POST FEELZ FEELZ

A cold Saturday night in low light, meeting new people with a sausage sizzle in one hand and a drink in the other - this was the perfect setting for the FEELZ Mental Health Night to take place.

With a gold donation to Eagle Raps in Doonside’s hushed centre, families, friends, and strangers came together to hear the wisdom of panelists Laura Ranola (The Western), Pola Fanous (aka Pola the Poet), and Jane and Betty (The Brave). They each gave their perspective around how mental health can affect anyone in any way.

Laura took us back to when depression and anxiety existed, but were covered up by being ‘emo’ and listening to My Chemical Romance.

Jane and Betty spoke of growing up in strict households, and the stigmas within Pacific Islander culture - where mental health is a taboo topic. They discuss how they learned to open up as they got older and became more independent.

Pola’s insight derived from his struggles with addiction, depression, and anxiety, and how he delves into meditation and prayer as an escape.

‘When you build your whole identity on your worst problems, then you don’t want to fix them - because then you don’t know who you are.’ he told the attendees.

In between the snap-worthy conversations between the panelists, we got to witness some of Western Sydney’s finest talents, who have turned their battles into art.

Clarissa Mei’s vocals had the room in awe of her lyrics and runs as she sang the first song she ever released - Vulnerable.

Pola put aside his cold to give us a raw poem about his dependance on his faith to get him through the tough times.

Inq.uisitive Minds had us all bopping with stank faces as the rapping duo performed some of the songs from their first EP, and one from their latest that was released in early October.

When the topic of social media and sense of self were raised, the opinions were mixed. However, among the opinions and experiences shared, there was always a ‘mm' or ‘yes’ from the crowd as the panel spoke.

Pola hit the FEELZ hard when he said: ‘You are infinitely more than whatever hat you put on.’

On the whole, the night had an intimate vibe, where new connections were made, people began opening up to each other, and everyone was reassured that they’re not alone.

You can watch all the performances here:

[OP-ED] We get it! You're Filipino!

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