Research Ptsd Major Project

[JamesAllen]

My name is James Allen, I am a Documentary photographer based in the South West of England, i am currently shooting a project on and around the subject of PTSD and the impact it has on individuals and the way they are treated. If anyone would be interested i am looking to talk and or photograph people and there struggle. If you feel like you could talk to me please let me know and i can send more details.

My aim is to highlight the issue and how this impacts on people and to raise awareness. References are available on request.

Thanks for your time.

 

[PTSD sufferer]

Hi James,

I am not the person you are looking for.

However, I wanted to say that I think it is admirable that you have thought about PTSD and want to raise awareness through a documentary. As with any illness, greater understanding and awareness in the community goes a long way. I am curious whether you have had a personal experience with PTSD that has inspired you to undertake this project?

I am sad to say, that I think you will find it tough finding someone through this forum to participate in your documentary. Most of us will eagerly watch it, but most of us, will opt out of participating. People have come before you to try to obtain interviews, and I am sad to say it was met with a bit of hostility. If you knew us and our illness, I am sure you could understand why that is the case.

Best of luck with your documentary, and as I said, I am not the person you are looking for, but I will eagerly watch your documentary if it airs.

 

[Sandra]

Some people wish to keep their info private and to themselves or only to post here or discuss things with their T.

I prefer to keep things to myself.

 

[JamesAllen]

Thank you both for your replies, PTSD sufferer i understand exactly, and i expect these things, i am fortunate to have worked with people with the condition, aswell as having a friend who have served and now as a consequence of his experiences suffers and he is younger then me in his early twenties. This is what is driving me to try and tell this story. Sandra I understand that the majority of people are more comfortable not discussing and disclosing, and i have just as much respect for people if that is there wish.

I just feel a duty to make sure that people of my generation are represented and informed.

 

[KP the nut]

Possibly but I'm unsure. I'd need to know more of what would be involved

 

[Stormy Eagle]

Upon reading your request I was tempted to send a not so nice response, it seemed like quite an intrusion to find someone without out the condition in this little haven. However, considering the isolation I feel living with this condition, I would like to hear about what you have in mind for your project.

 

[PTSD sufferer]

Hi James,

Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us. I hope your friend is getting the help he needs to get well.

A couple of suggestions from me, which I hope you will find helpful...

Considering your experience with PTSD, you might like to share with us some of the 'measures' you would be willing to take to help those that want to 'participate' feel secure. For example:

- filming in locations approved by the participant;
- allowing the participant to review the final edit and make changes; and
- providing a list of questions prior to filming to allow for reflection and negotiation of this question set...etc

The point is, work with your participants and always be mindful of their needs. Understand their boundaries, listen to them, when they need a break give it to them, and try not to 'direct' too much.

As passionate as you may be, remember that this your participants 'life', not yours. And their wellbeing is the most important thing in this equation.

Also be aware, that 'surprises' may trigger people. Understand that the participant is taking an 'emotional risk' by talking to a stranger (non therapist) about their experience, and always, always, keep their well being in mind.

Be honest, be compassionate, be patient, be calming, be understanding.

I hope you will strive to present PTSD as it is, but also, do so in a way that inspires others to get the help they need to get well. And, also to help carers (sufferers partners and families) better understand the complex world of PTSD.

Just a few pointers. Again, best of luck with your project. Bye now.

 

[JamesAllen]

Thank you very much for your comments, its nice to have support and advice when it comes to this project, i aim to be as impartial and observant as possible, after all its crucial to tell peoples stories and experiences in the first person.

I always try and work in a way where the subject is the director of my images and i promise if i complete this work i will share only work where my subjects are one hundred percent happy. And i hope that it will make a positive difference to some one somewhere, if thats the case then it will all of been worthwhile.

Again thank you for your support.

 

[TLight]

I'd be interested in speaking out. But I'd like to know more about the project. Plus I can't travel anywhere too stressful. But if you can come here (Seattle area).,

 

[JamesAllen]

Hey Tlight,

I am pretty limited to where i can travel this year as well with various commitments back here in England, but please feel free to message me with any advice you could offer, as any help i can gather is just as valuable in my work, the more i understand the more i can tell.

Best James

 

[cat]

Hi James
Could you send more detail please then I can make a decision, I would be reluctant to be filmed & would like to know where the documentary would be aired.

 

[Oberons Wife]

Hi James,
I was raised near Stroud, but am presently living in Yorkshire. I like the idea of letting people know how it is to have PTSD, but in my situation I need some anonymity. I am working on some sculptures about the issue and there may be a way of showing hands working on the forms (narrative art) with words, but no face. I spoke to a journalist from the Observer once, but he wanted to do that naff blacked out silhoette stuff, I was surprised as I'd hoped for a little more intellect from them. So it's a maybe from me.