Painting helps Indigenous artist heal from stroke

Renowned contemporary Indigenous artist, Lizzy Stageman, has opened up about how art helped her get through her darkest days after having a mini stroke.

In February 2017 Lizzy was at work, reading the paper and eating her morning tea when all of a sudden she was in excruciating pain.

“It was like a knife stabbed into my skull and pulled back out again. It was like nothing I’ve never felt before and then my right arm started to go numb and my tongue felt like it was swelling in my mouth.”

After her father survived three strokes, Lizzy noticed the signs and knew she had to get emergency treatment immediately.

“I couldn’t get my words out but I managed to say to a colleague, ‘please take me to hospital’.”

Lizzy was taken to hospital and had multiple scans. it was eventually revealed the then-51-year-old had a Transient Ischaemic Attack, or TIA, which is commonly referred to as a mini stroke and can be a warning that you may have a stroke in the future.

While the 56-year-old still experiences memory loss, Lizzy had a good physical recovery but the experience has been emotionally challenging, however art has played a major role in her healing process.

“My children prompted me to pick up a paintbrush. They said,‘ go and paint, mum. Be happy’. So, I did and it’s helped me heal in so many ways and has taught me not to hold on to anger and just appreciate every day. Painting takes me out of that dark place, and it gives me something to look forward to.”

Lizzy, who now lives in Newcastle, is a proud descendant of the Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa and Barkindji Nations and her rich history, culture and connection to the land and her people is reflected in her work.

As part of NAIDOC Week she’s sharing her story to help others in the community.

“If I can help just one person with my story then that’s one less person having to go through what I went through.”

“The worry is people don’t know want to look for. I would encourage people to know the signs so you can get medical treatment immediately and listen to your body and don’t ignore the signs.”

Australia’s First Nations people are disproportionately impacted by stroke and are 1.3 times more likely to have a stroke than non-Indigenous people.

Stroke Foundation National Manager Prevention, Andrea Sanders says Lizzy’s message is crucial to improving survival and recovery rates.

“We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to die or experience lifelong disability from stroke than non-indigenous Australians which is why sharing stories from Indigenous leaders like Lizzy are important in spreading awareness. We’re urging communities to know the life-saving F.A.S.T signs which include Facial droop, an inability to lift your Arms, and slurred Speech.”

Ms Sanders says regular GP visits are also important when it comes to reducing the risk of stroke, especially after a TIA.

“One-third to a half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their 30’s, 40s, 50s and 60s are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke so it’s important to get regular check-ups with a GP for risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.”