Anne Helene Nergård

What problem have you wanted to investigate/solve?

I want to create a dialogue where one can be open and show vulnerability without it being interpreted as something negative. Dialogue between parents/guardians and their children is especially important in helping the child by treating and preventing possible difficulties. I believe there is a need to create more openness around mental health. Perhaps this will make it easier to talk about psychological disorders. Sharing how you feel with others is a supporting element/message in this project.

How have you experienced the process?

Mental health has been the theme from the start, while the aim and the target group has been narrowed down towards the end. Visual experimentation has been a driving force in my project, where I have explored potential solutions. Eventually, I discovered the colour filter that became a major component of my project. It was important to give anxiety a visual representation that can only be seen with the colour filter.

How have you chosen to solve this task?

I have chosen to use visual storytelling to develop a children's book that focuses on mental health. In the story, the reader follows the protagonist Ida, who struggles with anxiety. The reader gets an insight into what Ida is experiencing and how her anxiety hinders her everyday life. Ida gets help from Sofus the cat and they go out into the woods to look for the forest animals. She gets useful advice from the forest animals on how to overcome what is bothering her. Then, she gradually gets more courage so she can tell others what she is struggling with.

Specifically, who will benefit from your project?

The focus is on introverted children who find it challenging to be open when they struggle with something or when a certain situation arises. By focusing on this target group, they are at an age that is more receptive to my project. It is important that the child is at an age where they can read and understand storytelling, since visual storytelling is a major element of my project. Therefore, this can motivate them to tell adults if they are struggling.

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