We [Project Brainstorm]

deduce that lack of conversation (despite some increased awareness in recent years) is a direct result of the inherent fact that mental illness is invisible and therefore, often inconceivable to those that do not experience it first hand. Inability to understand evokes fear, which sometimes manifests as judgement.

Our research and discussion has led us to the imagery of changing weather as a metaphor for mental illness. The transition from sunny to stormy and back again represents the battle endured by someone facing depression, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder and many other mental illnesses. Despite the hostile environment, there is growth that comes from storm, and we feel that growth is made possible through empathy. We conclude that if empathy can be instilled in an audience, the conversation surrounding mental health could evolve from one of fear and judgement to one of acceptance. We feel that the medium of performance art presents an opportunity to experience a simulation of the “brainstorm” that is mental illness.