Free
Photo by Etinosa Yvonne
It’s All in My Head is a multimedia project that explores the coping mechanisms of survivors of terrorism and violent conflict in Nigeria. The project aims to advocate for increased and long-term access to psycho-social support for the survivors with the aim of improving their mental health.
In the last two decades, Nigeria has witnessed varying degrees of terrorism and violent conflicts. Whenever there is an attack humanitarian organizations and government agencies focus on providing relief materials and setting up make-shift clinics, temporary housing and schools. All of these are very necessary, however little priority is given to assessing the mental health of survivors.
Relevant authorities in Nigeria are striving to rid the country of all forms of extremism, terrorism and violent conflict through peace building efforts and counterterrorism, however the survivors of these attacks are often left behind as little is done to address or seek an understanding of the trauma they experienced from such horrific experiences.
While the survivors find a way to rebuild and adjust to their new lives, many of them never get to talk about their experiences, leaving them stuck in the past while trying to start over.
A lot of the survivors struggle with depression and PTSD, while others have found solace in their existence and religion.
It’s All in My Head is the winner of the Open Call FORMAT21 – Royal Photographic Society Award.
It’s All in My Head by Etinosa Yvonne was selected by FORMAT 21 Open Call Juror – Louise Fedotov-Clements, Director of FORMAT and Artistic Director of QUAD.
