Many brave men featured in a moving exhibition are sharing their stories of surviving suicide in the hope of helping others who may be struggling.
Portraits of Mankind is a photographic celebration of 24 Sunshine Coast men who believe in the power of speaking up about mental health. Not all of the featured men in the exhibition are suicide survivors.
In a collaboration between the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Alliance for Suicide Prevention and local portrait photographer Megan Gill, the exhibition encourages men to “reach out, don’t tough it out”.
One of the featured men is suicide survivor and mental health advocate Vika Pasefika.
After relocating from Samoa to New Zealand, Mr Pasefika experienced childhood trauma that led to his involvement with gangs and drugs.
After surviving three suicide attempts, he struggled to provide for his growing family.
He moved his family to Queensland in 2008 to start afresh, believing this move saved his life.
“For a couple of years, all my friends were in gangs, suiciding or getting shot. I was too scared to fall into that life again, so I didn’t go home,” he said.
Still wanting to help them from afar, Mr Pasefika set up the UCE Movement (Awareness Belonging Connection) for anyone struggling with mental health and suicidality. It reaches across Australia and into New Zealand.
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“I want men to know that no matter how big you are or how tough you look, there’s always a support system out there for you,” he said.
“I got involved in the exhibition because mental health and suicide prevention are my passion.
“I have a lot of friends that have committed suicide throughout the years … we lost nine last year. They were partially to do with COVID-19 but also because of relationship issues.”
He said the exhibition was an important chance for people to learn about other people’s stories, what they’ve gone through and the paths they’ve taken to beat suicide.
“It feels good to be involved and hopefully a little bit of my story might touch other people out there,” Mr Pasefika said.
“It’s okay for men to reach out for support that’s out there, they can talk through it and get through it too.”
Photographer Megan Gill said she created Portraits of Mankind to show how local men are overcoming the challenges of being a man in modern Australia.
“I have been drawn to photograph the featured men because they have all had their own challenges and faced them with a strength that is backed with integrity, honesty and vulnerability,” she said.
“The photos are a conversation starter and, along with the men’s stories, can help the viewer recognise their own challenges.
“The photos capture both strength and vulnerability, and we aim to break the stereotype of the ‘tough guy’ and the ‘everything’s okay’ attitude.
“Anyone who wants to normalise conversation around mental health and the idea of asking for help if you need it should come along. The stories that accompany the portraits all speak of how speaking up or reaching out for help was the turning point and most important lesson or advise they wish to share.”
UniSC Thompson Institute engagement officer Louise Pemble said the exhibition came about because the data and research on factors leading to male suicides in the region showed men’s mental health needed attention.
Common suicide factors for local men are relationship breakdown, financial strain, custody disputes, mood disorders, substance abuse or a combination.
“We know that men are up against an Aussie culture of suffering in silence but the ‘toughen up’ approach isn’t working,” she said.
“How do we know that? Because males make up 75 per cent of the suicides in Australia, and 73 per cent of suicide deaths on the Coast were males.
“Research shows that help seeking is a key difference between men who make it through a mental health crisis and those who don’t.
“One powerful way men make it through a crisis is by talking to other men. There is strength and vulnerability when men talk and listen to each other about their mental health.”
She said the hope was for the audiences to benefit from the featured men’s experiences.
“The men in these photographs reveal their vulnerabilities – and their powerful strength in doing so is undeniable,” she said.
“Each man shares his story of the strength shown and each found when men talk and listen to each other about mental health.
“Some have had to work hard to overcome challenges and rebuild their lives. All are the men they are today because they reached out to others, becoming stronger in the process.
“How we reach out differs – for some it will be mates or family, for others professional services, men’s groups or helplines. Whatever works for you.
“As the featured men shared, it was only after reaching out for support that their recovery began. There is support in the region for men facing mental health struggles.”
You can see Portraits of Mankind at Blackflag Brewing until March 13. The exhibition then moves to Pomona Distilling Co from March 16 to April 16.
To find out more about the exhibition head to Portraits of Mankind.
If you’re in an emergency or someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
If you or anyone you know needs support, call or visit:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14, Lifeline.org.au
- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
- Mates in Construction 1300 642 111, mates.org.au
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 635, beyondblue.org.au
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