Interview with Anneka Lewis

During Mental Health Week, Sally from MHCT had the opportunity to talk to Anneka Lewis about a project she is completing for school requiring her to complete several hours of community service. Speaking to her and hearing her passion to help others, Sally was not surprised to hear that this was not her first foray into raising awareness on social issues. She first started with her ‘Skate for 8 projects’ to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer, and the following year, White Ribbon. And the fundamental principle that drives her? ‘You just got to keep hope’.

What made you choose mental health for your community service?
This year has been hard to say the least, we have had a lot of stress placed on our shoulders since COVID-19 came along. With this added stress, many people I have spoken to have had days during this year where they just don’t want to get out of bed. They can suffer from anxiety attacks and get overwhelmed easily. So why, when asked if they wanted to see a mental health specialist or just have someone to talk to, do so many people turn the offer down? They can feel a sense of shame, the stigma around mental health has stopped many people getting the chance to get the help they might need.

Can you tell us a bit more about your project?
When I was given a school task to do several hours of service for the community I chose to look at how I could help others come to understand this issue better. I thought, perhaps this might encourage others to either ask for help themselves or for people they know. I have started drawing chalk messages or pictures that can spread my thoughts on footpaths around Hobart. Some pictures I have done have been simply to gain a smile from another person because a smile can mean so much. Other pictures are more complicated prompting people to think more deeply about my messages.

What do you hope people get out of your drawings and messages?
The message I want to put out is that everyone has mental health, and everyone needs to look after themselves. All people need to be aware of their mental wellbeing just as they need to care for their physical well-being. If we seek support for a physical health issue, surely we should feel comfortable to get the help we need for a mental health issue. Poor mental health can be silent, it needs to be brought to everyone’s attention, we must help people become aware.
You never know, a simple message of hope could bring some joy into a person’s day.
I hope, if someone sees one of my drawings, that they pause for a moment and reflect on the message. Even if it is only one smile a day, I have managed to have a positive impact. And then, hopefully, they will pass it on. You can help a lot of people if everyone helped out.

Is there anything else you would like the Tasmanian community to know?
I would like to leave you tonight with one challenge: Tomorrow, at some stage, whether you’re busy or not, take a moment for yourself.
Relax. Take a breath. And ask yourself how you are feeling, how you want to be feeling, and what you need to do to get there.
Because mental wellness is everybody’s business.