The 10 featured individuals include men and women from cities across the country, including Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Tampa and Burlington, Vt. They range in age from 26 to 67, and represent a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The photo collection includes both traditional portraits of individuals deep in thought, as well as a broad range of everyday lifestyle images: men and women engaging with their children, relaxing at home, running errands, playing music, working out at the gym, laying in the sun, running on the beach, doing chores, hard at work, or in the midst of a conversation.
Lovato hopes the campaign ultimately encourages people to get the help they need. “For me, it was a relief when I found the root of my addiction issues, and the root of my eating disorder,” she said.
“And the message I really want to convey is that if you or someone you know is dealing with mental illness, just know there is hope,” Lovato said. “You can live well with mental illness. I am living proof of that.”
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., a drug company that specializes in medicines for central nervous system disorders and respiratory illnesses, sponsors the “Be Vocal” initiative. The new photography collection was developed in collaboration with the stock photography company Getty Images. There’s more information on the “Be Vocal” campaign at Be Vocal: Speak Up for Mental Health.
