CHAT about it; know it is OK to feel "down".
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Just don't sweep it under the rug. Better yet, fill in a blank canvas by putting it up in bright colours for everyone to see.
When Cushla McFadden, 24, launches her first exhibition later this year, she will be tackling a tough past. But she also hopes the project will create a positive future for families whose lives have been touched by depression.
The Cronulla interior architect lost her father Mark, 52, a family law barrister with the Mental Health Tribunal, to depression four years ago.
Her business, Markandhenry, is hosting and curating an art exhibition in September to reduce the stigma attached to depression, and encourage sufferers to get help before it is too late. She would like artists to donate their artworks — all within the theme of "blue", to the cause.
"I've wanted to do it for a while," Ms McFadden said. "There needs to be a lot more awareness about depression and suicide, because no one talks about it.
"My family was affected by it; we lost Dad when he lost his battle. His profession has a high rate of suicide . . . it might come down to their work being so confidential, and they aren't able to talk openly about things that affect them.
"I imagine that would be quite full-on."
Artists are invited to interpret the theme in any way, using any medium.
"We've got a few on board but we want to put the call out there, and get our people involved."
She is running in the New York marathon with her three siblings in November to raise money for the Black Dog Institute.
Details: markandhenry.com or www.hello@markandhenry.com; Lifeline: 13 11 14.
