Jessica Whitehead’s new photography book doesn’t shy away from discomfort. In fact, that’s part of its purpose. In her haunting collection of images taken throughout Milledgeville’s Central State Hospital, Whitehead brings a personal and professional lens to a place steeped in history and emotion.
With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s in Human Services with a specialization in counseling, Whitehead spent 14 years working in mental health. Now, she uses photography, a passion she picked up as a hobby, to explore what remains of one of the largest psychiatric facilities in the United States. The book titled Seeking Asylum, captures the emotional weight and complex history of one of Georgia’s most storied psychiatric institutions.
“This project came from a really personal place. Mental health has always been a part of my life, both professionally and personally,” Whitehead said.
The photographs are raw and deliberate, using odd angles, dramatic lighting, and sharp contrasts in color to evoke discomfort and reflection. Seeking Asylum aims to prompt viewers to confront discomfort, empathy, and a deeper understanding of mental health. Each image tells a story, some of pain, some of resilience, all of them echoing the lives once touched by the hospital’s walls.
“Think about mental health and different diagnoses, most of us haven’t experienced those things. Some photos definitely make you feel uncomfortable and that is one of the things I hope for. Some of them are so beautiful, others are scary. But there is a story that goes behind all of them,” Whitehead said.
Photographing the long-abandoned buildings came with its own set of challenges.
“The buildings are old and haven’t been maintained so it can be dangerous. There is no electricity, there are animals and sometimes trespassers,” said Whitehead. “On the mental side of things, it can be emotional and overwhelming because of the history there.”
Whitehead’s photography book is more than a collection of images—it’s a powerful intersection of art, memory, and advocacy. By capturing the decaying spaces of Central State Hospital, she invites viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths of mental health history while honoring the lives affected within its walls. Through her unique perspective and emotional connection to the subject, Whitehead transforms forgotten architecture into a visual narrative that lingers long after the final page.
The book can be ordered through a link on Whitehead’s official website, seekingasylumphotography. com. The book will also be available on Amazon. For more information and upcoming events, visit the Seeking Asylum Facebook page.