Research Specification
Introduction & General Outline
In recent years, mental health and psychological disorders are more frequently discussed especially on open platforms like social media, gradually changing the stigmatization of mental health in today’s society. However, at the same time, there are many aspects of mental health that are left unexplored and overlooked. In fact, some even criticize the romanticizing of conditions such as depression, suicide, anxiety and other eating disorder on social media, sharing narratives in the form of “depression posts”, musics with poetically dark lyrics and perhaps even illustrations might give a false impression that depression is somewhat “artistic” or “romantic” (Stuckey, 2017). Nonetheless, while there are limited insightful and reliable research on the relationship between mental wellbeing and art, it is undeniable that there is indeed a strong positive relationship between the creativity and mental health. Renowned artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Frida Kahlo were known to lived with mental illness and a romanticized as “mad geniuses” and the “tortured artist”. Throughout history, the expanse of artistic productions and creative achievement as well as the increasing correlation between mental health and creativity lead to question of the how creativity contributed to the development of society, and the price needed to be paid for it.
Recent years show an increase in suicides rates, furthermore, data collected Office for National Statistics suggest that people working in creative arts are four times more likely to commit suicide. Highly publicised suicides of music legend Chester Bennington and Korean pop singer, Kim Jonghyun towards the end of 2017 have brought the issue of depression to the public eye forcing people to acknowledge the possible severity of depression as they started looking back to the works of these artists for hidden hints of their depression. The thoughts, beliefs, values, and emotions of artists are inescapably represented in their work – and on some occasions, intentionally depicted. Three of the more familiar connections between art and the functions of the mind are the ways in which artists express their own thoughts, feelings, and mental distress in their paintings; the use of art to help individuals with mental disorders; and the occasional emergence of a person with mental illness, untrained as an artist, who proves to have a unique artistic vision. (Rustion, T., 2008). This occurrence lead to my research on the representation of depression through various art forms including literatures as well as mainstream media.
Compared to the stigmatized portrayal of depression in the media, there are indeed improvements in the representation of the mental disorder. Movies such as When Marnie was There (Studio Ghibli) and Inside Out (Pixar) which target audience are primarily children are not afraid to put the topic of depression into the spotlight, gaining the recognition of therapist Marty Cooper. As a person who recovered from depression she is shocked that such a mainstream kids movie was able to accurately present the essence of the mental illness. Lyrical content of some music is also a form of expression of depression, while they are often overlooked, they are also a source of comfort for those suffering with anxiety and depression. The accuracy of depression and other psychiatric disorders in the media is still questionable, however they play an important role in the public understanding and perception of the issues.
Depression is a serious mental illness that is often used casually. Through this project I would like to gain a better understanding of the whole phenomenon, the perception and discernment of depression in the eye of the general public as well as personal stories of individuals experiencing or experienced depression. Many factors could influence depression, including genetics, life events and relationships, while there are many commonalities, everyone will have their own take on what depression is like. To be able to properly represent and convey the emotions and values of depression, it is essential to start by listening to those who are personally went through it, hence narrative research will be a key component for the research process. This research project will mainly focuses on the personal experiences of depression and the representation of it.
Key questions
What are the stories of people battling depression, what are their personal experience that we do not see or understand?
How do people with mental illnesses express themselves?
Are creative people more prone to depression?
Sub-questions
What are the social implication of popular media representation of mental disorders ?
What are the implications of these representations?
Do they differ depending on cultures?
Mental disorders are often connected to art, what is their relationship?
What is the historical relationship between mental illness and art?
Keywords / Connected Themes
Mental Illness
Depression
Stereotypes
Stigmas
Psychological state
Research Methods & Why
Preliminary studies on the topic of depression mainly on scientific research papers and articles related to mental health to better understand mental illness, filling the gaps in knowledge in regards to the issue. The study was later narrowed down to themes revolving around depression as it is discovered that there is a link between depression and majority of the mental illness, including anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders. Studies on the representation of depression through various forms of media is studied including movies, music, fictional stories and social media was conducted. A sense of awareness on the influence of media depiction on society’s perception and belief on psychiatric disorders was developed along the way. The initial intent was to review the way in which mental illnesses is dealt with on mainstream media as compared to real life personal experiences of people.
Mental health is something that is quite hard to get a full understanding of as it can differ depending on individuals, how they felt, what they experience and how they faced it. I decided to take a further look into the personal experience of these people and how it could be represented. Therefore, I decided to look into online platforms such as reddit, online diaries for people with mental disorders to share their personal stories and other similar platforms where others can share their thoughts. This method may seem quite tricky, however I found that through these platforms where the individuals identity are hidden, unlike an interview and under the circumstances that their words may seem to be hidden among thousands of other stories, people tend to be more honest about how they feel.
Firstly, the project will be more narrative based, to gain a better understanding on the research method and carry it out better, further research was done on the method itself. Narrative research is a form of qualitative research method that can also be considered the phenomenon under study. Narrative research is a term that encompass a range of approaches that in turn depends on the written or spoken words of visual representation of individuals, typically focusing on the lives of individuals as told through their own stories (ATLAS.ti, Qualitative Data Analysis).
I would like to collect life stories of individuals, to better understand the first person perspective of depression, while acknowledging that everyone is different, as each person’s circumstances are unique and so are their experience while diagnosed with depression. Instead of really focusing on creating art, the aim is to perhaps better understanding the emotional experiences of people suffering from mental illness, how they felt and how are they perceived by others. I would review existing depression stories on open platforms, and create a post or webpage as a community blog for which people could share their personal depression experience. At the same time, I will continue to study the relationship between art and mental health, analysing the method of representations and their underlying connotation.
Ethical Considerations (if applicable)
This is one of the main considerations of this method. By studying the stories, description of the state these people are in, is it in any way violating that certain individual even if their identity are kept anonymous. There is an option of contacting the author of these stories and journals to gain their permission for this research project. Depending on the situation, names of the individuals involved will either be kept anonymous or by using a pseudonym.
Predicted Outcomes
As mentioned stated, the expression of mental disorders like depression are strongly tied to art. Art is even used as a therapy for individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses. Based on my research on presence and immersion for my thesis, I found that narratives play an important role in making audience emotionally immersed in an artwork, whether if it is a traditional painting or a sensory immersive virtual reality environment. Therefore, I have decided to based the artwork on individual narratives in hopes of creating awareness on the issue of depression.
Sharon Howard-Butler created an interactive art installation in collaboration with the non profit organization,Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) that is said to not only be able to change perception but improve the lives of those affected by schizophrenia- related disorders. While it involves less complicated technical elements, the projection of individuals sharing the struggles they have been through was not only able to increase awareness on the issue but also emotionally impacted visitors. Similarly, Ari Folman’s immersive multimedia installation, Depression Chamber (2017) functions with words, lyrics from Famous Blue Raincoat falling from the ceiling as the participant lay in bed surrounded by music in a darkened room to simulate the emotions of depression. These two works lead me to consider working with an interactive installation based on the narratives collected. The rough idea is when the participant move to a specific spot detected by a sensor, imagery depicted a narrative will be projected, and a different position or object will trigger different outcomes. This idea is a combination of the theme of this research and a sketch made for a possible installation for the installation and performance lecture next semester, which could vary depending on the narratives, tools and programs available and knowledge acquired along the way.
The first concept is to visually illustrate the stories of the individuals. After studying, reviewing and referencing other visual portrayals of depression of modern artists as well as contemporary artists today, studying the element that conveys the mood, perhaps the surrealistic elements, colours or techniques, I will attempt to translate the narrative content collected visually. The results will be compiled with the original narrative received and create a journal, a form which could be preserved as a form of knowledge, representing the voices of the unheard. It would also be nice to be able to share the outcomes to the individuals who contributed to the project. The illustration each individuals could be sent to them in the form of postcards. While it would be nice to share the stories and illustrations of others as a form of encouragement and gratitude for participating, there is the issue of expenses to consider.
At this early stage of the project, I will allow myself to explore different pathways, keeping an open mind and considering different outcomes. Other forms of medium, including traditional painting, canvas, objects, photograph, videos and animation, applying the skills acquired throughout the course of this program. The idea is to consider and experiment with with different materials, that could create an artwork to could well portray the feeling and experience of depression.
Medium ( material or non material )
(ie; physical materials, videos, sound samples, film stills, objects, etc)
A web page stating the intent of collecting depression stories which can later be shared on other platforms
The stories will be accepted in any form each individual best express themselves in
Sources / Resources
Movies
Mass media is an important source of information regarding issues and have significant influence on the awareness on a issue. While the accuracy of representation is questionable in many cases, it does bring up discussions regarding these issues. Depression has seen increasing media attention in recent years and there are more representation of it in mainstream movies. Movies have a more narrative approach, instead of scientific figures, it closely follows the lives of characters, providing a different perspective. The movies stated below are targeted towards younger audiences who are more prone to depression under the pressure of society today, by bringing the topic of depression into the spotlight, it could help younger people to identify symptoms of depression in themselves allowing them to seek help, at the same time expanding the awareness of the issue.
12 year old foster kid who spent most time by herself, although the target audience is primarily children, the movie clearly depicts the depression, of a troubled child. The main character suffers from It shows the symptoms of one suffering from mental illness, the main character isolates herself, have mental breakdown, and started to have hallucinations
This film shows how a person suffering from anxiety and depression feels and how others see or treat them. The main character is a biracial child with blue eyes which is uncommon in Japan, she faces racism and alienation. Her “imaginary friend” was a foreigner whose parents spent most time out of Japan, therefore she was left to the care of her nanny who abused her.
“There is a magical circle in this world that no one can see. Those girls are in the circle, and then there’s me, on the outside. But I don’t care about any of that. I hate myself.”
Alexander, D. (2015) ‘WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE & DEPRESSION IN ANIMATION’, February 12. Available at: https://damianimated.com/2015/02/12/when-marnie-was-there-depression-in-animation/
O’Connor, T. (2015) ‘When Marnie was There is depressingly hollow and lifeless’, Forget The Box, June 12. Available at: http://www.forgetthebox.net/when-marnie-was-there-is-a-depressingly-hollow-and-lifeless/
Wang, J. (2015), ‘How When Marnie Was There Creates Space for Grief in Childhood’, The Mary Sue, November 27. Available at: https://www.themarysue.com/how-when-marnie-was-there-creates-space-for-grief-in-childhood/
Online Diaries
According to various studies and mental health experts, journaling is a helpful way to deal with overwhelming emotions. It is often used in cognitive behaviour therapy to treat those suffering from mental health like depression, a healthy outlet for them to vent their emotions which can help manage the symptoms of depression. Today, there are many open platforms created for people suffering from mental health to share their mental health story. In such an atomised society today, people often confide in strangers who would not judge them based on their personal affair for fear those closest to them would not understand or would be burdened by their confessions. These are are where people are able to fully express themselves, protected by anonymity on the web. These mental health community not only allow people to openly express themselves but also help breakdown the stigmas surrounding mental health.
Healthy Place - https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/depressiondiaries
MOODPANDA - http://moodpanda.com/DepressionDiary.aspx
It’s Ok to Talk - http://itsoktotalk.in/all-stories/
YouTube
People wrote to in to share their personal stories, and in the comment section, many other anonymous people chimed in sharing their own feelings and thoughts in regards to the stories shared
Writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone tells the story of overcoming the "black dog of depression"
The black dog is essentially a nocturnal apparition, some of them shapeshifters, and are often said to be associated with the Devil or described as a ghost or hellhound. Its appearance was regarded as a portent of death.
Winston Churchill popularized the phrase, "I've got a black dog on my back," referring to how depression was always weighing him down and never far away, but the phrase seems to have been in use for a long time before that.
Timeline
Plan (ie; a breakdown and order of the tasks involved)
Collect stories and narrative of personal stories of people’s own depression experience, how the felt during these times.
Create illustrations that depicts their narratives
Compile the narratives of these individuals along with the art that “represents” them and create a journal
Continue research on the portrayal of depression through various art forms
Months
Tasks
September
Preliminary research - research on mental health issues
October
Specify Area of research - Narrow down to “Depression”
November
Research artists who have done works in this field
December
Create a research specification detailing the theme and plan for the project
January (2019)
Reevaluate the research specification
Start collecting stories
The time planned for collecting a good number of individual narratives is predicted to go on for about two to three months, if input is slower or less than predicted I will focus on the narratives collected first.
February
Collecting stories
Consider forms of interpretations
March
Collecting stories
Consider forms of interpretations
End of academic research (not ruling out the possibility of new discoveries)
April
Organize, categorize and analyse data collected
May
Work on Project
June
Work on Project
Final presentation
Indicative Reading List/ Proposed Reading List
Written Sources
American Psychological Association. (2018, November 5). ‘Happy childhood memories linked to better health later in life: Fond recollections of parents a key factor, study says.’ ScienceDaily. Available at: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181105091759.htm (Accessed: 14 December 2018).
Boston Children's Hospital. (2018, September 27). ‘When neglected children become adolescents: Study of children in Romanian orphanages tells cautionary tale about family separation.’ ScienceDaily. Available at: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/18092714
5549.htm (Accessed: 14 December 2018).
Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. (2018, June 21). ‘Psychiatric disorders share an underlying genetic basis: Psychiatric disorders may have important molecular similarities that are not reflected in current diagnostic categories.’, ScienceDaily. Available at: www.sciencedaily.com/
releases/2018/06/180621141059.htm (Accessed: November 2018).
Cooper, M. (no date) ‘In and Out of the Void: Pixar’s “Inside Out” as a Map of Depression’, PSYCHED. Available at: http://www.psychedinsanfrancisco.com/pixars-inside-out-depression/ (Accessed: 11 January 2019).
Coster, D. (2018) ‘Depression is Different for Everyone’, Psych Central, July 8. Available at: https://psychcentral.com/blog/depression-is-different-for-everyone/ (Accessed: 11 January 2019).
Dube, S.R. (2017) ‘How childhood trauma can affect mental and physical health into adulthood’, The Conversation, May 24. Available at: https://theconversation.com/how-childhood-trauma-
can-affect-mental-and-physical-health-into-adulthood-77149 (Accessed: November 2018).
MAILONLINE REPORTER. (2017) ‘Artistic types ARE more sensitive: Tortured geniuses found to be four times more likely to kill themselves’, MailOnline, March 18. Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4327382/Artists-four-times-likely-kill-themselves.html (Accessed: 11 January 2019).
Nemade, R., Reiss, N. S. and Dombeck, M. (n.d.) ‘Sociology Of Depression - Effects Of Culture’, MentalHelp.net. Available at: https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/sociology-of-
depression-effects-of-culture/ (Accessed: 14 December 2018).
Ohio State University. (2018, November 5). ‘How childhood stress contributes to anxiety, depression: Research in animals illuminates important role of mast cells.’ ScienceDaily. Available at: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181105160833.htm (Accessed: November 2018).
Perring, C. (2004) ‘Review of "Self-Taught and Outsider Art"’, Cascade, June 28. Available at: https://www.cascadementalhealth.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=book&id=2218&cn=144 (Accessed: 14 December 2018).
Pogosyan, M. (2017) ‘How Culture Affects Depression’, Psychology Today, December 6. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/between-cultures/201712/how-
culture-affects-depression (Accessed: 14 December 2018).
Society for Neuroscience. (2018, November 5). ‘Adolescent brain development impacts mental health, substance use: New findings offer promising avenues for early therapeutic interventions in young people.’ ScienceDaily. Available at: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/18110517
2022.htm (Accessed: November 2018).
Steger, M. F. and Kashdan, T. B. (2010) ‘Depression and Everyday Social Activity, Belonging, and Well-Being’, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, April 27. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2860146/ (Accessed: 14 December 2018).
Stresing, D. (2010) ‘Depression in the Media’, Everyday Health, May 3. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/depression-in-the-media.aspx (Accessed: 11 January 2019).
Tomlinson, A. (2018) ‘Visual art and mental health’, what works wellbeing, January. Available at: http://allcatsrgrey.org.uk/wp/download/public_health/mental_health/Full-report-art-mental-health-wellbeing-Jan2018.pdf (Accessed: 11 January 2019).
Rothenberg, A. M. D. (2015) ‘Creativity and Mental Illness’, Psychology Today, March 8.
and-mental-illness?amp&fbclid=IwAR0fAo4LJei8U4_BoUt0wUVZbPuwC25252tKMvTtzdZZp7CmaP5CarWbCB8 (Accessed: November 2018).
Rustin, T. A. (2008) ‘Using artwork to understand the experience of mental illness: Mainstream artists and Outsider artists.’ Psycho-social medicine, 5, Doc07., July 8. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2736519/ (Accessed: 11 January 2019).
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