entire process.
All submissions will be thoroughly reviewed and proposed edits will be shared with you for final approval. Please avoid identifying anyone who has not provided their permission. It is important to us that we protect the identities of all individuals not part of this project.
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