Sammy Project encourages mental health discussion

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In the aftermath of her son’s death, Whitney Yeager went back to her roots as a professional photographer to create an exhibit to honor her son and destigmatize mental health. Society often sees mental illness as something that needs to be hidden. People might think it’s a weakness or feel ashamed of it.

Yeager aims to challenge the stigma around mental illness with her traveling exhibition, e Sammy Project.

On April 3, 2021, Whitney’s son, Samuel - who Whitney calls Sammy - was shot and killed by Douglas County Police during a psychotic episode triggered by THC.

“Losing my rstborn child, and only son, has been the greatest heartbreak of my life,” said Yeager. “ ere will never be a deeper pain to compare it to. At the same time, it has been the most transformative experience I’ve ever had.”

To honor her son, Yeager began to destigmatize mental illness through personal portraits and stories.

“People should feel comfortable being vulnerable,” said Yeager. “People should feel comfortable talking about depression or any kind of mental health struggle the same way that we talked about diabetes and high blood pressure or any other physical ailment.” e exhibit begins with Sammy’s story. roughout the exhibit, over a dozen black and white portraits of individuals line the walls. e participants in the photos range from 19 to 32 years old. their struggles with mental health.

Sponsored by the mental health nonpro t, NAMI Colorado Springs, Yeager revealed her portrait series at the Katy Tartako photography gallery in downtown Denver on the one year anniversary of her son’s death.

NAMI, e National Alliance on Mental Illness, o ers free resources, weekly meetings for family members who are struggling with loved ones who have mental illness, along with parent support groups and group therapy.

NAMI is also the sponsor of the exhibit’s current run in Douglas County Libraries.

“ e people who are in the photo show have bravely agreed to participate and share their mental health struggle and a personal statement,” said Yeager.

“I think people were motivated to participate in the project because it helps them take agency over their struggles,” said Yeager. “And that was de nitely a motivating factor for everyone, regardless of whether or not they knew Sammy.” e mission of the project is to help people feel more comfortable talking about their problems and asking for help. Yeager says that she believes her son would be alive if he felt comfortable asking for help.

Completing its time at the Castle Rock Library, e Sammy Project will move to the Highlands Ranch Library in March, the Parker Library in April and the Lone Tree Library in May, according to Douglas County Libraries.

“I’ll never stop missing him or “get over” him, but it has taught me to appreciate every conversation, every interaction with other people, especially my two daughters,” said Yeager.

“ e Sammy Project has helped heal my heart and it has helped many people around the country and even as far as Sweden,” said Yeager. “I want Sam’s death to make a positive di erence in the lives of people who struggle with mental health.”

“Forcing elections every other month” - Wrong and just plain unrealistic. Circulating a petition is not easy and takes a great deal of citizens time, money and energy. It is logistically impossible for a citizen’s group to circulate a new petition every two months.