2019-2021
Marjolein is ill, both physically and mentally. When she is almost 18, she writes a letter in desperation to the State Secretary for Health. In it, she speaks openly about her conditions and the fact that she is suicidal. Her depression has become unbearable, but she has already been waiting four months for a spot at the AMC hospital because she cannot be admitted to the PAAZ ward since she is not yet 18. It seems like a hopeless situation: from physical pain and chronic complaints to complex psychological issues stemming from her chronic conditions, hospital admissions, and her recently diagnosed autism. It’s a vicious cycle from which she cannot escape.
A few years ago, I worked on a photo series called En-profile, and Marjolein responded to my call. I used to be her danceteacher, so I was excited to hear from her. When she arrived for the shoot, she had a tube in her nose. She told me about her stomach condition and that she wasn’t doing well. We stayed in touch, and at the end of 2019, I started following her journey, initially because of her complex physical problems. At that time, I had no idea what kind of mental toll it was taking on her.
She is very open about her struggles and wants to share her story. She hopes to inspire other young people who are chronically ill, both mentally and physically, with her experiences.
