Photo series looks to challenge stigma around mental illness among people of colour

Dior Vargas’ People of Colour and Mental Illness Photo Project hopes to combat the stigma of mental illness among BME communities.

Mental health activist Dior Vargas hopes her new photo project will combat the stigma of mental illness in BME communities.

A new photo series has been launched to challenge perceptions of mental health issues among people of colour.

Dozens of people have been contributing to activist Dior Vargas's People of Colour and Mental Illness Photo Project, submitting photos of themselves holding signs describing how they are living with mental illness.

“This is not something to be ashamed about," Ms Vargas writes on her website.

"We need to confront and end the stigma. This is a NOT a white person's disease. This is a reality for so many people in our community.”

Writing in the Huffington Post, Ms Vargas says: “I know it's not a simple task. It's going to take time to change the norms, but we need to get started now.

"We have to acknowledge that people experience mental illnesses differently so we can find a solution, otherwise the solution will be centered on the needs of white people which has been the case all along.”

To see more of the project, or to submit a photo, visit Dior Vargas’ website.