Towing the Line

On Friday I attended 'Towing the Line', an inter/active theatre event exploring mental health and community myths. It was a forum theatre event devised by members of the community living with or caring for someone living with mental health concerns.

It was a very moving and sometimes confronting experience. The stigma associated with mental health issues is still great in the community – including here in Healesville, and even dare I say among Corps members. This event explored a number of scenarios, and the audience was invited to interact with the scenarios, trying to achieve a different, positive intervention.

For example, one scenario involved a call centre worker that was unable to get to work on time because of depression and the effects of her medication. A suggested intervention was the employer allowing the worker to start later in the day, after she had "leveled out" from her medication.

I have much to learn in the area of mental health. It was a great production, and I encourage people to attend any events like this in their local community.