What makes me and my life different? What is the path, and what are my resources to get out of mental illness?
Nine participants from the Mental Health League's therapy group project tackled these questions to create their own life "baggage", using real suitcases and objects.
Christophe's suitcase contains a pair of glasses, as he wears them, and a steampunk helmet. "My hobby is very important to me, so I added a photo of me wearing a steampunk outfit. There's also a dachshund that helped me a lot during therapy. Animals will accept you as you are and they don't judge if you are unwell or not."
Some of the patients dealt with anxiety disorders, while others tackled depression or psychosis.
Self-reflection is a key part of the project, but it also encourages the participants to focus on social skills, communicating, organising the exhibits, informing and thus building self-confidence and strength step by step.
"Togetherness" and mutual support also play an important role, explains Cinzia Tschierschke. The psychiatric nurse works for the Mental Health League's day service and accompanied patients throughout the project. "The result is an exhibition made up of lots of individual suitcases, but they were created by a group, by a collective. In that group we encouraged them to support each other, to take advice from each other, to find solutions for creative blocks."
"Everyone carries their own burden. Together we can move forward more easily." The life baggage exhibition is inspired by the slogan for the fifth edition of the "Mental Health Week". These awareness campaigns have taken on an important meaning for Christophe since he had a breakdown last year, after not taking his illness seriously. He now urges people to listen to their bodies.
The exhibition follows a similar call, encouraging viewers to slow down, listen to their feelings, consider their own emotional baggage and perhaps view it through a new lens.
The exhibits can be seen on Saturday 10 October at Strassen's Centre Barblé. Opening hours are 10am to 4.30pm.
