Developing Mental Wealth, a Positive News photo series, features photographs from skilled snappers worldwide taken in the hope of raising awareness on the issue of mental health. The photographers have taken some of their best shots to tell the stories of how people, who have suffered from mental health illnesses, have prevailed and rebuilt their lives. The snaps include portraits of mental health professionals who are making a difference in communities far and wide, through their work and dedication to tackling issues like depression and anxiety.
Cebisile Mbonani is a South African photographer whose shot of Phindi Mgele was one of the highlights of the series. Mgele is a mother from South Africa who lost her mother, sister, and husband all within a short period. During the photoshoot, Mbonani tried to help Mgele to feel more comfortable by asking questions about her personal life. Mgele’s story touched the photographer deeply, and the photo of her depicted resilience and strength, despite the pain and traumas she had experienced.
Sam Bush is a London-based photographer. He photographed psychiatrist Russell Razzaque in July of 2023. Bush wanted to depict Razzaque’s pioneering role in the new approach to psychiatry. The photoshoot happened on a rainy day, however, they managed to find a ray of sunlight coming through a hallway window. The resulting shot depicts hope, a light at the end of the tunnel, and a metaphor of the story of the psychiatrist’s role in the field.
James Rodriguez is a photographer from Guatemala whose shot of Indigenous children in the Guatemalan highlands stood out. Rodriguez spent time taking pictures of groups of Indigenous women, sitting back and watching, and listening before documenting anything. During his time taking photos, he discovered the little girls who were accompanying the women were also participating, and he felt that it was representative of community-building at different levels and promoting education for future generations.
Taiwo Aina is a photographer from Nigeria, whose favourite photograph was a portrait of Ayomide Olude, the project manager of the Eco-Anxiety Project, the team behind Lagos state’s first climate cafe. Aina wanted to capture the story of the place, a space full of colour that tells a story of hope and progress. Ayomide is an inspiration and a role model for all Nigerians suffering from the effects of climate change.
The featured photographers of Developing Mental Wealth are talented artists whose shots depict hope and positivity, despite the people in them having gone through mental health traumas. These stories are a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit and mind and how the human community can help its members to heal and rebuild
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