The Invisible Pain: HOME screens film on local man’s journey with mental illness
07 October 2019
Following World Mental Health Day (October 10), HOME in Manchester will be screening a short documentary called The Invisible Pain, which tells the story of local man Jonathan Hayward’s journey to understand his upbringing in the city, his family background and his experience of mental illness.
The Invisible Pain explores Jonathan’s memories of childhood, interspersed with home video footage of an apparently happy childhood living in Inner City Manchester before the family moved to a nearby town. Here, the troubles within the family and with his adoptive father came to the fore during Jonathan’s late childhood and his teens, eventually leading to major and chronic depression, and the diagnosis of a personality disorder.
Speaking about his documentary, Jonathan, who is also a member of Rethink Mental Illness’ North West Regional Committee, said: “I wanted to share my story because I know that there will be others like me who have had a hard time growing up, and maybe feel let down by both their families and the authorities who are meant to look after them.
“Despite the challenges I’ve experienced as a result of this, I’ve been able to move forward with my life and am currently studying for a master’s degree. I want to show that resilience and determination can help you to find a way forward. People need to know that they are not alone.”
Jason Wood, from HOME said: “HOME is very keen to support creators from the North West and the timing of Jonathan’s film chimed perfectly with World Mental Health Day. It’s a brave and eloquent work, made from a personal perspective and yet universal in terms of the themes with which it connects.”
For more information about The Invisible Pain and to find cinema listings at HOME, please visit homemcr.org