Our Mission

The Too Tired Project exists to transform how the world understands and engages with mental health through the universal language of photography. We are steadfastly committed to supporting photographers from every corner of the globe, recognizing that diversity isn't just important to our mission, it is the very foundation upon which authentic healing and understanding are built. This means actively ensuring that the work we publish, the voices we amplify, and the communities we connect with reflect the full spectrum of human experience across cultures, identities, backgrounds, and circumstances.

We believe that mental health struggles do not discriminate, and neither should the platforms that address them. Every photographer who shares their story through our community brings unique perspectives shaped by their individual journey, cultural context, and lived reality. By creating space for these diverse narratives, we build a more complete picture of what it means to navigate mental health challenges in our complex, interconnected world.

Since our founding, the response has been overwhelming and humbling. Tens of thousands of photographers from all corners of the world have trusted us with their most vulnerable moments, submitting work through the hashtag #tootiredproject that spans continents, languages, and life experiences. Our traveling exhibition series has brought these powerful stories directly to audiences at universities, galleries, and arts institutions throughout the United States and internationally, creating intimate spaces for dialogue and recognition.

But numbers only tell part of our story. Through our website, Instagram presence, and publishing platform, we've been privileged to showcase the work and experiences of thousands of photographers, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond any single image or exhibition. Each photograph becomes a bridge between isolation and connection, between shame and acceptance, between silence and understanding.

What began as a simple idea has evolved into a worldwide movement, a community of artists, advocates, and allies united in our determination to mitigate the devastating effects of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. We refuse to accept the stigma that forces these struggles into the shadows. Instead, we bring them into the light through the honest, unfiltered lens of photography, proving that vulnerability is not weakness but profound strength.

Together, we've discovered something powerful: when we share our stories, we realize we are not alone. When we witness others' experiences, we find pieces of our own reflected back. This is the transformative power of collective creative expression: it doesn't just document our struggles, it actively participates in our healing. Through this shared visual language, we're not just changing conversations about mental health; we're changing lives, one photograph, one story, one connection at a time.

Our mission extends beyond simply showcasing work: we're building bridges between communities that have been isolated by stigma, creating educational resources that promote understanding, and fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as an act of courage rather than defeat. Every image we share, every exhibition we mount, and every book we publish serves as both mirror and window: reflecting the experiences of those who see themselves represented, while offering windows of insight for those seeking to understand.

This is more than a project, it's a movement toward a world where mental health is discussed with the same openness and support as physical health, where creativity serves as both refuge and resistance, and where no one has to face their darkest moments alone.