Mental Health Awareness Week: Can therapeutic photography really improve mental health?

Mental Health Awareness Week was established in 2001 by the Mental Health Foundation. Since then the Foundation has been raising the visibility of mental health issues in children and adults to encourage people to get the help they need and improve the nation’s wellbeing.

More sunshine, brighter mornings, and Summer round the corner may all contribute towards better mental health. However, for some people, nicer weather and longer days may not be enough to beat the blues. It’s okay not to be okay!

It’s been a tough time over the last 2 years. Government statistics show that the number of adults over the age of 18 suffering from psychological distress rose by almost a third following the first national lockdown in March 2020.

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place on the 9th – 15th of May, and leading photography equipment insurer photoGuard is encouraging everyone to pick up their camera and give themselves a much-needed mood lift.

Head of Marketing at photoGuard, Alex Bennett said: “Photography has a number of therapeutic benefits linked to our mental health. It helps us showcase our creativity, allows us to detach from otherworld responsibilities, and improves our mood.”