Left Behind Gallery | About Left Behind | Multimedia | Press | Sydney Exhibit 2012
“A great job at expressing what survivors experience on a daily basis. I think everyone who has lost someone, knows a survivor or doesn’t, or thinks about suicide should watch this. There is no healing for those of us left behind.” – Kim Lee
“This video is stirring and emotional. It says some of the things that I, as a survivor have felt, but could not voice.” – Ashe
“I attempted back in 2008 and never thought about all I hurt by doing that until after; I think everyone should see this and know that you are hurting more than just yourself, you’re hurting the people you knew, know and would know.” – Ally Hughes
“Kerry is a writer and photographer with deep insight to the human condition. Her work on survivors of suicide survivors is the foundation for a PhD thesis. Thank you Kerry, your work is life changing.” – Dr. Judie Brierly PsyD
“This is exceptional… whether you’ve lost someone or not, you should watch this. it will give you insight to what we live with as survivors.” – Fran Calo
“Suicide is a tragedy, affecting thousands of Australians each year who despair and take their own lives, leaving behind families, friends and colleagues. I appreciate the importance of good mental health for individuals and the entire community, and strongly believe that greater resources must be dedicated to suicide prevention. More support is also needed for those struggling to cope with the suicide of a friend or relative. I commend Kerry Payne for her efforts to raise awareness of the devastating impacts of suicide through her photographic exhibition and her courage in challenging the stigma that can be associated with suicide. I am sure that Kerry’s beautiful and poignant photography will move all those who see it, and provide solace for those who have been affected by suicide. I wish Kerry every success.” – Clover Moore, MP, Lord Mayor of Sydney, Australia.
“Having lost three people to suicide, I honestly felt like I was the only person in the world to experience this – I felt so alone. This is one of the most powerful, beautiful videos I have seen. RIP Ronnie, Jesse and my sweet Marine Ricky. Thank you so much for making this video.” – Angela Kores
“WOW, that was beautiful and so touching. Thank you, Kerry for having a voice for the rest of us survivors.” – Melanie Lausier
“Very well done. If only we could get the people who are so busy with running the rat race to take a few moments and watch this. I know at least a few of them might begin to understand and take notice.” – Joe Snelson
“I lost my son. This project is amazing. Most people don’t think about us, the survivors. Thank you Kerry, it makes me feel less alone, less isolated. I understand what these people feel as I’ve been through all the emotions myself. Thanks for educating.” – Dawn Deitchler
“It’s a very beautiful reportage you’ve done. The pictures are both strong and delicate, beautiful and terrible.” – Chris Weiner
“Beautiful story telling by your images. Beautiful real emotion come out to heal.” – Darla Sutton
“Great video. It’s hard to deal with life when you are a new survivor. Getting up everyday is a chore and all you think about the person you lost. Every day is now a struggle to live, to find something that matters anymore. I now talk about it and attended my first support group last month. It helps.” – Andrew Freitas
“Thank you, I am a new survivor, trying to figure out what it all means.” – Mj Wright
“A beautiful and powerful video. Thank you for making and sharing. It helped so much.” – Mary Ann Holloman
“Wow – captured the feelings of the survivors. I can understand having gone through several attempts with Dave.” -Ruth Sinclair
“Thank you for sharing this. My husband’s brother died by suicide a few weeks ago. We are definitely dealing with a lot of “what ifs” right now.” – Kimberly Longden
“It is somehow oddly comforting to know other survivors share the same feelings I do, yet so sad we all have to. My son Adam took his life at the age of 27 and our family is devastated, we are DEFINED by his suicide. Grief-stricken.” – Sandra Ranson
“Thank you for bringing much needed awareness this epidemic, that is claiming the lives of so many. ” – Tina Simoneaux
“Being a part of this project has helped me find some peace in regards to my sister’s suicide. Knowing that my story could possibly help someone made it all worthwhile. Thanks Kerry.” – Shannon Foley
“It is the hardest thing to understand and deal with. It soothes me to listen to others who understand losing someone in this way.” – Krystelle Simone
“One of the best and most honest sharings ever. Thank you. Thank you!” – Carrie Granier
“A story like Kerry’s is one of the bravest I have ever seen anywhere on the internet. Suicide is one of the most devastating deaths, because there are always questions that can not be answered. It is also consistently under reported for even in these days of incredible transparency on most subjects this is one that under the journalistic code of ethics is not reported on because of the intensely personal nature of the subject matter. This is a story THAT NEEDS TO BE TOLD and Kerry is actually the only one that could tell it. It is her story and yet, the story of millions.” – Lisa Hogben
