Mental health challenges are often overlooked, despite being as real and impactful as physical health issues.
Seeing the various realities of mental health is crucial to better understand and care for our wellness, including that of our loved ones and communities. Recognizing the importance of mental wellness, CIIT’s Guidance and Counseling Center organized a photography exhibit, “Shadows & Lights: Illuminating the Mental Health Journey,” to promote awareness and empathy. Photography allows CIITzens to capture and communicate the often-unseen aspects of mental health, providing a powerful medium for reflection and dialogue.
CIITzens harnessed the power of visual art to capture the complexities of mental health in a way that invoked feelings and deep reflections among viewers. Their photographs depicted different perspectives on the issue, such as the difficulties, resilience, and hope. They also signified the balance between struggle and recovery as well as darkness and clarity, taking a different angle in perceiving mental health.
Ten photographers were regarded for their creative brilliance in visualizing mental health matters. Among the recognized were Jonathan Matthew Sapitula, Elijah Oshea Garcia, Nathaniel Franz Alvarez, Timothy John Unating, Andre Asual, Julienne Ysabel Balinas, Samuelle Victoria Javier, John Lawrence Gabriel Igme, Mikaela De Castro, and Andrea Publico.
Other photos also received awards in specific categories. Elijah Oshea Garcia’s “Baka Sakaling Makahinga Muli” was chosen for being the Best Depiction of Hope. The symbolic pieces in Julienne Ysabel Balinas’ “My Vibrant Treasures” and Andre Asual’s “Lost Innocence” were awarded Best Object Representation. The Best Portrait went to “Marina Galia” by Jonathan Matthew Sapitula. Meanwhile, among the monochrome photos in the exhibit, John Lawrence Gabriel Igme’s “The Praise of Yesterday” stood out as the Best Black & White.
By showing different perspectives about the mental health journey, the exhibit aimed to address the stigma and encourage viewers to look after their well-being, especially regarding reaching out for help.
In opening up about our mental health, it’s also important to have a safe space for expression. Let’s help each other find or create such a safe space that minds our wellness.
At CIIT, we see to it that our environment is conducive to well-being alongside learning. Look into how we support the development of artistic, innovative, and entrepreneurial minds here.