Geoff Helisma
“That’s how it should be, shouldn’t it?” says Yamba resident Julie Fearon.
“Being able to talk openly, without judgement, about being in poor mental health.
“It’s well past time the stigma is taken out.”
Julie is hosting an afternoon tea from 1pm to 4pm at the Treelands Drive Community Centre on Sunday October 2.
The afternoon tea is one of many ‘Big Blue Table’ events being held around the country as part of Beyond Blue’s contribution to Mental Health Week, October 1 to 8.
“I’ve come to realise that I’ve had bipolar since I was a baby, like, born with it.
“For a lot of people, it comes on when they are teenaged or when they are in their twenties.
“I’ve been with Beyond Blue for about seven years, and they are great, they’re caring, non-judgemental and help people to support each other.
“Many people, Australia-wide, will be hosting tables in early October.”
But, to make this afternoon special, Julie would appreciate some help.
Julie has appealed to the wider community, “without any pressure”.
“If anyone would like to bring a plate, it would be very appreciated, as we don’t know how many people we’ll be catering for,” she said.
There will be music at the afternoon, too.
“I’m looking forward to making a small contribution to the afternoon,” says Ulo (Geoff Helisma), “sometimes I feel like I’m hiding under a big blue table with a black dog clawing at my back.
“I didn’t know I was suffering from depression the first time it happened in the late 1970s, but, as it turned out, my wrestle with depression and anxiety motivated me to become more than a music fan.
“The experience awakened my inner muse and, as I have since discovered, created a kind of art-therapy that helps me cast the demons out.”
To make a donation, go to https://bigbluetable.com.au/julie-fearon.
To help Julie make it a great day for all involved, or just to let her know you’ll be bringing a plate so she can plan for the day, call her on 0448 779 273.
If you’re planning to attend the morning tea, “a gold coin donation would be appreciated, to contribute towards hall costs”, Julie said.