Depression information session in Currabubula

19 March 2010

Residents from Currabubula and the surrounding areas will learn how to cast away the stigma of depression thanks to a free public forum being held this month.

Hunter New England Primary Health Nurse Helen Goodwin said the session, to be held on Tuesday 23 March, would be a good opportunity for residents to hear local health professionals talk about the condition.

“Depression is a growing concern in rural communities, especially in times of drought and financial hardship, so it’s important that the community knows how to recognise the signs of depression,” Ms Goodwin said.

“Australia-wide, one million people live with depression every year and it is inevitable that most of us will know someone who is living with it. The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing shows that up to one in five women and one in eight men will experience depression at some time in their lives.

“Depression does not discriminate. It can affect anyone at any time. It is not just the person with the illness who is affected – it is also their family, friends and work colleagues.

“Many of us find it hard to know what to say to someone who is depressed, because depression is a hard illness to talk about. Sometimes it’s difficult to recognise when someone’s having a having a hard time.

“This session is an ideal way that we can learn to recognise when someone, including ourselves, might need help and where to find it,” she said.

This free public forum is a chance for residents of the Currabubula area to have open discussion and share their stories, experiences and thoughts about depression and to speak to professionals who can provide the right information about depression and its treatment.

Speakers on the night will include local General Practitioner Dr Alex Brown, Clinical Psychologist Jo Meredith and members of the Billabong Clubhouse, who will speak from their personal experience of depression. Attendees will also hear from Cheryl Lalor from the Anglican Counselling Service who will speak in her capacity as a counsellor and a carer of someone has lived with depression.

The free information session will be held on Tuesday 23 March at 7.30pm at The Currabubula Hotel, Davis Street, Currabubula.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767