I joined Hamilton Camera Club in September 2015, at a point when I was struggling with my health, both physically and mentally. At around the same time, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition which affects the whole nervous system. I had to retire from my job as a health visitor. Coming to terms with all of this was very difficult. There are days when the pain, fatigue and brai fog are hard to manage and I wonder how I can keep going. I have lost a moderately active lifestyle, particularly being outdoors and walking. Daily living can be a struggle – just showering and dressing is a huge effort. Unsurprisingly, depression is strongly associated with fibromyalgia. I grieve for the life I had and get frustrated by the things I can no longer achieve.

Being a member of Hamilton Camera Club has been a lifeline for me. I look forward to the meetings – even though there are some Thursday evenings when the last thing I feel like doing is going out – I know I will feel better when I go. Having limited social contact, the friendship and shared interest with club members is a tonic. Having a chat (or a moan about a competition result!) over a cup of tea is invaluable.

Photography itself is therapeutic; I can lose myself for hours and even days creating an image. From the planning, through to taking and then processing an image, I am distracted from pain, and my mood can be lifted. Being out in nature will always be my happy place and my favourite genre of photography, but through attending the club I have learned alternative techniques, such as still life, to use when going out is not possible. Club activities including outings, competitions, speakers and workshops motivate me even when my mood is low. If I was not a club member, I would be unlikely to participate in photography on a regular basis and would therefore lose all the benefits it provides. Plus, it is always nice to receive positive feedback about an image from fellow members and sometimes even from judges!

An unexpected added benefit of being a club member has been an increase in my self-confidence and self-esteem. When I first joined, my confidence had taken a big knock, I was anxious and I didn’t like to speak out. This gradually improved as I got to know other members as well as increase my knowledge and skills as a photographer. I began to participate in discussions and then became a committee member. I am now able to introduce speakers and give presentations – although brain fog does interfere occasionally, the other members are used to me ‘going blank’ mid-sentence! I also enjoy supporting new members and sharing knowledge.

So, as you can see, I would recommend joining the club if you have an interest in photography. You might learn new skills, but even more importantly you might improve your motivation, confidence, self-esteem, anxiety, social contact and overall mental wellbeing.

How Being a Club Member Benefits my Mental Wellbeing

Paul McDougall - Chasing Horizons