Hidden Stories is a playfully illustrated book about what it’s like to live with an invisible condition like anxiety or autism. Really it’s about all of us, and our everyday struggle to simply be ourselves.
TELLING OUR HIDDEN STORIES
We all have parts of ourselves we keep hidden from the outside world. Parts we fear no-one will understand. Parts that don’t quite fit the norm.
For people with invisible conditions such as anxiety, autism or chronic fatigue syndrome, trying to live a normal life is a daily struggle. They’re often misunderstood, judged or ignored, which leads to stigma and loneliness.
That’s why we created Hidden Stories, a playful graphic novel based on the everyday experiences of people living with invisible conditions. Many people played a part in making this book with us, through months of workshops and focus groups. They’ve shared their stories so that others might feel inspired to do the same.
Really Hidden Stories is about all of us, whatever conditions we may or may not have. It’s about shining a curious, compassionate light on our darkest, most vulnerable corners, so we can begin to understand and support one another through otherwise lonely times. We all have the power to rewrite normal.
THE STORY CONTINUES
We’ve created a new website to pick up the journey from the end of the book – and offer a window into the lives of some of the book’s contributors.
At hiddenstories.co.uk you’ll be able to find out more about the Hidden Stories project, watch and read more stories and get self-care and support tips. You can also get a free downloadable version of the book here.
HIDDEN STORIES ON TOUR
Throughout May and June 2019 we took Hidden Stories to eight cities and towns across the south of England. In libraries, festivals and even a church, we invited people to join in conversation, find out more about the journey of Hidden Stories and pick up a free copy.
You can get a free digital copy of the book on the Hidden Stories website.
where it all began...
The Hidden Stories journey started with a series of creative workshops in Brighton, encouraging people with invisible conditions to explore and share their experiences through storytelling, visual arts and soundscapes. These workshops inspired courageous, open conversation around things that had previously brought distress, shame or confusion for many people in the room.
When we invited the public to be part of the work through an interactive exhibition at Brighton Dome, the response was incredible. Then, after winning an ITV People's Projects grant, we were able to take our workshops to other towns in the south of England, to help even more people share their voices – all with the intention of creating a book to spread their stories far and wide.
The workshops have already made a difference to people’s lives. Some say they feel more visible and valued within their communities, and more empowered to talk about their experiences without fear of judgement.
As one participant put so well: “When we become aware of the number of people with hidden conditions, maybe we can begin to question whether normal means anything at all.”
Here are some comments about the exhibition at Brighton Dome, as well as snapshots of our creative groups...
The hidden stories blog
Join our support group
We started an online Hidden Stories community for those living with or affected by invisible conditions and disabilities. As a closed Facebook group, it’s a safe place for sharing stories, asking questions, and for mutual support and solidarity – amongst people who really know how you feel day to day.
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We’re sad to say Root Experience is closing. We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved, but it's time for us to move… https://t.co/8GP8nOzvlV -
All 8,000 copies of our #HiddenStories book have gone to good homes, but don't worry... if you didn't manage to get… https://t.co/SeihMd5cGV
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RT @Oxonlibraries: @rootexperience Thank you so much for coming and putting on a brilliant day! The positive impact you had on those y… https://t.co/9XhnzdifDK
Illustrations copyright of Tinne Luyten 2018. All rights reserved.
There are days where I don’t want to be seen. On these days I find people frightening. They have the power to lie, hurt, harm, abandon, to kill and be killed, to die.