Wānaka Library is hosting a pop-art exhibition which combines portraits with stories of perinatal depression.

The Blue Stories Project aims to help educate communities and encourage the discussion of perinatal and postnatal depression.

The exhibition opening this morning (Saturday February 18 at 10.30am) will feature guest speakers Lisa Gear from Central Lakes Family Services, Alex Weehuizen from Precious Beginnings, and Mary Mansell from Headlight.

The opening will include morning tea, live music by the Wānaka Ukulele Group, and face painting for children.

Research suggests one in five women will experience perinatal depression, but Lisa (one of seven regional coordinators of the Blue Stories Project) suggests that figure is more like one in four - and 50 percent of cases will go undiagnosed. 

“Building awareness is what we’re always looking at and reducing stigma, these are the two things we’ll potentially get out of being involved with a project like this… normalise things,” Lisa said.

The project has its beginnings with illustrator and designer Karolina Gorton of Nelson.

After experiencing perinatal depression with her second child, and realising she had also gone through it with her first, Karolina saw a need to share stories.

“It’s very important to talk about perinatal depression, this project gives women and their supporters the chance to share their journey through and out of perinatal depression,” she said.

“We are able to empower people by sharing our stories, but what is more important we might be able to reach people who may need that help now. 

“Now is a good time to raise awareness of perinatal depression, as the experience of Covid‐19 has increased tension and the feeling of “being in isolation”, these are the same feelings many mothers experience when entering motherhood.” 

Karolina has created portraits of women and their supporters from all over Aotearoa who have shared their blue stories with her. Each image contains a story and an encouraging message for the audience to read. 

The project also includes audio interviews with women who shared their stories of getting out of perinatal depression, and with a counsellor who explains the symptoms.

The Blue Stories Project exhibition is being held in partnership with Central Lakes Family Services. The exhibition is available during library opening hours only.

PHOTO: Kate Russell/Nelson Weekly