More to painting than meets the eye
Six Mullewa women are leading the way for suicide awareness in the Mid West.
The artists have used their thoughts, understanding and personal experience to paint an image depicting their view of depression and suicide.
Glen Fleeton from Mid West Men’s Health said the painting went a long way in telling the community it was OK to talk about mental illness.
“The importance of this painting is huge — these women have seen people in their community suffer from depression and mental illness and this is a chance for them to express their feelings, ” he said.
“It’s hard for the Aboriginal community to talk about mental illness because of their tradition, pride and protocol.
“Of all the communities I’m involved with, Mullewa is doing the best by raising awareness and starting the conversation.”
The left-hand side of the image depicts depression and the dark side, with blue the dominating factor. The right side shows the circles which are elements of family, friends and community trying to pull you out.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics, seven people die each day in Australia as a result of suicide. Three out of every five are male. Suicide rates in Aboriginal communities are 2.5 times higher for males and 3.4 times higher for females.
The painting has been donated to the Mullewa Football Club as a permanent reminder of mental illness in their community.
