October is beyondblue’s Anxiety and Depression Awareness (ADA) Month.
Key dates in October
- October 1-31 ADA Month
- October 4-10 Mental Health Week
- October 10 World Mental Health Day
- October 18-23 Carers Week
beyondblue: the national depression initiative invites all Australians to join the campaign to raise awareness of mental illness during Anxiety and Depression Awareness (ADA) Month in October.
According to beyondblue’s research, community awareness of anxiety and depression has grown over the past decade, however, stigma associated with these common illnesses remains high. As a result, many people do not seek the treatment they need.
beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said: ”One million people in Australia live with depression and more than two million have an anxiety disorder, yet less than half seek help. This means there is a great need to continue to encourage more open discussions about mental health.
“It’s vital that people know they can get help for mental health problems like anxiety and depression, just as they can get help for physical health problems like a broken arm or asthma.
“Last year, thousands of people and businesses from all around the country got involved in ADA Month. This outstanding level of support confirms what we already know - that there is a genuine desire to actively tackle the stigma that is unfortunately still associated with mental illness. There are many ways to get involved. Please look at our website www.beyondblue.org.au/adamonth for ideas.”
Chairman of beyondblue, Jeff Kennett, added: “I hope that during ADA Month people will start thinking about mental health and at the very least take a few minutes to learn about the common signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression.
“This year beyondblue has put the spotlight on carers of someone with depression and anxiety. We want to ensure these unsung heroes look after their own health while they care for others. Anyone who is in a caring role should order a copy of the beyondblue Carer’s Guide. We have also developed comprehensive information for young people, including 23 fact sheets and a new website www.youthbeyondblue.com
“As always, all beyondblue information is free. It’s our aim to make sure no-one is left in the dark about depression and anxiety. Thank you to all who were involved in ADA Month last year, I hope that we can make this year even bigger and more successful.”
ORDER FREE: ADA Month information kits including beyondblue’s DVD - Stories of Hope and Recovery, posters, shopping bags, fact sheets, fridge magnets, wristbands and more! Kits are available for individuals, workplaces and young people aged 12-25. To order go to www.beyondblue.org.au/adamonth or call 1800 226 718 (free call).
Facts about depression, anxiety and substance use disorders in Australia
- One million people aged between 16 and 85 currently have depression.
- 160,000 young people aged between 16-24 experience depression each year.
- 2.3 million adults have an anxiety disorder (these include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, panic disorder, phobias and social phobia)
- One in four people have experienced an anxiety disorder at some stage of their lives and one in five women and one in eight men have experienced depression.
- More than 800,000 people currently have a substance use disorder (which is classified as harmful use of opiates, stimulants and/or prescription drugs).
- Young people are most at-risk of developing mental health problems, with one in four likely to experience depression symptoms at some stage between the ages of 16 and 24.
- One-third of people with anxiety, depression or a substance use disorder accessed health services in the past 12 months.
- Up to half of people with depression do not seek help.
[Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008). 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results (4326.0). Canberra: ABS.]
