So far from my research, I have determined the negative stigmas that surround mental health, have mainly spread throughout the mainstream media. All media sources, from news papers to movies, are part of this problem, even tough some are now beginning to take responsibility and improve the messages they put out in to the world.

I am intending to use this to my benefit, and research in to how I can create the most effective makeup look possible, in order to post on my social media channels and help raise awareness towards this subject. It is important to me that I do not only create this look for my FMP, but actually use it as a way to spread information, and awareness to this subject. As mentioned in my introduction, I have strong personal ties to these subjects, so I feel very strongly about breaking the negative stigmas around these disorders, in order to help those who are struggling, and educate those who do not.

I have also explored the different kinds of editorial, and editorial sources which will help me identify what specific things to research within my developed research stages. This will help me ensure I research the correct materials, in order to create the most effective final image.

In this post, I have explored how mental heath is represented in the media.

Some topics explored my be triggering for some readers, please proceed with caution.

Introduction

Mental illness and psychiatric disorders are often inaccurately portrayed in the media. All sources such as; movies, TV, magazines, books, social media and the news, often stereotype these conditions as violent, un-predictable and crime related, unlike the majority of real mental illness cases. This villainous representation in the media has caused a huge stigma to build around these conditions, therefore causing those suffering to feel ashamed, and un-willing to reach out for help. This then causes a further adverse reaction, as mental health cases have risen dramatically as a result of these stigmas.

Often, when a high profile event includes talks of mental health, such as a celebrity suicide, the media will publish an out pour of articles on mental health, detailing information about diagnosis and support. Although this can be helpful it usually only lasts a few weeks, or even days, before a crime or vicious accident is then connected to a mental health disorder – once again portraying those struggling in a villainous and extremely negative light.

Movies

Movies are a perfect example of where mental health representation can go terribly wrong. Don’t get me wrong, movies can portray these disorders brilliantly allowing people from the outside to gain an insight into the realities of certain disorders. For example;

Sideways (2004)

This movie follows a story of two men on a trip through California’s wine country, as a celebration of ‘the last week of freedom’ before one of them is to be married. While the soon to be husband is full of joy and adventure, his friend has been battling depression for a very long time, and is finding it hard to come out of his shell. This movie helps depict both how depression can truly affect those suffering, and also explores how you may be able to help someone you love escape their loop of depression.

Julien Donkey Boy (1999)

This movie is focused on a young man suffering with schizophrenia, and how this disorder is affecting him and those around him. This film is extremely powerful, and effectively represents how the disorder may affect a person, and those around them. It also ensures to touch on all aspects and feelings that may be experienced, from support to neglect, opening the eyes of those who do not suffer this illness.

To the bone (2017)

To the bone, follows the story of a young woman dealing with anorexia nervosa, and her journey to recovery after meeting an unconventional doctor who makes her face her troubles and challenges her to embrace life. This movie is created so cleverly, as it has a fun and lighthearted feel while also carrying an extremely strong message. This is used to explore how this disorder can affect not only the person suffering, but their friends, family and romantic interests.

Brain on fire (2016)

Brain on Fire follows the story of a young woman who has just landed her dream job, then all of a sudden develops uncontrollable erratic behaviors, causing her state to rapidly and continuously regress. This film touches the subjects of misdiagnosis, along with how these disorders can affect one’s ability to carry out everyday tasks. This gives a great insight into the effects of mental health disorders and represents them incredibly well.

A girl like her (2015)

This movie has been created to educate its viewers on the causes and effects of depression, anxiety and suicide. It tells the story of a high school girl bullied by the most popular girl in the school. The victim and her friend decide to set up hidden cameras to capture evidence of the bullying, however they promise not to release this evidence to anyone. After his friend commits suicide, a young boy decides to release the films and expose the bullies in order to hold them accountable for her death. One of the most powerful messages within this movie is the phrase ‘Based on 1000 true stories’. This movie gives a true insight into the minds of bullying victims, and will hopefully have made some people realize the potential consequences of their actions.

Canvas (2006)

Finally, this movie follows the story of a woman diagnosed with schizophrenia, and how her uncontrollable and erratic actions affect those around her, namely her husband and son. The movie touches on causes, effects and treatments for this disorder, while representing it in a true light.

However, many films can also play on the information people are fed through mainstream media, and build villainous, vicious and evil characters, whose actions are often justified with a mental health condition. The films listed below are among some of the films that have completely misrepresented certain illnesses.

Split (2016)

The first example I think of when considering movies that inaccurately depict mental health disorders, is split. This follows the story of three young girls kidnapped by a man diagnosed with split personality disorder, hosting a distinct 23 personalities. The girls are in a mad rush to escape the situation before the rise of a frightful 24th personality, known as the beast. Although this is meant to be a supernatural horror film, the references to these disorders may cause an extremely negative connotation to build around them, and those who suffer. This is because those who do not suffer these illnesses may have distorted perceptions about the realities of the disorder.

Joker (2019)

In a similar case, the movie Joker uses mental health disorders as an excuse, to justify violent and erratic behaviors. The story follows the origins of the infamous villain from the DC Batman comics, the Joker, and his journey of insanity, taking him from stand-up comedian, to Gotham’s clown prince, and leader of the revolution. Although some scenes in this film do accurately depict how one may struggle from certain mental illnesses, the idea that this character used his diagnosis to justify his violent actions is incredibly offensive.

The Visit (2015)

This movie follows the story of two young siblings, on a trip to their grandparents house in order to rekindle a lost relationship. The two siblings become increasingly disturbed by the unusual behavior of their grandparents, before it is revealed the two adults are in fact not their grandparents at all. The story reveals two escaped mental asylum patients have taken the grandparents’ place in a bid to live a life undetected. Although this creates a great story line for a horror film, the fact that schizophrenia and dementia are used to justify the absurd actions that take place in this film are once again extremely insulting to those who actually suffer these illnesses.

Shutter Island (2010)

This movie follows the investigation by two federal agents into the disappearance of a patient who has escaped an institution for the criminally insane. Although in some cases, extremely horrific crimes are related to certain mental health disorders, this film depicts these disorders in a way which makes it seem every criminal has a mental illness, and every person suffering with a mental illness must be criminally insane. Therefore, it can be viewed as extremely offensive and misleading.

The Shining (1980)

Finally, the shining is another film that mis-represents mental health conditions, by using them as excuses to justify horrific acts of violence. Although this film was created to be a supernatural horror, its use of references to mental health conditions throughout could cause extremely distorted and incorrect views towards people who actually surfer these issues.

TV

As previously mentioned, in more recent years there has seemed to be an out pour of media coverage on topics such as mental health when there is a high profile event , such as a celebrity suicide, that links to this subject. However, since toward the end of 2022, many of the main UK television services have focused largely on this subject.

For example, Channel 4 set up a section on their catch up streaming service, named mental health matters. In this section they have included a range of programs, dramas and documentaries that have been made to raise awareness for these issues. No only have they used their soap drama, Hollyoaks, to bring awareness to multiple issues such as; assault, rape, domestic abuse, addiction, self harm and suicide, but they have also created multiple individual drama series or one off episodes, such as; Consent, its a sin, and I am…, designed to tackle and raise awareness on some of these issues. Furthermore, channel 4 has completed many interviews and documentaries with huge names such as; Katie Price, Dani Dyer, Vicky Paterson, Gemma Collins, Caroline Flack and Davina McCall, to help represent the celebrity life isn’t as perfect as it seems, therefore highlighting the idea that you sound not be constantly jealous of the things you see on social media, as these people suffer too.

Furthemore, ITV created the ITV x Calm campaign, in order to bring light to the realities of mental health disorders, while encouraging people to reach out and help others. They created multiple episodes, detailing stories of life post mental health battles, as well as following stories of those in recovery. This helped to show that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and your life is worth fighting for. They also created a short, to be shown during advertisement time, that presented examples of the signs to pick up on, and gave an example of how to effectively reach out to those you believe are struggling, and offer help. The ad followed the story of a father, concerned about his daughters well being, and pulled at heart strings all across the country.

Additionally, the BBC have followed a similar pattern, using new material, alongside their timeless soap Eastenders, to bring awareness to these situations, how they affect everyone involved, and how to help. They have then furthered this awareness by creating multiple documentaries with stars such as; Emily Attack, Joe Wicks, Horatio Clare and James Arthur, once again highlighting the idea that life in the spotlight is not as easy or glamorous as it may seem on social media. They also have created interviews with everyday people, detailing stories about people overcoming self harm and addiction, again proving things can, and will get better, if you keep fighting. These programs are designed to give hope to those struggling, in a bid to encourage them to stick out their fight, while providing valuable and accurate knowledge to those who do not suffer.

Finally, streaming services such as Netflix and Disney plus also have specifically made programs, designed to teach people how to relax and unwind. This will help many people learn new coping mechanisms and skills, all from the comfort of their home. These shows played an extremely vital role during the COVID-19 Pandemic, when everyone was in isolation.

Overall, although topics such as mental health can be inaccurately portrayed on TV, I believe broadcasters are beginning to take more responsibility for what they release, therefore making the coverage on TV more and more positive.

Social Media

Although social media can be a great and positive place, it can also unlock the darker side of some people, making it a living hell for those affected by online bullying. Before social media, there tended to be one group of bullies in a school or community, picking on everyone else. Although this was hard enough as it was, victims could often go home, unwind and forget about the horrible things that may have been said or done to them throughout the day. However, social media has created a playground for all kinds of people, as not saying these things to a person’s face means you don’t see their instant reaction, often meaning people don’t think twice about the potential consequences of their actions. This also means for victims of bullying, they don’t even get to go home and escape the realities of their day to day life, the name calling, shaming, and picking never, ever stops.

Not only does social media allow people to bully others online, through comments, posts and direct messages, but it also creates a place of self-doubt for many. Almost everyone uses social media as a space to post the good things going on in their lives, a place to forget the negative and share the positive. However, for viewers this may create an environment where certain peoples’ lives are  ‘perfect’. As many will not share their struggles on social media too, those viewing their profiles may begin to compare their lives, criticizing themselves for not having those certain shoes, or not being able to travel to that certain place. This can cause a huge feeling of dissatisfaction for life, and an overwhelming fear of missing out.

Additionally, heavy use of social media causes a lack of face to face contact. Although one may not intend to do this, I’m certain almost everyone can agree we are all victims of falling down the rabbit hole of our phones or computers, as scrolling can become addictive. This means taking a few moments out to check your notifications can easily turn into hours of you surfing the pages of people you have never even met, while not speaking a word to your family and friends sitting in exactly the same room as you. This lack of human interaction can, and will often, lead to an extreme feeling of loneliness, which may even be capable of causing, or worsening depression and/or anxiety.

However, in the same sense social media can be a great place. For those who live further away from their family or friends, social media is an easy way to keep up to date with each other. Unlike before social media, when you would write a letter to someone, and may not receive a reply back for two weeks or so, social media allows us to keep in constant contact with those we love, while also getting to see their face and hear their voice, through photos, videos, and facetime calls. This also allows many people to follow their idols in their day to day life, and gain valuable information on how to achieve their future goals.

Furthermore, social media is a great place to promote new ideas, and network with others, while supporting and raising awareness to certain causes. These platforms allow us to create and join communities with people who share the same passions and interests as ourselves. Not only could this make a huge positive impact, it also creates a safe space for making friends and meeting new people all across the globe. Therefore, social media may actually be the cure of loneliness for some people, who find it difficult to connect with people in their local communities.

Additionally, these platforms allow people to express their style, creativity and self expression. As just mentioned, this may encourage people to make friends, as well as allowing them a quick and easy way to reach out for help, advice and support. Social media can also be the perfect place for people to discover inspiration, collaborators and information about certain topics, allowing them to further discover things they are passionate about.

Overall, although social media can be hugely positive, I still feel the vast majority of users find this space very negative. In my opinion, social media still has a long way to go before being a safe space for everyone, therefore I believe it is a huge contributor to the mental health pandemic we are facing.

News

Upon looking at the most recent news titles, focused on mental health, I can already see there has been a huge improvement over the past few years. The first few articles I came across were all focused on mental health in a more positive light, exploring recovery, and scientific breakthroughs in the world of treatments and cures. However, it did not take me long to find an article which related a mental health condition to a vicious crime.

Much like the subjects I explored when talking about mental health representation in the movies, news panels often use mental health conditions as a way to justify a person’s inhumane actions of violence. Although these conditions may well be a factor in the cause of these  events, news articles are written in such a way that makes it seem the only reason these things happened is purely because the person was suffering from a mental health disorder. This then hugely distorts the view of the public eye, causing a huge taboo around the topic of mental health, and a general fear of those who suffer.

https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2023-05-10/woman-discharged-from-mental-health-care-months-before-decapitating-mum

The article I discovered was titled ‘woman discharged from mental health care months before decapitating mum’. Upon reading this, I can almost certainly tell you most people would immediately think this act was completed, solely due to the woman’s mental health disorder. This article told the story of a woman, Odessa Carey, who brutally murdered her 73 year old mother, just months after being discharged from her community mental health care team, in 2019. During the inquest, a court heard that a review of Odessa’s care found multiple agencies had’ failed to recognise the danger posed by Carey’.

When further reading this article, you learn one of Odessa’s mental health workers had reported “some delusional content to conversation” during her visits to their home, where Odessa would regularly speak upon her beliefs that the woman that she lived with was not actually her real mother, rather someone posing to be her. She also reportedly stated beliefs this imposer was allowing people into the home to steal her belongings. Additionally, it was revealed Carey was known for abusing recreational drugs such as cannabis, therefore heightening her risk of deterioration of her mental health.

Toward the end of the article, the idea that referral to a drug or alcohol abuse rehabilitation service could have prevented this incident was explored. Although this helps to highlight the idea that Carey’s mental health condition was only one of many factors that may have influenced her decision, it is important to note not many people will actually ready a full news article. More often than not, people use an article’s title as their sole news source, meaning they would have believed the horrific accident had happened purely because this young woman was battling with a mental heath disorder.

This is a perfect example of the negativity shown towards mental health within the news media coverage. Overall, I believe the news is one of the worst outlets for providing inaccurate depictions of those struggling with mental health disorders, and distorting the public’s view.

Introduction

Since I am planning to create a series of editorial style images for my final outcome, in this post I have explored the differences between different editorial types, and the everyday makeup look.

Editorial make-up is a term used to describe make-up that is not worn on a daily basis. Instead, this kind of work is often commonly used for fashion magazines, adverts, or runways and showcases. This make-up has a purpose to interpret a story that has been created by a; client, photographer, designer, brand or director.

Editorial images are usually released in a series, to create a spread within a magazine, or social media page. As just mentioned, the aim of these images is to tell a story, or create a fictional reality.

Make-up within editorial works usually consists of a flawless base, with light contouring to amplify a models natural bone structure and add dimension to the face, as well as highlighting their natural features. Essentially, the most common type of makeup within these images is a ‘no make-up, make-up.’ However, many of these looks will have one focal point, usually either the eye or lip, but very rarely both.

These images are often created in a sense that reflects future and up-coming trends, drawing attention from all kinds of people who are wanting to keep up to date with the times, or who are intrigued to experiment with their look.

Usually the hair and make-up in an editorial takes either a very natural, or a go big or go home approach. If hair is the focus of a look, it is usually very in-practical and exaggerated into expanded and exotic shapes, creating ornamental structures and polished looks. These styles will create an overall striking image, allowing the message to be clearly delivered.

Editorials are such a popular choice for brands within marketing, as it allows them to appeal to specific audiences, such as people of a certain; age, disability or minority. These editorials create a voice for certain groups by presenting them in a positive light. Furthermore, over 96% or brands now use social media, making editorial images the perfect way to catch the eye of internet users all around the globe, therefore reaching a much larger audience.

Overall, editorial images are usually created as a way of stripping norms and breaking boundaries to present ideas of the future. For those messages to effectively be conveyed, professional photography and editing skills are necessary to allow these images to elevate to a whole new level.

Types of editorial

As explored above, there are many different kinds of editorial, all of which will have different hair and make-up requirements. In this section I will explore the difference between three main editorial styles.

Fashion editorial

Fashion editorials are used to create a story around a fashion piece, or collection. The hair and make-up that accompanies these looks may be dramatic, but only to emphasize the fashion story. These editorials can be found in magazines, brand adverts, campaigns and even on fashion runways and showcases. Although hair and make-up are necessary to complete an overall finish, they should not be the focus of these designs.

Beauty editorial

Beauty editorials, on the other hand, are used to create a story within skin and make-up. These images are often created as head shots, visualizing from the shoulders up, or maybe even closer. The looks from these editorials can range from natural to dramatic, and will mainly be found in catalogs, magazines, shop windows, billboards, on TV and social media as advertisements for hair, make-up, skin care, or jewelry brands. As you may be able to gather, hair and make-up are the main focus of these images.

Creative editorial

However, creative editorial allows a person to express experimental, creative, avante garde style work. These editorials are often designed to tell a strong story, and make a lasting impact. Therefore, these images often consist of out of couture styling, dramatic layering, out of the box; textures, patterns and shapes, as well as avant garde hair and make-up designs. These may not be very traditional looks, but work to fit a specific story, theme or wardrobe, to create a dramatic statement. This editorial is often considered more of an artwork, due to its use of alternative textures, graphic shapes, and uncommon use of materials or placements. Therefore, this type of work is seen less often, but is popular among celebrities within; red carpet appearances (especially events such as the met gala), music videos, high profile runways, and is occasionally seen in ad campaigns and magazines. This style is often used as a way to follow, yet develop current trends, pushing current boundaries to elevate something to a whole new standard.

Editorial Sources

Editorials are created to inform, educate or entertain an audience. In beauty and fashion, editorials are usually used as a form of advertisement, therefore informing an audience of new product launches and upcoming trends. These editorial campaigns are usually found within magazines, catalogs, billboards and shop windows. In this section I have explored some of the most popular editorial sources.

Some of the biggest magazine publishers, that often present editorial spreads include; Allure, New beauty, Be beautiful, Professional beauty, The salon, Beauty news NYC, Vogue, Dazed, Elle, Instyle, Teen Vogue, Glamour UK, Global cosmetic industry, L’oreal Paris, Harper’s Bazaar, iD, Rollingstone, Grazia, Cosmopolitan, Dazed, GQ, Fashion, Vanity Fair, Mairie claire, Tatler and V.

Additionally some of the biggest beauty campaigns in the UK, include work from brand such as; Boots, Super drug, Benefit cosmetics, Kylie cosmetics, Glossier, L’Oreal, NYX, Dove, Rimmel, Fenty beauty, No7, Colour pop, Huda beauty, MAC cosmetics, Revolution, Morphe and Bleach London.

Furthermore, some of the top designers present at global fashion weeks, whose works are often included in editorial shoots of all kinds, include; Chanel, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Hermes, Versace, Alexander McQueen, JW Anderson, Molly Goddard, Valentino, Balenciaga, Dries van Norten, Vivienne Westwood, Miu Miu, Sacai, Prada, Michael kors, Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Dior.

Finally, hair, beauty and fashion conversion are an extremely popular place for brands to showcase their editorial imagery. Some of the biggest beauty and fashion conventions in the UK consist of; London edge, Moda, Pure london, The clothes show, Pro hair live, Professional beauty, Aesthetics conference and exhibition, Organix natural, Olympia beauty, Beauty UK, Afro hair and beauty live, and Barber connect.

In this post, I have explored some of the different mental health disorders, their causes, treatments and how they can affect their victims.

The topics discussed below may be triggering for some readers, please progress with caution.

Introduction

Mental Health Disorders cause significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation and/or behaviors. Although when you are suffering it often feels you are alone, around ⅛ of the world’s population live with one of these issues.

There are many different types of mental health disorders, in fact there are over 200 classified forms of mental illness that can be arranged in to six main categories; Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, dementia’s and eating disorders (With anxiety and depressive disorders being among the most common of all mental health illnesses.)

The term Mental health condition is an umbrella term used to describe; mental disorders, psycho-social disabilities, and other mental states associated with significant distress, impairment of functioning and risk of harm to yourself or others. Although there are many effective treatment and prevention plans out there, many people face stigmas, discrimination and violations of their human rights – causing a lack of want for help, therefore also causing a rapid decline in one’s mental health, and rise in cases.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic caused the whole world to fall into isolation, with many people feeling things they had never experienced before. This time caused a huge spike of those suffering with these disorders, including a shocking 26% rise in diagnosed anxiety disorders, and a 28% rise in diagnosed major depressive disorders, all within the space of one year. This has helped more people begin to understand how important it is to raise awareness, and support those in need.

Causes

Mental Health conditions often feel different for each person. Although when looking online you will find a generic symptoms and treatments list, these disorders tend to affect everyone completely differently. In the same case, there are many factors that may heighten your risk of these illnesses, and it is important to note, no two people struggle for the same reasons.

There are a diverse set of individual, family, community, and structural factors that may heighten or lower someone’s risk factors. However as previously mentioned what may heighten one person’s risk of illness, may lower someone else’s. 

Furthermore, exposure to adverse circumstances such as disability, poverty, violence and inequality can significantly heighten one’s risk of developing a mental health condition. Psycho-social and biological factors such as emotional skills and genetics are also often considered when investigating someone’s mental health, as these conditions are believed to be caused by a change in brain structure, and/or function.

Health Systems and Social Support

Although many people struggle to reach out for support, due to the stigma around these conditions, there are many organizations and treatment plans available.

Social Support can be offered, to support those struggling with developing and maintaining family and social relationships. These schemes can also help fund, support or provide educational programs, employment, finance, housing and participation in other activities to help build vital social skills. These programs have been created to help those in desperate need, who often have no-one to turn to. Therefore, completing training or gaining employment can help to make these individuals feel they have a greater purpose, and also gives them the opportunity to turn their lives around, by meeting new people and maintaining valuable relationships.

Additionally, charities and organizations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), created a comprehensive mental health action plan to take place for the ten years between 2013 and 2023. After receiving shocking statistics, including information on mental health disorders and how they were affecting certain individuals, WHO recognised the ‘essential role of mental health in achieving better health for all people’. This plan included four major objectives; to strengthen effective leadership and governance for mental health causes, to provide comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health services within community based settings, to implement strategies for promotion and prevention of mental health disorders and finally to strengthen information systems, evidence and research into mental health conditions.

Furthermore, there are many organizations, such as the NHS, and Mind, that provide detailed information on diagnosis, treatment and support options for all kinds of mental illnesses. Additionally, charities such as; Young minds, mental health UK, zero suicide alliance, together for mental well being, place 2 be, Rethink mental illness, and Samaritans , work to provide information, and support to those living with mental health conditions, as well as informing others how to help those around them who are struggling.

However, many health systems are still significantly under-resourced and/or under educated, causing a huge gap between the need for treatment, and its provision. Furthermore, even when care is delivered it is often of poor quality, leaving those suffering feeling hopeless. For example, only a shocking 29% of people with psychosis, and only 1⁄3 of those living with depression receive formal help, and that’s not to mention the many people who are repeatedly misdiagnosed. Therefore, although there are many organizations in place to help, many people receive poor treatment from one and therefore lose hope in all, and never reach out again, causing a toxic cycle of spikes in mental illnesses, related harm and even death.

Mental Health Conditions

Below I have created a list of Mental health Conditions that can be found on the NHS, and Mind websites. These web pages provide detailed information on the diagnosis, treatment and support that can be found for these illnesses.

Mind; Anger, Anxiety and panic attacks, Bipolar disorder, Body dysmorphic disorder, Borderline personality disorder, Depression, Dissociation and dissociative disorders, Eating problems, Hearing voices, Hoarding, Hypomania and mania, Loneliness, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Postnatal depression and perinatal health, Post traumatic stress disorder, Psychosis, Recreational drug and alcohol addictions, Schizoaffective disorder, Schizophrenia. Seasonal affective disorder, Self-esteem, Self-harm, Sleep problems, Suicidal thoughts, Tardive dyskinesia and Trauma.

NHS; Agoraphobia, Anger, Anorexia nervosa, Antisocial personality disorder, Binge eating disorder, Bipolar disorder, Body dysmorphic disorder, Borderline personality disorder, Bulimia nervosa, Claustrophobia, Clinical depression, Dissociative disorders, Eating disorders, Fabricated or induced illness, General anxiety disorder, Health Anxiety, Hoarding disorder, Munchausen syndrome, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Panic disorder, Phobias, Postnatal depression, Postpartum psychosis, Psychotic depression, Schizophrenia, Seasonal affective disorder, Selective mutism, Skin picking disorder, Social anxiety disorder, Stress and Trichotillomania.

Common groupings

As mentioned in one of my previous posts. Mental health conditions will often be grouped. Below I have created  a breakdown of two of the main groupings used to describe some common mental health disorders, to show how one umbrella term can be used to describe many different things.

The term Eating disorder can be used to describe conditions such as; Bulimia nervosa, Anorexia nervosa, Binge eating disorder, or Other specified feeding and eating disorders such as; Diabulima, Rumination disorder, Pica, and/or Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.

The first mentioned, Bulimia nervosa, is a condition which causes its victim to live in constant fear of gaining weight. Those suffering with this disorder will often have regular, repeated episodes of feeling a loss of control, leading to binge eating an abnormally large amount in one sitting. Then, these people will likely force themselves to vomit, or complete an extreme amount of exercise to keep them from gaining weight from what they have just eaten.

However, Anorexia nervosa is a condition which causes its victim to keep their weight as low as possible. This may be done by extreme restrictive food intake, extreme exercising routines, or purging after food through vomiting and/or use of laxatives. Although those suffering from this condition are often severely underweight, they often have distorted body images meaning they do not recognise this factor at all.

Binge eating disorder is a serious condition, causing its victims to feel a lack of control over their actions, leading to consumption of extremely large quantities of food within a short period of time. Unlike bulimia, these people do not tend to follow these sessions by purging their food, however may have periods of fasting in between. These sessions can be very distressing for the person as they may not even want to eat the amount they are, but feel a need to do so, in order to satisfy their brain.

Additionally, Diabulimia is a disorder which affects those with Type 1 diabetes. This disorder causes its victims to reduce or completely stop taking their insulin, in order to lose weight. As you can most likely gather this can be extremely dangerous.

Rumination disorder causes its victims to repeatedly bring up food that is only partially digested. Those who suffer from this condition often do not intend to regurgitate their food, it just happens – effortlessly and painlessly. This can also lead to episodes happening with little to no warning, which may be extremely embarrassing for the person suffering.

Furthermore, Pica is a disorder which causes its victims to eat non-food substances that have no nutritional value. These impulses may cause a person to eat objects such as; paper, soap, paint, or chalk to name a few. As you may already be considering, this can be extremely harmful.

Finally, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), causes its victims to avoid certain types of foods, or restrict their overall food intake. This can be done in a healthy manner, when  dieting for a range of different reasons. However, starting this habit as part of a health journey can often become an obsession, leading to a potentially more serious disorder.

As detailed above you can now see a huge difference between some of the disorders that may fall under the same bracket term, ‘eating disorder’.

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Similarly, the term Anxiety disorder can be used to describe conditions such as; Generalized anxiety disorder, Specific phobias, Social phobias, Post traumatic stress disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder and Panic disorders.

The first mentioned, Generalized anxiety disorder, is a condition which causes its victims to live with persistent feelings of anxiety or dread. Unlike many other anxiety disorders, as implied by the name, this anxiety is often generalized, meaning anything and everything within daily life may cause these overwhelming sensations, rather than just one, or multiple specific things. People living with this condition often develop these sensations slowly, however they can last for months, or even years at a time.

Furthermore, Specific phobias cause their victims to feel intense and/or irrational fears of something that poses little to no real danger. Even though the person may realize their fear is irrational, they can not seem to budge it, and can feel severe anxiety just thinking about a subject or situation which may include their phobia. As you can imagine this can be extremely confusing, and distressing to those who are struggling.

Social phobias, also known as social anxieties, cause their victims to feel intense feelings of anxiety and fear of social situations. Even the thought of speaking to people can cause immense distress, which may often also lead to the person dreading social and bonding events, avoiding eye contact with certain people and often will cause a low self esteem. This can also cause extreme complications when finding help, as if someone struggles to speak to new people, they are going to struggle to speak to a professional in order to receive adequate help.

Next, Post traumatic stress disorder is a condition caused by very stressful, distressing or frightening events from the past. A victim of this disorder will often re-live their previous traumatic events through flashbacks and nightmares, leading to feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. Situations such as near death experiences, deaths, abuse and attacks can be among some of the events that may cause this disorder. Many victims will begin to re-live these events after experiencing a trigger event, word or even smell. However some people have random periods of flare up. This can be very difficult as many victims of this disorder will try to avoid anything that may trigger these thoughts, which could lead to them isolating themselves completely.

Furthermore, Obsessive compulsive disorder is a chronic disorder in which its victims have uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions).Victims of this disorder are often stuck in a loop of repeating certain thoughts, actions or behaviors over and over again, causing extreme distress and anxiety, as well as an overwhelming feeling of loneliness and isolation.

Finally, Panic disorders cause their victims to suffer from regular panic attacks. Those suffering with these disorders are prone to feeling a sudden, recurring and overwhelming sense of anxiety causing sudden panic attacks in a range of unconnected situations and scenarios.

Once again, this list helps to show a clear difference between certain disorders that may fall under the same bracket term.

Upon first reading my FMP project brief, I knew I wanted to use this opportunity to create a look that was really powerful. To do this, I would have to create something inspired by a subject or issue that is important to me, or has affected me personally. After considering many subjects, and which may create the strongest statement within a make-up piece, I decided to focus this work on Mental Health Disorders. Not only is the struggle of mental health, and invisible illness something that hits very close to home for me, It is also something I will be able to collect information on, by reaching out to other people, as well as a subject that deserves further representation. Overall, I am hoping my finished outcome will portray a strong message to its viewer.

When considering how I wanted to present my look, I reflected on the work I have created within the last eleven units of my qualification, along with the work experience I have taken part in. More recently, I have begun to experiment with beauty and fashion editorial works outside of college, and have decided I want to tie this into my FMP. After considering creating looks for a short film, I decided the editorial images would work better, as this is the area I have created the least work for. Therefore, not only can I use my FMP to create a powerful outcome, and use a series of images,  allowing me to show a large range of hair and make-up skills, I can also develop my craft and expand my portfolio.

When trying to decide what to create for this unit, I created a lotus diagram, pictured above. This helped me collect key information on each subject, allowing me to see them all together, and compare, before deciding on an outcome.