If you have a flu, a pain or a broken bone you do not hesitate to see a doctor. Having a mental health issue is no different.
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That is what Mandurah nurse Patricia Fernandez de Viana, who lost her son James to suicide two years ago, wants everyone to know.
James was working on top secret electronic warfare as a flight officer for the Royal Australian Airforce when he died by suicide.
His loss was felt worldwide with family and friends coming from Queensland, NSW, England and Canada to attend his funeral.
A couple of weeks after Jame's death, Ms Fernandez de Viana and her husband Michael became aware of the Let's Chalk About Mental Health movement, which is about covering pavements with positive messages.
Knowing they wanted to make a difference the couple decided to hold their own event in September 2019.
"We wanted to raise awareness about suicide risks, statistics and suicide prevention. Particularly in a positive and effective way, in order to make a difference and to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and in particular suicide," she said.
"We wanted to make a difference and this event fit the bill. We give messages of hope, remember our lost loved ones and chat."
"It is family friendly and allows the opportunity to educate people about how to have conversations around mental health."
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On Sunday, September 12 from 10am until 2pm the couple will be holding the event at Acerosa Boulevard, Halls Head.
"It is lots of fun and people of all ages have enjoyed contributing to the event in the past," she said.
"There is something very healing about drawing in chalk with the sound of ocean waves and the sun on your back. It would be great to see lots of people at our event."
