Finding calm at Fisho’s

PEOPLE with flamboyant personalities can be misread as being “happy”, but it’s often the most extroverted of individuals who are suffering on the inside.

Torquay’s Kirsty Palimaka is an expert at masking pain, so much so that her contagious energy has distracted others from stopping to peer beyond her smile.

“I’ve struggled with anxiety, panic attacks and had postpartum depression after my second (child),” she said.

“For years I didn’t understand it and I abused it with alcohol and I’ve done a lot of work to live in it and do what’s right and meditate, and you know, take the time to appreciate it all – what we grow through is what we go through, isn’t it?

“When people find out that I have struggled with that, they’re like ‘But you’re always crazy’ and I’m like ‘Your facade can hide a lot’, and that’s why I’m an extremely open book as well, because if by being open I can help someone else’s journey, then I’m 100 per cent willing to do that.

“It doesn’t make me a hero; it doesn’t make me a pity seeker… it just makes me real.”

The 44-year-old mother of two said walking on the beach is part of her mental health routine – an aspect of her day she considers to be non-negotiable.

But just before sunrise last Tuesday, she ventured to Fisho’s with her eldest son, Riley, and began collecting the sand’s rocks to silence the state of the world, be at one with nature and calm her mind.

As the sun rolled in and began to kiss the sky, Kirsty stacked one rock upon the other while Riley watched on.

When the rocks suddenly stood as five individual sculptures, she put her photography diploma to work and captured a moment of stillness, serenity and peace.

“I am of the view, and people call me crazy, that’s my nickname, but I have the view of being a little like Rainbow Brite – she was my childhood hero.

“She used to spread glitter and sparkle and happiness and smiles around the world so that everyone felt that way and I think a smile goes a long way, and a photo can also go a long way as well.

“It can really change the trajectory of someone’s day. I just think it’s imperative that we look after everyone – our physical health as well as our mental health.”

Kirsty posted the photos to Facebook in the hope of spreading a little joy in an eerie time of uncertainty.

She said it was particularly important to recognise social distancing will pose challenges for people who already struggle with their mental health.

“Everyone is not saying that the media is responsible for it but there is a lot of hysteria out there, and it puts a lot of panic for those who already struggle with anxiety or panic attacks.

“We need to look after each other, we need to all get through this. I’m a firm believer in looking after our mental health. You don’t know what someone’s going through, so don’t be so quick to judge.”