‘Understanding the Signs and Ways to Prevent Suicide’ by Kay Ledwell
The discussion about suicide is a taboo among people of color (POC) and it is often dismissed. In our community, mental health is deemed by some as a major hindrance. Many people struggle daily because of fear of rejection among their family, friends, and communities.
We tend to wear suffering as a badge of honor, and as a result of that, a lot of people take their lives because they feel like there is no way out.
Like many others, I personally have attempted suicide and I suffered for years from depression, and like many POC, I didn’t even know that I was depressed.
I made it a priority to become an advocate for mental health and bring forth awareness in the Black community in order to save lives. I teamed up with Tracy Kasale, a New England photographer to bring forth awareness during Suicide Prevention Month. This project was a three-part series over the course of one month, specifically focusing on the major topics that go unnoticed when it comes to suicide.
In this series, I focused on shedding light on the signs of suicide and introducing two brave women that were open in sharing the story of their attempt and also their experience of knowing someone who took their life.
The project ended with the week of HOPE, which birthed encouragement to those who have suffered or are currently suffering or thinking about suicide.
HOPE week successfully provided free resources for people to get the help that they need to live their life to the fullest, and to share information with those who may need it.
Kay Ledwell is a Detroit native photographer based in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. She uses her creative photography to empower, document, and bring awareness through portrait and documentary photography. Kay is a mental and women’s health advocate. She is a member of Black Female Photographers, a group of photographers who share knowledge and experiences with fellow women in photography.
