Hundreds of bike riders from all states in Australia will join the 2010 Black Dog Ride to Alice Springs departing on Sunday, 5 September simultaneously from Sydney and Perth, to raise awareness about depression. The bike ride is a major initiative for the Black Dog Institute’s Exercise Your Mood Week being held across Australia from 11 to 19 September. The bike riders are assembling at two starting points on Sunday 5 September- Yahava Kofeeworks in the Swan Valley in W.A. and at Deus Cafe in Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, before the two groups link-up at Port Augusta on day four of the gruelling 4000km trip. The Sydney group will be flagged away by renowned Australian rock legend Angry Anderson. The Black Dog Bike Ride was originally launched from Perth last year. The Ride has grown to encompass a nation-wide effort with riders from all over Australia converging at the red centre on 11 September, the starting date for Exercise Your Mood Week, to recognise the impact that depression has in today’s society.
Read the news release [PDF, 119KB]
See the itinerary [PDF,81 KB]
400 people packed into the Tamworth Capitol Theatre on Thursday 26 August to hear the Navigating Teenage Depression delivered by Black Dog Institute Community Education Coordinator, Dr Tessa Cléradin. Event MC and project manager, Chris Rule, said he was thrilled to see such a positive roll up. “While these events are not about numbers, a good community response indicates a healthy and positive community outlook in relation to mood disorders. It says that the Tamworth community wants to be well informed about depression and know how to best support young people who might be experiencing depression”, said Chris. Attendees included young people, parents, teachers, various service providers including psychologists and counsellors, teachers and interested members of the public. Dr Cléradin was the main speaker on the night and is also responsible for developing the content associated with Institute’s community programs, such as ‘Navigating Teenage Depression’. “As always, Dr Cléradin did a wonderful job as the night’s main speaker. Tessa’s level of knowledge and ability to engage an audience on such a serious topic is a huge strong point in relation to community events such as these”, said Chris. The post event feedback was also extremely positive proving that community education events such as these were a highly effective vehicle for destigmatising mood disorders, providing accurate information about what they are and encouraging early help seeking. Another key aim of these events is to build capacity in regional areas by encouraging people to join the Black Dog Institute Volunteer Program. The night also included a brief word from Black Dog Institute supporter, David Evans OAM, presenter from ABC Radio NewEngland and concluded with an uplifting performance by local singer songwriter, Chris Langston and guitarist, James Craswell.
Several Black Dog Institute community education seminar are currently being planned for delivery in Grenfell (5 September), Hay (6 September), Orange (October) and Broken Hill (21 and 22 October). Visit the events page for more information.
Photo: The Northern Daily Leader
The Black Dog Institute is recruiting participants for its research study "Melancholic Depression Treatment Trial". A recent article about melancholic depression appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald featuring the Institute's Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker. "What makes melancholia different from the other types of depression is that the severity of the depression is disproportionately extreme in comparison to the stressor," Parker says. "Once they've had their first episode of depression, patients also seem quite commonly destined to have repeat episodes with virtually no stressors. Professor Parker also says patients with melancholia often have severe physical symptoms. They tend to move slowly, are slumped over, have very little energy (particularly in the morning) and poor concentration.
Find out more about participating in the "Melancholic Depression Treatment Trial"
Read the full article in the Sydney Morning Herald
Champion long-distance swimmer and Exercise Your Mood Ambassador, Brendan Capell, battled terrible conditions before having to abandon his attempt at breaking the record for the fastest swim across the English Channel. Choppy conditions and a brutal southerly, combined with extremely low water temperatures made this a gruelling ordeal which ended with the young champion suffering hypothermia. It must have been truly freezing when you consider that Brendan is well accustomed to swimming in very cold water, having swum cold water marathon events in the likes of Canada. He's a fiercely dedicated sportsman and had been travelling across Europe competing in various other swimming events. He just came second in a 36km race from Capri to Naples and also came third in a one mile race in London. However, this recent setback may be just that - a setback - and not the end of his dream to be the fastest swimmer across the Channel. When asked if he would try again he replied "It is something I have not completed so.....we'll see."
Read the article that appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald
A new Black Dog Institute book is due for release in October 2010, "Tackling Depression at Work. A practical guide for employees and managers" by Kerrie Eyers and Gordon Parker, published by Allen & Unwin.
You can't park your depression at a Mood Care Centre when you go off to work. More than 10 per cent of people in the workforce struggle with depression, from the mild and temporary through to the severe and disabling forms. If you have depression, do you soldier on or do you risk telling your manager? If you're a manager, what can you do to support your employee and also ensure that the job is done? Employees with depression, and their managers, are looking for the same outcome: return to best performance. Tackling Depression at Work explains the key issues that arise and offers proven strategies. It covers sensitive issues of disclosure and privacy, and shows how organisations can support workers to seek professional to stay well. With insightful advice from workers who've learned to manage their disorder on the job, Tackling Depression at Work is a useful source of information for any worker with depression, whether it's temporary or an ongoing condition. It is also resource for line managers and human resource managers.
"Find a job that you love and that passion will carry you through. In turn, if the workplace helps people develop their potential they’ll be able to put a lot more back into the community. This book, Tackling Depression at Work, is a practical and positive step towards those goals."
Gerry Harvey, Chairman, Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd.
"The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2030 mental health will constitute the largest world wide burden of illness and disease. The challenge for unions and organisations such as the Black Dog Institute is to foster and encourage change in society and the workplace so that depression can be better understood, spoken about and dealt with. Up to1 in 5 Australians battle with the illness daily. This book, Tackling Depression at Work, provides a refreshing insight into their journey. A confronting and compelling read; the ACTU welcomes this publication."
Sharan Burrow, President, ACTU
See the full selection of Black Dog books
Information stalls at key rural events have become a hugely successful way for the Black Dog Institute to engage with rural communities and provide accurate information about mood disorders. For the second year in a row, the Institute has hosted a stall at AgQuip, Australia’s largest primary industry field day event, with more than 3,000 exhibitors and an annual attendance of over 100,000 visitors over three days.
Read an update from Day Two at AgQuip [PDF, 58KB]
The Noosa Journal has just published an article about Black Dog Institute supporter and Exercise Your Mood Ambassador, John Konrads. In the article, the Olympic swimming champion tells of his struggle with depression, his eventual diagnosis of bipolar II disorder and how he uses exercise to help manage his moods.
Read the full article from The Noosa Journal [PDF, 220KB]
Only a few days and 34 kilometres remain between Australian open water swimmer, Brendan Capell, and the honour of becoming the fastest swimmer to cross the English Channel. Capell, 25, is is an Ambassador for the Black Dog Institute's Exercise Your Mood Week September 11th-19th. He will make his attempt to beat the mark of 6hr 57 mins set in 2007 next week. This task will not be easy due to the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of the infamous English Channel. Only last week Australian distance swimming legend, John Van Wisse, was forced to withdraw from his attempt at three consecutive Channel crossings. While Capell is hoping for fine conditions, he knows that things might not go to plan. “You can prepare all you like but you can’t prepare for bad weather.” said Capell. “John is a superman when it comes to distance swimming so for him to pull out, conditions must have been pretty tough. The amount of hard work that goes into preparing for distance swimming is incredible but I’m feeling really good, and if the winds and swell calm down a bit, I’m more than confident I can beat the record.” Despite being a stalwart of Australian distance swimming, and the youngest World 25km open water champion at the age of 20, this will be the first time Capell has ever attempted the crossing from Dover to Calais.
In the lead up to Exercise Your Mood Week (September 11th-19th) we are kicking off with a photo for the press. So if you have a black dog, come along and participate in our big group shot of black dogs in Centennial Park!
Can we please shoot your black dog?
When: Saturday 28 August, 11am
Where: Centennial Park, Loch Area (dog leash zone) See a map of Centennial Park [PDF]
How much: FREE! Upon arrival, you will receive a free goodie bag, which contains a dog lead, cap and more!
Click here to register for this fun event
Exercise is a great way to lift mood and relieve some symptoms of depression. We want you to submit a short clip showing us how you can get up and get moving to improve your mood. We are looking for loads of fun, loads of energy and something that is going to make us smile. So pull out the soccer ball or hula hoop, get some endorphins flowing and Exercise Your Mood!
The winner will receive an Apple iPad (32GB with Wi-Fi) valued at $759.
How to enter:
1. Complete the online entry form
2.
Upload a clip not longer than 90 seconds to YouTube and send us the link at blackdogevents@blackdog.org.au. (Highly commended entries will be required to submit a high quality version of their clip.)
Entries close: 5pm AEDT, Friday 3rd September 2010.
Black Dog Institute Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, attended an event yesterday at The Gap in Watsons Bay. As reported by AAP "Former Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull has been joined by his local council's mayor, mental health advisers and a "guardian angel" in a bid to deter people jumping from Sydney's notorious suicide hot spot, The Gap. Mr Turnbull says the federal government has twice rejected a $2 million funding application made by Sydney's Woollahra Municipal Council to improve safety railings and lighting at The Gap, at Watsons Bay, in the eastern suburbs. "This is one of the most beautiful places in Sydney, but it's also one of the most tragic," Mr Turnbull said at the location on Sunday. As many as 50 people a year end their lives by jumping from cliffs at The Gap."
If a picture tells a thousand stories, the Black Dog Institute has unearthed nearly half a million from a photographic competition - Snapping the Black Dog - that looked at capturing hope and resilience
through the eye of the lens. The competition, conducted with sponsorship from Nikon Australia, attracted around 450 entries from all over Australia and overseas.
The three independent Judges in the photographic competition were well-known photographers Paul Blackmore and John Bader and Nikon Australia Assistant General Manager, Robert Lindsay.
Winner of the first prize, a Nikon D5000 SLR twin lens kit (valued at $1699) was Nicolette Quittner
from Mosman NSW. Nicolette described her photograph (pictured) as the "confrontation of what is seemingly negative with something positive, vibrant and hopeful”. Nicolette asks the question of what is the instigating factor that marks the difference between a good day and a bad day. In her mind, it is resilience, strength and attitude – and, which on that particular day, says ‘no’ to negative thinking.
Second prize of a Nikon COOLPIX P100 digital camera (valued at $599) was awarded to Ebony Bejah
from Grindelwald in Tasmania while third placegetter, Richard Bartlett from Marylands, NSW,
received a Nikon COOLPIX S4000 digital camera (valued at $299).
See a gallery of the top 30 entries from the photo competition
See some pictures from the award ceremony
Read the news release [PDF, 374,KB]
Prize winners in the first ever Black Dog Institute Photographic Competition – Snapping the Black Dog - will be announced at a ceremony this Thursday evening. A gallery showing all of the entries will be posted online after the event. The Sydney Morning Herald today previewed some of the entries, including the one pictured here which was submitted by 13 year old Kelly McMartin from Tingha in NSW.
See the article in the Sydney Morning Herald
A growing list of sportspeople and politicians across the country have come on board to support the Black Dog Institute, Exercise Your Mood Week from 11 to 19 September, 2010. They include world-champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore (pictured), the golden girl of Australian swimming Libby Trickett, while on the political front the support has been fantastic from all corners of the country. The list is having to be constantly updated (and will be published in full on our website shortly) but includes Mike Baird MP for Manly in NSW , former NSW Premier Nathan Rees and from Queensland, Scott Emerson, MP for Indoorpilly, Kevin Humphries, Shadow NSW Minister for Health and Pru Goward, Shadow NSW Minister for Community Services and Women.
Read more about Exercise Your Mood Week
See a full list of Exercise Your Mood Week Ambassadors
Medical Observer has just published an article featuring the Black Dog Institute's GP Facilitator, Dr Jan Orman (pictured). The article was about the Doc-Art Festival, a creative competition which challenges doctors to submit in five categories: photos, stories, films, performances and visual arts. Judges award prizes for the best entries in each category. We congratulate Dr Orman on winning the People's Choice Award in the writing category for "Roy", her story about a friendship between a professor and an eccentric young man.
Read the full article (kindly provided by Medical Observer) [PDF, 343KB ]
The Black Dog Institute website continues to grow in popularity with the average monthly hits just under 200,000 a month in 2009/2010. This represents an increase of more than 10 percent on the previous year ( 2008/2009) which experienced an average monthly hit rate of 175,358. This already impressive percentage increase appears to be rising further. In the last quarter of 2009/2010 (months of April, May and June) the following rises were recorded – April (up 15 percent), May (17 percent) and June (22 percent). The highest rating page is the Bipolar Self-test, which regularly sees 20,000 hits per month.
Father Chris Riley, Founder and CEO of Youth Off the Streets, is looking forward to working closely in the future with the Black Dog Institute. Father Riley undertook a fact-finding visit to the Institute today and said he had been really impressed with the Institute’s different programs and mentioned opportunities in schools, the Aboriginal community and training for volunteers to help in western and south western Sydney, especially in dealing with youth related problems.
Sydney GPs and psychologists who provide exceptional care for people with mood disorders are to be listed on the Black Dog Institute website. The list will be based on the recommendations of current and former patients. In announcing the initiative today, the Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, said the aim of the directory was to provide a useful tool for people suffering mood disorders to obtain both caring and skillful help. “The recommendations of people who have, or who are going through a depressive illness will be highly valued and respected,” he said. The Institute, one of the leading authorities in the country in dealing with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, is now encouraging Sydney people to visit the Institute’s website to nominate either their GP or psychologist to be placed on the Better Care Directory.
NOMINATE YOUR GP OR PSYCHOLOGIST HERE
Read the news release [PDF, 242KB]
At last! The Black Dog Institute’s online Mood Assessment Program (MAP) is now available to GPs and psychologists all over Australia. The Mood Assessment Program is a world-first diagnostic tool to assist clinicians in the detection and treatment of mood disorders. The Black Dog Institute has developed and used the MAP over many years, and is now able to offer the service to clinicians across Australia. The Institute’s Professor Gordon Parker, said today the MAP was based on nearly a quarter of a century of the Institute’s clinical expertise in the assessment, diagnosis and management planning for people suffering from depression and bipolar disorder. “The MAP is unique,” he said. “No other computerised program offers such a thorough assessment of depressive illness. It provides referring practitioners with a range of information about their patient including depressive subtype, likelihood of bipolar disorder, personality predisposition and social and environmental detail.” Professor Parker said The MAP also alleviated the burden on consultation time in recording and collating a wide range of information, allowing time for thorough follow-up.
Pictured on the right is Dr Jan Orman, GP Services Consultant to the Institute.
Read the news release [PDF, 253 KB]
Some of Australia’s most talented, successful and inspiring women have banded together to raise awareness on mental health and vital funds for the Black Dog Institute. Their stories are contained in a new book, The Modern Woman’s Anthology 2010 (by Sydney journalist, Leah Greengarten) that was launched today by prominent businesswoman and the Australian Prime Minister’s wife, Therese Rein. The book, available now in book stores, is an extraordinary literary project which brings together a unique collection of 22 stories, described as brave honest pieces that are deeply personal.
Understanding depression and resilience was the theme of a recent Black Dog Institute community education seminar in Lismore. According to Chris Rule from the Institute there was 160 attendees at the seminar, indicating the community’s eagerness to gain a better understanding of mood disorders.
The next rural Black Dog Institute community education seminar will be delivered in Tamworth in August.
Visit the events page for more information.
Around 400 entries have been received in the Black Dog Institute/Nikon Australia photo competition that looked at Snapping the Black Dog. The competition was about hope and resilience in the fight against depression and now a judging panel will soon begin the difficult task of selecting the winners. Winners of the Nikon camera prizes will be announced at the end of July.
Our congratulations is extended to the Black Dog Institute Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, on being amongst this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours Award recipients . The Australian Honours system - The Order of Australia- celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of extraordinary Australians in a diverse range of fields and endeavours. The Professor has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to psychiatry as a clinician and researcher, particularly as a major contributor to the understanding and innovative treatment of mood disorders and as a founder and Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute.
Read Professor Parker's biographical notes [PDF, 75KB]
A trial of a new, non-invasive form of brain stimulation therapy for depression is delivering promising results in early trials, and now researchers are looking for more people to take part in the groundbreaking study. Around 70 participants are being sought for the Direct Current Stimulation (DCS) trial, which is being coordinated by a leading depression research team based at the Black Dog Institute and the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The trial is one of the largest of its type in the world and involves stimulating frontal areas of the brain with very small, barely perceptible currents, while patients remain awake and alert. It has no known serious side effects. The study leader, UNSW psychiatry Professor Colleen Loo, said early results were looking promising. “31 of the 44 people who have already completed the study have gained meaningful benefit over the course of the trial,” Professor Loo said. “Direct Current Stimulation primes the neurons so that when they are triggered, their response is enhanced. This trial is suitable for patients seeking an alternative to medication or who are unable to tolerate anti-depressant drugs or ECT.”
Trial participants receive DCS for 20 minutes five times per week over three to six weeks. The trial is due for completion at the end of the year.
Interested people should call 02 9382 3720 or email TMSandDCS@unsw.edu.au
Download the flyer [PDF, 52KB]
Watch a clip about the study from Channel Ten News
Best mates and Australian champion long distance swimmers, Brendan Capell and Ky Hurst, are continuing their grueling training regime as they prepare for an attempt to break the world record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel in late August this year. Brendan has the record in his sights while Ky will be his pacemaker, entering the water after three hours and every alternative hour during the 34km journey from Dover in England to Calais, France. After an illustrious career that has included being a member of the Australian team for the past seven World Open Water Swimming Championships, Brisbane based Brendan has always dreamt of success in the Channel renowned as being the pinnacle in the sport of Marathon Swimming. In 2004 at just 20 years of age, in a sport that is dominated by performers in their early thirties, Brendan became the first Australian male to be crowned World 25km Champion and the youngest ever internationally to do so. In 2005, he backed-up to win a World Championship silver medal losing his title by a mere two seconds after five hours of racing. Crossing the English Channel is an established Australian legacy due to the achievements of Australia’s very own King of the Channel Des Renford who crossed 19 times and prominent sporting identity and marathon swimmer Susie Maroney.
Read the news release [PDF, 281KB]
Following generous funding received from MLC Community Foundation, the Black Dog Institute is launching a new support group initiative. Developed by Dr Tessa Wigney, the Community Education Co-oordinator at the Institute, R.E.A.C.H. is a free nine -week psycho-educational support group program, based on the principles of responsibility, education, acceptance, connection and hope. “The program is based on research of what we know works for people managing a mood disorder. “ Dr Wigney said. “It is encouraging for people to know that there are certain skills they can learn, and strategies they can put in place that can strengthen their wellbeing and help them deal with the complexities of dealing with episodes of depression or bipolar disorder.”
The focus of the R.E.A.C.H program is to help participants identify their strengths, deal with transitions, identify early warning signs, recognise triggers, nurture wellbeing and prepare for setbacks. By the end of the nine week program, participants will have formulated their own unique ‘Stay Well’ Plan. Practical strategies, such as mindfulness meditation techniques, expressive writing, goal setting and the importance of cultivating gratitude, are also incorporated in each weekly session. The R.E.A.C.H program will also benefit anyone seeking to connect and talk with other people who are going through similar experiences. Groups will be running in various locations across NSW, by professional, highly-skilled, trained volunteer Facilitators. The first groups available are:
R.E.A.C.H will also soon be starting in Lismore, Northern Beaches, Griffith and Castle Cove. Certain eligibility criteria apply in order to ensure each participant is at the appropriate stage of their ‘illness journey’ to benefit from the group program. Find out more
“We are also still recruiting volunteer facilitators, who are interested in running a R.E.A.C.H program in their local community,” Dr Wigney said. “If anyone is passionate about mental health and individual empowerment and can demonstrate skills in facilitation, training or counselling, we’d love to hear from you!” . Find out more
Six finalists battled it out in a fantastic display of talent and energy in the grand final of the Youth Rockin’ the Black Dog musical arts competition at The Loft Youth Venue in Newcastle recently. 2010 marks the first year of this competition which was run in partnership between the Black Dog Institute and the Hunter Institute of Mental Health. Overall, it was an incredible night that showcased some amazing local talent and offered plenty of entertainment for the crowd of more than 150 people. In a tightly contested competition, 1st place was awarded to hip hop group K Square, 2nd place went to The Influence and The Heartfelt Promise achieved 3rd place. It was a very tough job for the panel of judges who included Grant Walmsley, founder and songwriter/guitarist of Screaming Jets. As well as offering young musicians aged 15 to 21 years an awesome opportunity to perform and display their talents, Youth Rockin’ the Black Dog initiative is also about raising awareness of mental health issues amongst young people. Some amazing prizes were on offer and K Square have won a 3 track recording of their music that will be recorded, produced and mixed at Hazy Cosmic Jive Studio with Mastering and Pressing by Benchmark Mastering. Album artwork and a photo shoot are included in the prize!
A Black Dog Institute information stall was present at the Casino Beef Week Festival on Saturday, 29 May. The annual Casino Beef Week Festival is one of the most widely known and popular regional festivals in northern NSW with an average of 20,000 people crowding into town for the event. Despite the heavy rain in the morning, it was a lively day that included steer and heifer competitions, a cattle sale held in the towns centre and a grand parade of colorful floats. In addition, the main streets were closed off and filled with food stalls, entertainment stages, whip cracking, wood chopping, junior stockman and lady competitions, street entertainers and art and craft exhibitions. Chris Rule and Fleur Mortimer from the Community Programs team represented the Institute at the event along with locally based Black Dog Institute volunteer community presenter, Lucy Sneesby-Tooth. “We distributed a considerable amount of information and resources about mood disorders, received some really positive comments about the work of the Institute from the public, and heard some very powerful stories from people who have struggled with and conquered the black dog” said Chris.
Two of the Black Dog Institute books are now on the international stage. Navigating Teenage Depression (Editors Kerrie Eyers and Gordon Parker) is now released for the Northern American, United Kindgom and European markets while Journeys with the Black Dog (Editors, as shown on the local cover, Tessa Wigneyova, Kerrie Eyersova, and Gordon Parker) is published in Czechoslovakia. The books are still available in Australian bookstores.
See the full range of Black Dog Institute books
Young people today are the “vulnerable generation” when confronted with the emotional rollercoaster ride caused by depression, according to a report just released. Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, said the physical, emotional and chemical changes that already characterise adolescence are a challenge enough for most teenagers. “To have depression on top of that can be almost unbearable,” the Professor said. Releasing the Institute’s latest Yearly Report, Professor Parker, said there was a need for much more to be done for young people to help them know and understand what is happening and that help is at hand. “For young people, the crushing burden of depression is made worse when there is no protective life experience, none of the wisdom that can help the rest of us comprehend and thus deal with it should we get the disorder,” Professor Parker said.
Read the news release [PDF, 109KB]
Click here to view our 2009 Yearly Report.
Chris Rule and Dr Tessa Wigney from the Black Dog Institute Community Programs team travelled to Port Macquarie on 29 April to deliver a Black Dog Institute coordinated community education seminar at the Glasshouse Arts and Entertainment Centre. This seminar saw the delivery of the ‘Navigating Teenage Depression’ program and was well attended with 247 people from the local community participating. Attendees included people living with mood disorders, carers, various service providers, teachers, the local Police, interested members of the public and young people. “Post event feedback was extremely positive and we have since received several emails from people who attended the evening indicating the value of this event. It was also great to see such a broad cross section of the community gain value from an education seminar about such an important health topic,” said Chris. Light entertainment was provided throughout the evening with local singer/guitarist Simon Leigh donating his time and talent to open and close the night with some beautiful original music. Dr Wigney said events such as these were a highly effective vehicle for destigmatising mood disorders, providing accurate information about what they are and encouraging early help seeking behaviours. “Onset for mood disorders commonly occurs in mid to late adolescence making it vital that parents, young people and those who work with young people know what signs and symptoms to look out for and how to support people in their lives who may be experiencing a mood disorder,” said Dr Wigney.
The next rural Black Dog Institute community education seminar will be delivered in Lismore on 17 June 2010. Visit the events page for more information.
Nicky Bakonyi sails for the Black Dog Institute! Follow Nicky Bakonyi's personal challenge as she sails in a clipper from the US to Jamaica. Nicky's fundraising quest has helped to promote the work of the Black Dog Institute's youth education campaign as she raises funds in memory of her brother Ben.
Make a donation on her Everyday Hero page
The Black Dog Institute and Nikon Australia today launched a digital photographic competition with the theme – Snapping the Black Dog: A Photographic Competition about Hope and Resilience in the Fight against Depression. The Institute’s Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, said that the purpose of the competition was to capture the essence of depression through the eye of the lens; having already successfully unearthed powerful descriptions via the Institute’s popular writing and poetry competitions over the past six years. “While we recognise the seriousness of mood disorders and their impact on the lives of thousands of people, the Institute is looking for images as a way of providing hope and inspiration to show there is light at the end of the tunnel,” according to Professor Parker.
Read the news release [PDF, 111KB]
With one of the finest and most diverse line ups of any emerging music festival in Australia, the 6th annual Gum Ball Music & Arts Festival, supporting the Black Dog Institute, will be rolling into the bush Friday 28th May, with the main event taking place on Saturday 29th May. Located at “Dashville,” a secluded natural bushland estate at Belford in the Hunter Valley, just 2 hours North of Sydney and 1 hour west of Newcastle, the super relaxed weekend festival works hard each year to provide the ultimate musical program with something for everyone. Encompassing a mixed bag of musical assortment, the festival showcases around 20 live acts from around the country, ranging from blues to funk, soul & hip hop, to straight out country rock and roll and this year looks to be the biggest and best so far.
Read the news release (includes the line-up) [PDF, 49KB]
Australian researchers have made the surprising finding that patients who are worriers are likely to be better off after being hospitalised with an acute heart condition. Worry, they say, can be both normal and constructive. Results suggest that heart patients who worry may attend to their health needs more regularly and conscientiously. They may take their proper medication and may even be more proactive with their GP or other health practitioners. The study, conducted by the Black Dog Institute, challenges the published literature that patients with anxiety and depression in these cases are worse off. According to Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, people with GAD (General Anxiety Disorder) are commonly recipients of gratuitous advice to “stop worrying” and that they “will worry themselves to their grave”. The Institute, he said, conducted a study, of nearly 500 people hospitalised with an acute coronary syndrome. The study is titled “THE IMPACT OF DIFFERING ANXIETY DISORDERS ON OUTCOME FOLLOWING AN ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME: TIME TO START WORRYING”. It has been published in the official publication of the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, Depression and Anxiety.
Read the news release [PDF, 82KB]
Read the article on the Sydney Morning Herald website
A new study supports the role of the ‘old’ psychostimulant antidepressant drugs for those patients with melancholic and bipolar depressions who are treatment resistant or who have had significant side-effects to previous or current antidepressant medications. These older antidepressants, methylphenidate and dexamphetamine, have been largely neglected in recent decades, due to concerns about efficacy, tolerance and dependence.But in this study, conducted by researchers Professor Gordon Parker and Dr Heather Brotchie from the Black Dog Institute, there were distinctive clinical benefits for a significant percentage from these psychostimulant drugs – evaluated in a sample of 50 patients (60 percent female and with an average age of 49 years). The study has been published in the latest internationally renowned psychiatric journal, Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.
Read the news release [PDF, 28KB]
The Black Dog Institute celebrated a fantastic weekend in Mudgee with the Silver Foxes (ex-Wallabies), their families and the local community. There were so many highlights starting with a launch event on Friday night at the Oriental Hotel where well-known rugby poet Peter Fenton interviewed Richard Harry and Tim Kelaher and read some of his entertaining poetry. On Saturday, a beautiful blue sky was the background as hundreds of local kids participated in the junior rugby clinic with Wallabies legends including George Gregan and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, plus all the Silver Foxes. The Black Dog information stall was busy all morning informing locals about community education and services and selling our new merchandise. On Saturday afternoon we moved to Jubilee Oval for the main event – a sensational game of rugby between the Mudgee Wombats and the Silver Foxes with the Foxes winning 30 – 10. The celebrations continued well into the night at the Mudgee Racecourse where local produce and wines were showcased with live entertainment. A signed Silver Foxes jersey was auctioned for the record sum of $12,750, thanks to local businessman Jason Gaff. Big thanks must go to the organisers, the Mudgee Rugby Club and in particular Mark Dalton for a sensational event.
Pictured above: the match and Professor Gordon Parker with famous ex-Wallabies
Technology is set to play an even greater role to Exercise Your Mood. It comes in the form of a Black Dog Pedometer. This clever device, which helps measure the distance you walk or jog, is the brainchild of the Black Dog Institute using the popular iPhone technology from Apple. Forget about expensive get-fit programs, the Black Dog Pedometer is a FREE application available to iPhone users from the iTunes store. It’s probably fair to say that many a dog owner will credit their level of fitness to the compulsory daily walk with the family pet. Well, this latest device comes without the vet and boarding fees as well as the regular visits to the butcher or pet shops. iPhone users can simply click on the Black Dog icon to use the pedometer. It displays on one side of the screen a male or female figure and on the other a black dog. You are able to set your time and distance goals and off you go. Throughout the exercise regime, you are fed your elapsed time, the distance covered as well as some motivational messages. The pedometer also stores your personal best time as you step-up the Exercise Your Mood program.
Download the FREE iPhone app now!
Read the news release [PDF, 127KB]
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Sunday 21 March that "Antidepressant use in Australia has soared by almost 40 per cent over the past six years, with more than 16 million prescriptions issued. The spike has raised concerns among health authorities that a large proportion of people prescribed antidepressant medication may not be taking it properly. According to the Department of Health, 16,324,759 prescriptions for antidepressants were issued under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2008-09. In the 2007-08 financial year, there were 15,586,405 prescriptions for antidepressants, which was up from 11,874,469 in 2002-03." Read the full article in the Sydney Morning Herald
The older generation, their children and people who care for them tell their personal stories in an insightful look into how depression impacts the over 60’s in the latest Black Dog Institute writing competition. The NSW Minister for Ageing, Paul Lynch, presenting the first prize cheque for $2000 and a trophy to Gillian Charlton from Bensville on the NSW Central Coast for her story titled ”You’ll love it once you’re in!” , during an awards ceremony at the Institute today that coincided with Seniors Week in this State. In presenting the awards, the Minister stressed how important it was to ensure mental health remained high on the public agenda. “Mental illness is something that affects people of all ages and from all walks of life and older people are often an especially vulnerable section of our community,” Mr Lynch said. The $1000 second prize was awarded to Yvonne Saw from Bridport, Tasmania for her essay Going with the Flow. In her essay, Yvonne talks openly about how depression first hit her after retiring from work. The $500 third prize went to Wes Brierley from Rochester in Victoria for his essay The Black Dog is Unluckier than Black Cats. A further seven highly commended certificates were awarded for outstanding essays.
Professor Parker said that, as in past, the Institute would be looking to incorporate the rich source of material gathered during this latest writing competition in a new book to help improve understanding of the impact depression has on our older generation and what can be done to help.
Read the news release [PDF, 113KB]
Read the minister's news release [PDF, 29KB]
The Mudgee Rugby Union Club is hosting a three-day rugby festival during the weekend (March 26 to 28) in Mudgee with some of the biggest names in rugby. Known as the Grass Roots Rugby Festival it not only promotes the game in the bush but helps support the Black Dog Institute, an organisation that specialises in mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder). The feature game of rugby on Saturday at Jubilee Oval is between the Wallaby-laden Silver Foxes and an Invitational IX. The Silver Foxes team comprises ex-Wallabies including Richard Harry, Jason Little and Joe Roff, just to name a few. Other stars attending the game include former Wallaby captain, George Gregan, and Australian Coach, Robbie Deans. Black Dog Institute Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, and Chairman, Mr Peter Joseph will be attending the Rugby weekend and were highly grateful for the support the Institute had received from the Silver Foxes in 2009 who this year are again focusing their support on increasing awareness about mood disorders in rural Australia. “We are thrilled to have the Silver Foxes supporting the work of the Institute in rural and remote regions of Australia and appreciate their dedication to improving community awareness of one of the greatest health challenges of our time - depression” said Professor Parker.
The Sydney Morning Herald today reported that Sydney psychiatrists are leading a controversial global push to stop doctors over-diagnosing depression, giving patients unnecessary treatments and putting lives at risk.
Gordon Parker, professor of psychiatry at the University of NSW and executive director of the Black Dog Institute, is heading a team of 17 international psychiatrists who want the 2500-year-old condition, melancholia, listed as an illness in its own right in the next edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, used worldwide to diagnose mental illnesses.
Read the Sydney Morning Herald article
Read the article that appeared in the UNSW publication 'Uniken'
Read the article that appeared on the ABC's Unleashed website
FIND OUT ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN OUR MELANCHOLIC DEPRESSION TREATMENT STUDY
We have another amazing community fundraiser, Will Cadden, who is cycling from Mexico to Panama in a campaign called 'Cyclecor'. Will, a 23 year old from Sydney, is hoping to raise $20,000 for the Black Dog Institute. 'Cyclecor' combines Will's enthusiasm for adventure travel and fitness with his passion for health and the relationship between body and mind. He set off last week and will be uploading regular blogs and photos along the way. By sharing his experiences with others he hopes to inspire others to follow their heart, dream big and realise their own potential. Check out his website at www.cyclecor.com.au
Chris Rule and Dr Tessa Wigney from the Black Dog Institute delivered talks at a community education seminar in Dubbo on 4 March.
The Black Dog Institute ‘Understanding Depression and Resilience’ seminar was the first for 2010 and will be presented at other rural locations during the year. In Dubbo, 82 people from the local community participated, including those living with mood disorders, carers, various service providers, and interested members of the public.
“It was great to see such a broad cross section of the community gain value from an education seminar about such an important health topic,” said Chris Rule.
The seminar closed with a bang with African drumming from Menjne, a local group from Dubbo.
Read the news release [PDF, 18KB]
The Black Dog Institute is offering immediate specialist psychiatric and psychological consultations for up to 300 people experiencing melancholic depression as an inducement to participate in a 12-week trial.
Former first grade rugby player Wayne Wigham has suffered from melancholia since he was 11 years old but was not properly diagnosed until about 15 years ago. “Once you realise it is a disease and there is no shame in it, you are not weak or weird, it is a breakthrough,” he said.
Mr Wigham said his life changed dramatically once he found the right treatment. “You tend to just muddle through, that’s why it’s so important to seek treatment.”
Story and photo from Southern Courier, 23 February 2010, Page 23.
FIND OUT ABOUT HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY
Read the news release [PDF, 87KB]
Well what a blast we had on Saturday night at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade! A first for the Black Dog institute, we flew our flag at the parade with over 30 staff and volunteers dressed in bright orange Black Dog t-shirts with large orange foam peace signs replicating our logo, lots of orange glow sticks, a little bit of glitter and heaps of enthusiasm and energy. Led by the Black Dog Institute van and with two giant banners, our team gyrated and bopped along Oxford Street to the sounds of Diana Ross in a dance led by our community team choreographers Fleur Mortimer and Sarah Connor! The colour, the sounds and the scenes around us were just amazing and it was such a thrill to hear the roar from the huge crowds along Oxford Street when they saw our team come along and realised it was the Black Dog Institute.
Watch the photo show [Adobe Connect Presentation]
The efficacy of laser acupuncture as a credible treatment for depression is being investigated in a major study by the Black Dog Institute and the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, said “Not all patients do well on current treatments for depression and in some cases people turn to acupuncture and herbal medicine as alternative treatments,”. Low level (therapeutic) laser acupuncture has been used in Australia to treat depression since the 1970s. The acupuncture treatment points or acupoints are stimulated with this therapeutic laser instead of needle stimulation. Laser in therapeutics originated mostly from the European nations and is gaining in popularity as it is non-invasive, does not hurt and has no infection risks.
Read the news release [PDF, 57KB]
Agents of Peace and Screaming Jets founder and songwriter/musician Grant Walmsley, is set to be one of the judges in the upcoming Youth Rockin' the Black Dog 2010 band competition.
Youth Rockin' the Black Dog is is a partnership between the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, the Black Dog Institute, and the local music industry. It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst young people, while giving local musicians a platform to showcase their talents. The winners will receive a three-track professional recording session and 500 produced CDs among other prizes.
The competition is open to young people aged 15 to 21, and entries close 19 March, 2010. Entrants need to submit two songs (one original) to be judged by a panel of acclaimed local musicians.
Six finalists will then battle it out live during a night of great music at the Loft Youth Venue in Newcastle on 21 May 2010 before a winner is announced.
Tickets for this event will go on sale on 1 March 2010, and can be purchased from The Loft Youth Venue.
More information about the event and to download an entry form visiting www.himh.org.au/YRBD or become a fan of Youth Rockin’ the Black Dog on Facebook.
Read the news release [PDF, 77KB]
Two young Australian sportsmen, Brendan Capell and Ky Hurst, are supporting the Black Dog Institute initiative Exercise Your Mood, encouraging exercise as a treatment for depression. Both Brendan and Ky are outstanding swimmers with Ky a high profile pool and surf star while Brendan, a long-distance specialist, is planning an English Channel record attempt later this year. They enjoy the benefits of being fit and healthy. Both feel there is an alarming presence of young people affected by mood disorders and are keen to educate the public about the Institute’s Exercise Your Mood program and the support available to help people.
Read our fact sheet 'Exercise and Depression'
The Institute is very pleased to be participating in the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras Festival by hosting a Black Dog float in support of the gay and lesbian community. The Institute's float will promote the benefits of exercise on your mood. The parade starts at 7.45pm on Saturday 27 February and proceeds along Oxford Street in the city before finishing at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. Thousands of local and overseas visitors are expected to line the streets of Sydney to watch this spectacular event.
For more information about the parade and the carnival visit www.mardigras.org.au
The Black Dog Institute is offering immediate specialist psychiatric and psychological consultations for up to 300 people experiencing melancholic depression as an inducement to participate in a 12-week trial. The reality is that many people are currently waiting up to three to six months when they are referred to see a mood disorder specialist, according to the Black Dog Institute. Professor Gordon Parker, the Institute’s Executive Director, said today the aim of the trial was to investigate the best treatments for melancholic depression. Professor Parker also stated that melancholic depression was the quintessential biological depression that has been around since ancient times. It affects one to two percent of men and women in western populations throughout the world. Professor Parker described it as a very “physical” type of depression. The patient feels “slowed down” and/or agitated, lacks energy (finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning), has impaired concentration, and they can’t be cheered up. Quite often, there is also a family history of depression.
FIND OUT ABOUT HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY
Read the news release [PDF, 87KB]
Judges for the sixth Black Dog Institute Writing Competition have started the tough job of selecting our winners for 2010. Pictured (from left to right) are David Evans OAM, New England ABC Radio Broadcaster, Lew Ford, a retired High School Principal, and David Atkins, CEO for The Council on the Ageing. This latest competition focused on Late Onset Depression: Finding Answers for Older People and their Carers. The three-person independent judging panel is looking to finalise their choices in time to make an announcement during NSW Seniors Week (21-28 March). Details of the winning and highly commended entries will appear on the Institute’s website.
Read more about the Writing Competition
Young musicians can enter a new Hunter region band competition and go in the running to win a three-track recording session and 500 professionally produced CDs among other prizes. The first Youth Rockin’ the Black Dog event will be officially launched on 1 February 2010. This event is a partnership between the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, the Black Dog Institute, and the local music industry. It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst young people, while giving local musicians a platform to showcase their talents. Entry for the inaugural competition is for those aged 15 to 21, and entries close 19 March, 2010. Entrants need to submit two songs (one original) to be judged by a panel of acclaimed local musicians, including award winning singer-songwriter Amy Vee.
Read the news release [PDF, 64KB]
Congratulations to Mr Peter Joseph AM, Chairman of the Black Dog Institute and Professor Philip Mitchell AM, from the Black Dog Institute and Head of the School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine UNSW on being amongst this year’s Australia Day Honours Award recipients. The Honours List announced by the Governor-General provides national and formal recognition for many Australians across the nation who have made a significant difference to their communities. Mr Joseph, previously held an OAM (Medal of the Order) which is now upgraded to an AM (Member of the Order) for service to the community, particularly through the establishment of the Black Dog Institute and contributions to the redevelopment and improvement of health care facilities. Professor Mitchell received his AM for service to medical education, particularly in the field of psychiatry, as an academic, researcher and practitioner, through contributions to the understanding, treatment and prevention of mental illness.
Entries closed on 25th January for the 2009/2010 Black Dog Institute Writing Competition. This year the focus was on stories that looked at Late Onset Depression: Finding Answers for Older People and their Carers. A three-person independent panel will shortly begin judging the entries and winners will be announced during NSW Seniors Week (21-28 March).
Read more about the Writing Competition
Do you have a passion for making a positive difference in mental health in your community? Apply now to join the Black Dog Institute’s Volunteer Program! The Black Dog Institute is currently recruiting for a range of dynamic and rewarding volunteer roles across NSW including support group facilitators, and presenters to deliver our youth and community education presentations. The Institute’s Volunteer Program provides a fantastic opportunity for you to join a network of like minded people committed to improving the response to mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) in your local community.
Tim Heffernan is a current Volunteer Community Presenter based in Wollongong. Tim’s motivation to join the Community Education program was to strip away the ignorance, misunderstanding, and stigma associated with mood disorders and he believes that his role has provided a positive and effective way to do this.
All volunteer roles receive training and ongoing support. The first training opportunity will take place in Sydney in March 2010 at the Black Dog Institute. Out of pocket expenses for training attendance are reimbursed by the Institute.
Enquiries: Sarah Connor, Volunteer Coordinator, 02 9382 9250 or sarah.connor@blackdog.org.au
The Australian Newspaper writer, Ruth Ostrow, answers the question of what she was most grateful for over the past 12 months by declaring it had been a bout of depression she has been battling. As Ruth states in her column, it has been a protracted bout, intolerable at times and at times causing her to wander the world in search of meaning, like a hungry ghost. With the care and support of Professor Gordon Parker and his team at the Black Dog Institute the writer said she had emerged a simpler person. Awakened. And more determined to find solace in this wonderful human family to which we all belong.
Read the full article in The Australian
Page last updated: 2-Sep-2010
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.
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