beyondblue has created a series of fictional video blogs about young people experiencing depression and anxiety. The blogs were inspired by real stories posted on the Youthbeyondblue online forum, Share Your Story. The blogs feature three characters Ryan, Laura and Kate. Each of their stories is told over a number of episodes.
Ryan recovers from depression after seeing his GP and getting treatment. Laura struggles with anxiety, but recovers with the help of a psychologist - and Kate’s school counsellor helps her deal with being bullied at school.
Ryan’s video log is available now on YouTube. Laura and Kate coming soon, so keep checking back!
More about the Characters
Ever since 21 year-old Ryan broke up with his girlfriend Amanda, he’s been feeling really down. Even though this is a fairly normal reaction, Ryan can’t seem to shift the sad feeling. It’s starting to affect his study, his sleep and the way he feels about himself. His sister persuades him to go to a GP and he is diagnosed with depression. Ryan records his journey to recovery over seven video blogs.
Laura’s in Year 12 and seems really stressed about schoolwork and life in general. You might be thinking ‘ok, that seems normal.’ I mean, who isn’t stressed out in Year 12? But Laura’s stress levels are getting out of control. She ends up seeing her GP and is told she has anxiety. Laura starts seeing a psychologist who helps her through the anxiety.
Kate has been suspended from school. She feels like she doesn’t fit in and doesn’t really enjoy being there anyway. As part of her suspension, Kate has to see the school counsellor, Alice. Kate can’t imagine how talking is going to help, but Alice turns out to be nice and helpful. Alice talks to Kate about how she was bullied when she was younger. Kate begins to understand the bullying is still affecting her self-esteem.
Partners
The video blogs were created by beyondblue in partnership with the Design and Digital Media Department of Orygen Youth Health.
