Through the lens: using photography to change patients’ relationships with chronic pain
Through the lens: using photography to change patients’ relationships with chronic pain
20 February 2024
The seven-week course, called ‘Changing Perspectives’, helped people from across north west London explore their experience of pain creatively and culminated in a private exhibition at Kindred Studios.
Jon Rees, a resident artist at Kindred Studios, designed the course to help change the participants' perception of pain and reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and loneliness based on his own experience.
“As part of my recovery from mental ill health, addiction and homelessness I have found photography incredibly important in making peace with the past and the present,” he said.
“I’ve shaped my ideas and experiences into a course to help others explore the therapeutic power of photography.”
Photographs taken by Katy, a course participant
Each week the group was given a theme to capture in photos, using these as a starting point for conversations in each session. These included identity, emotions, memories, relationships, loss and change, narratives and gratitude.
One participant, Natasha, described how the group provided a safe space for her to open up about her pain.
“In every session I felt heard, validated and valued,” she said. “It made me feel a lot less alone living with chronic pain and being able to share personal and vulnerable parts of my life in a safe and supportive environment with others who understand.
“It was such a friendly space where we were able to laugh together, share important aspects of our lives through photography and support each other with difficult subjects.”
"Every session I felt heard, validated and valued. It made me feel a lot less alone living with chronic pain."
Natasha, Changing Perspectives participant.
For another participant, being able to explore difficult emotions and thoughts visually was very cathartic.
They said: “In addition to my chronic pain, I’m still suffering from grief and without practicing photography almost daily I would find it impossible to cope on a physical as well as emotional level.
“It was an eye opener for me to see that many of the emotions we expressed through our photography were common to all of us.”
Chronic pain affects over a third of adults living in the UK and is defined as pain that persists for more than three months despite treatment.
Finding support and ways to manage pain is crucial to ensure patients have a good quality of life.
This course is part of a project we funded, led by Dr Benjamin Ellis MBE, consultant rheumatologist at Hammersmith Hospital, to improve support for people living with chronic pain.
The pain management team at Charing Cross Hospital and the North West London Community of Practice hope to find ways to join up care between GPs and other health networks, so patients feel listened to and understood.
Feeling inspired? Find out more about our arts engagement programme.
Last three photographs taken by ©️ wilsing.Last three photographs taken by ©️ wilsing.Last three photographs taken by ©️ wilsing.Last three photographs taken by ©️ wilsing.
Last three photographs taken by ©️ wilsing
