Well, last week, Sam Sansonite and I had a serious shoot where we attempted to visually articulate what it’s like to live with PTSD.

Sam and I have been in situations resulting in PTSD. Naturally, he was my choice to help bring my creative vision and this project alive. With Mandaroo’s help, we turned the 302 Studio into a safe environment to provide Sam the space required to explore his vulnerability and be authentic.

Sam is a huge, handsome, intelligent, Alpha-type male; my objective to make him insignificant and contorted illustrates how PTSD can impact your confidence and mental well-being.

The emotion and vulnerability Sam brought to this shoot was palpable. Sam was able to use his body language to illustrate the inner-turmoil, emotional confusion, and general anxiety one experiences with PTSD. This shoot was physically and emotionally taxing for the whole team.

The ultimate goals of this project are to:

- raise awareness for men’s mental health;

- reduce the stigma of men’s mental health issues;

- let others know they are not alone and don’t have to suffer in silence; and,

- help one person in crisis

You are not alone. There are people who will speak with you. Reach out.

You can talk to a mental health professional one on one. 

Call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to:

* 686868 for youth

* 741741 for adults

We are currently shopping this series around for publication.