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Mind Australia is celebrating the artistic talents of people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges through its annual art exhibition in Mackay, Queensland.

Now in its fourth year, the Mind Art Exhibition for Mental Health allows people who have been impacted by mental health challenges – and their families and carers – to share their journey through art in the hope of reducing stigma, connecting with community and raising awareness.

Cynthia, one of the exhibiting artists, says painting has helped her communicate her feelings and manage her mental health and wellbeing.

“When I first heard about the art exhibition I thought it was a great way to raise awareness of the experiences of people with mental health challenges – it’s a really good thing to be promoting a more inclusive environment,” Cynthia said.

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“I want to encourage other people to be able to feel free to express themselves and be open about the mental health struggles they might have – it gets easier once you can talk and ask for help. With painting, you can speak without verbally expressing what you’re trying to say. The more I talk through my painting the easier it becomes to say.”

Kristie Bull, a Lead Community Mental Health Practitioner at Mind, says the artworks were submitted by people at different stages of their mental health recovery journeys, with many using their creativity as a healing tool to process their emotions and lived experiences.

“Some people have paintings that they started while in mental health inpatient units that they’ve done throughout their recovery; some just use it to help them switch off,” Ms Bull said.

“It can be therapeutic for people to express themselves and their feelings through art, it’s a good outlet. It’s so individualistic, no two pieces are ever going to be the same, and it can change through different times in life.”

The Mind Art Exhibition for Mental Health coincides with Queensland Mental Health Week and is currently open to the public (8:30 am – 4:30 pm each day) at the Jubilee Community Exhibition Space until Tuesday 10 October 2023.

This year the exhibition also includes a community services exhibition to showcase the range of support services available in the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

The community services exhibition on Monday 9 October will feature information stalls from local mental health service providers, wellness activities, cultural performances and food and beverage outlets.

The Mind Art Exhibition for Mental Health is supported by the Mackay Step Up Step Down and sponsored by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and Mackay Regional Council.

If you would like more information about Mind, please contact us via Mind Connect or phone: 1300 286 463.

If this article raises concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders can also call 13 YARN (13 92 76) a 24/7 national crisis support telephone service staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
If you would like more information, please contact us.

1300 286 463 
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