Mental Health Matters was born as a contrasting series to my women empowerment series, The Lilith Effect: a visual timeline of women’s self defense. I asked myself: “What is the opposite of women being strong and protecting themselves?” I realized the answer is men’s vulnerability. I sent out a google form to every teenage guy I knew, that consisted of two simple questions: 

1. What are three things that affect your mental health? (what keeps you up at night, worries you, scares you...)

2. Do you want to be a model in this series? (I want this to be anonymous- so any person can see themselves in this photo- so your face will not be shown)

The five photos of this series are the top five anxieties I received from my research. Most of the guys are Juniors/Seniors who entrusted me with their worries, and to portray them in an anonymous fashion. I was shocked by what they revealed. It was disheartening to see the number of guys worried about/struggling with addiction, finances, and toxic masculinity. After so many guys confided in me through my research, I felt an even stronger need to get this message through. Hopefully I did this cause justice.