Blue trees in Western Australia are helping raise awareness of suicide and depression
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (342918)
Rockingham, Australia
July 30, 2019 2:08am CST
The last few times we’ve travelled to Bunbury from our home in Donnybrook, south-west Western Australia, we’ve noticed a blue tree. The tree is one of over 140 dead trees which have been painted blue as part of the ‘Blue Tree Project’ which aims to raise awareness of suicide and depression.
I don’t know how long ‘blue’ has been associated with sadness or how the connection originiated. Beyond Blue is an Australian independent non-profit organisation that addresses issues associated with mental disorders such as depression, suicide and anxiety.
People are being encouraged to paint a dead tree blue to honour a person who has taken his or her own life. I suppose it’s a good thing. Certainly, we need to be aware of those in our midst who might be suffering some form of mental illness.
I snapped a photo of this one as we came home from returning the scaffolding.
30 people like this
19 responses
@YuleimaVzla (1505)
• Maracaibo, Venezuela
6 Aug 19
How sad although it is a very emotional initiative, it always leads to a depression of knowing that someone has lost to battle.
1 person likes this
@YuleimaVzla (1505)
• Maracaibo, Venezuela
9 Aug 19
@JudyEv Friend, I think that one way to raise awareness is not harassing these people to rehabilitations locked in psychiatric or nursing homes, I think this makes the situation worse, since it leads to the frustration of an individual who is not mentally or animally in their right mind , but rather, encourage them that everything in this life has a solution.
1 person likes this
@porwest (93610)
• United States
31 Jul 19
@JudyEv But talk is just talk. Many people think that just doing this sort of thing is enough to solve problems. I am not sure it is enough. Paint a tree and I have done my part. Sorry. You have only painted a tree, You have done nothing to actually address the problem.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50796)
• United States
31 Jul 19
I think it would make me feel sad to see blue trees all around. Maybe they could be in a designated area.
1 person likes this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14392)
• West Haven, Connecticut
30 Jul 19
Thats very helpful and good to raise awareness on the issue
1 person likes this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14392)
• West Haven, Connecticut
30 Jul 19
@JudyEv Yeah I think its a global thing because its happening all over the world
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45156)
• Philippines
31 Jul 19
I believe this is a good awareness program by the said foundation. I think its good this should be adopted in other parts of the world
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342918)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Jul 19
Hopefully it might help people to look out for those at risk of harming themselves.
@ilocosboy (45156)
• Philippines
31 Jul 19
Sometimes people don't give importance at incidence, bur with blue tree I'm sure it will create awareness.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54402)
• United States
30 Jul 19
This is an incredible thing! Of course y’all down under are ahead. Thanks Judy. I love this!
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54402)
• United States
30 Jul 19
@JudyEv :-) I think it is awesome!
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (52186)
• Philippines
30 Jul 19
People will be asking what the tree is about that has blue painting? I hope they see this post or something.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342918)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Jul 19
Stories about the blue trees are being written up in all the local papers so soon lots of people will know about them.
@RasmaSandra (81331)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
31 Jul 19
I think that is a great way to raise awareness. Love the photo.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342918)
• Rockingham, Australia
30 Jul 19
Hopefully it will achieve what they're hoping for.
@JudyEv (342918)
• Rockingham, Australia
31 Jul 19
Blue is a lovely colour. Sometimes the sky is a really lovely shade of blue.
