Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP will host his next free Community Health Forum on depression in an effort to put the spotlight on this growing mental health issue.
One in 20 Australians are affected by depression each year. The World Health Organisation estimates that depression will be the number one health concern by 2030.
Mr Chanthivong will host the forum on Wednesday 3 July in partnership with Cheryl Paradella of Beautiful Minds, a sub-committee of One Door Mental Health. He said the forum was an opportunity to hear from mental health professionals, help raise awareness and connect people with local services on this important public health issue.
The forum will feature Dr Aliza Werner-Seidler from Black Dog Institute and speakers from headspace Campbelltown and South Western Sydney Primary Health Network. A range of local services providers will also be present at the forum.
Dr Aliza Werner-Seidler is currently leading the Future Proofing Study, the largest, school-based digital mental health prevention trial ever undertaken, targeting 20,000 school students.
“Depression can happen to anyone. My latest forum provides an opportunity to understand the signs and symptoms of depression, how they appear in different people and where to go to get help,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“I look forward to working with Beautiful Minds, the Black Dog Institute and other partners in delivering this important community information evening.
“This is my third community mental health forum and the overwhelming message we want to send is that mental health matters. The more conversations we have on mental health, the more barriers we can break down and provide much-needed support,” Mr Chanthivong added.
Beautiful Minds’ Cheryl Paradella said she was looking forward to another opportunity to raise awareness of mental health in the community.
“Forums such as this are essential to giving mental health the level of attention it deserves, while raising awareness of the support services available in our local community.
“Anoulack’s continued advocacy and support of mental health in our community is greatly appreciated,” Ms Paradella said.
The forum will be held at the Greg Percival Community Centre in Ingleburn from 6.30pm to 8.30pm (doors open for refreshments from 6pm). The event is free, however, bookings are essential. Register your interest at [email protected], phone 9618 2077 or visit letsbackanoulack.com.
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What is depression?
Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family.
Signs and symptoms of depression include depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep and/or appetite, poor concentration and thoughts of suicide. Moreover, depression often comes with symptoms of anxiety.
Depression is treatable with psychological therapies or antidepressant medication, or a combination of these. In severe cases, biological treatments like electroconvulsive therapies can also be effective.
A range of self-care strategies such as exercise, a healthy diet, relaxation techniques, good sleep hygiene and positive social connections have proven to assist people with depression.
