02 May 2008

Easing the stigma of mental illness in the Macedonian community

A South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health Macedonian bilingual mental health counsellor is using his talent as a playwright to help ease the stigma of mental illness in the Macedonian community.
 
More than 4,260 people born in Macedonia live in Wollongong and the surrounding areas – this equates to approximately 24 per cent of Macedonian migrants in NSW residing in the area.
 
Dushan Ristevksi wrote the play ‘Fear and Shame’ after a study into the attitude of the Macedonian community towards mental illness uncovered widespread negative views. 
 
The study found people with mental illness and their families were experiencing high levels of stigma and discrimination.
 
 “Because the Macedonians have a strong history of participation in theatre, a theatre-based approach was seen to be the most culturally appropriate way to communicate with the community,” Mr Ristevski said.
 
He said the goal of the play was to educate the community on mental health issues and to change peoples’ perceptions of mental illness within the family and in turn reduce the stigma in the community.
 
“This script represents an important and meaningful attempt to engage the Macedonian community around mental health issues in a creative and culturally appropriate way,” Mr Ristevski said.
 
The Multicultural Health Service and St George Mental Health, in partnership with the Macedonian Literary Association, the Macedonian Welfare Association Wollongong and the Australasian Macedonian Theatre Sydney are bringing the play  “Fear and Shame”  to Wollongong for the first time.
 
The play will be performed on one night only – Friday 9 May at 7pm at the Merrigong Theatre Company, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong.  Tickets cost $15 for adults, and $10 for concessions.  For bookings, please call 4226 3699, or 42744033.
 
Media Enquiries:  South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service
Media Officer Maxine Brennan 9350 2601, 0413 028 776