2009/10 Writing Competition

Black Dog Institute 6th Annual Writing Competition:
Late Onset Depression: Finding Answers for Older People and their Carers

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. It is called 'late onset' when someone who has not previously had depression develops the illness as they grow older. "These older adults have lived through times when there was greater stigma associated with depression and mental illness,” said Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute. “I have heard it said that ‘becoming old you become invisible’. There is also a tendency for depression to make people feel invisible”. Professor Parker said that an estimated eight percent of older adults in Australia experience depression, though those experiencing late onset are a smaller proportion of this group. Depression and anxiety are also common amongst family carers of older people and the Institute is also interested in receiving accounts from them, of how they go about helping their loved one cope and how they cope themselves.

A three-person independent panel will shortly begin judging the entries and winners will be announced during NSW Seniors Week (21-28 March).