One in 20 Australians are affected by depression each year and the World Health Organisation estimates that it will be the number one health concern by 2030.
In an effort to put the spotlight on this growing mental health issue, the third community health forum organised by Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong will focus on depression
Mr Chanthivong will host the forum on Wednesday, July 3 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, pictured below, 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,’’ says Anoulack Chanthivong.
“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 macquariefields@parliament.nsw.gov.au, phone 9618 2077 or visit letsbackanoulack.com.
I climb this mountain every day
It steep it’s hard please show me the way
I’m tired and weary at my wits end
It’s time for truth let’s not pretend
I feel the breeze upon my face
As I look wearily on the race
It never gets any easier the higher you climb
You could stop and look down if you had the time
I’m on my knees and struggling for air
Is this my life is it fair
To often we hide the way we feel
We are human we are not made of steel
We cry out in anguish in deep despair
Gulping for breathe and that clear mountain air
You feel like quitting it’s all to much
Stand up stand tall use your crutch
We will never be able to do this on our own
Where’s that time gone it seems to have flown
Do we give up do we give in
No never it’s a battle we’ll win
The deep despair pressing down on your chest
Your crying out please I need rest
Still you struggle still you fight
All through the day and into the night
The mountain climb is a daily event
You are so tired your body spent
Will this ever get better you cry out in pain
You pray it will as your body wanes