The Black Dog Institute poured a lot of effort into making 2009 the most successful yet. To appreciate how we reached out to the people of New South Wales and the rest of Australia take a couple of minutes to look at our 2009 video that captures just some of the highlights and the Institute’s dedicated team of workers.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
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Christmas and the holiday season are traditionally times for celebrating with family and friends. However, for many people the festive season is a time of isolation, negative thoughts and increased feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. In addition, financial difficulties, particularly in this economic climate, can be heightened by the pressure to spend over the festive season. The potential for family conflict and the demands of juggling work, shopping and entertaining can also intensify stress at this time. Alcohol consumption often increases in the holiday season, and combined with over-eating and a reduced amount of sleep can contribute to problems with mood.
It is important to take steps to care for your mental health over this period. These include preparing for difficult times, recognising symptoms of depression and seeking help. You do not have to face these problems by yourself. Read the full article containing tips for coping with the festive season [PDF, 286KB]
Download a print version of the Black Dog Christmas Card (pictured) [PDF, 514KB]
Read Professor Parker's Medical Observer case study of Santa [PDF, 105KB]
The spotlight for the latest Black Dog Institute Writing Competition is on people 60 years and older who have experienced ‘late onset’ depression. According to Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, the challenge is finding answers for older people and their carers. Professor Parker said that an estimated eight percent of older adults in Australia suffer from depression, although those experiencing ‘late onset’ depression are a smaller proportion of this group. 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,” he said. “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, and, “While elderly people may initially decline a helping hand, they are extremely appreciative of professional assistance and being heard.”
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS 15 JANUARY 2010
Read the news release [PDF, 73KB]
Read more about the writing competition
Black Dog Institute supporter, Enrique “Topo” Rodriguez and NSW Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries, were among the speakers at the fourth 2009 UNSW Mental Health Education Forum held on Thursday 26 November. Around 100 guests attended the event held at the University with speakers reiterating the message to the community that there is hope and that any person with mental illness can be creative, active and positive with their life.
Read a summary of the evening's activities [PDF, 165KB]
Over 450 guests attended the third annual Gala Dinner for the Black Dog Institute at the Westin Hotel on Thursday 26 November. Julian Morrow, from ABC's hit show 'The Chaser' and radio personality Mikey Robins entertained guests as Master of Ceremonies with his quick wit. Other speakers including Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, youth mental health health advocate, Nic Newling, and the Institute's creative advisor, Matthew Johnstone, informed the gathering about the work of the Institute. Over 60 items were donated to raise money in a live and silent auction making the event a great financial success for the Institute.
Pictured: Institute Chairman, Peter Joseph, addressing guests.
Community educators from the Black Dog Institute, Chris Rule and Tessa Wigney, recently delivered an education seminar titled ‘Understanding depression and resilience’, in Armidale. The event was well attended, with 70 people from the local community participating, including people living with mood disorders, carers, various service providers, and interested members of the public. “The aim of these seminars”, said Chris, “is not only about delivering accurate information about mood disorders, but also to provide an opportunity to engage with local communities outside of Sydney and initiate a relationship of continued support and involvement via the range of Community Program we can offer.” This event, coordinated by the Institute’s Community Programs team, was supported by two local organisations including Armidale Carer Assist and Tablelands Community Mental Health Service. Speakers from both of these services also presented at the seminar, providing overviews of the services they provide to the local community and how they can be accessed.
Pictured: Tessa Wigney presenting at the seminar in Armidale.
Read the full story [PDF, 253KB]
Two of radio's most popular comedians, Tim "Rosso" Ross and Merrick Watts showed a more serious side to their personalities in an interview published in OK magazine about depression. The NOVA 96.9 breakfast hosts spoke about their support of the work undertaken by the Black Dog Institute and provided their insights on why they thought depression was an important issue and the need for people, particularly men, to start talking about it with their mates and family.
Read the article [PDF, 667KB]
The Institute has entered a partnership with 1300 FLOWERS. For every customer who orders flowers and quotes the order code 'Black Dog', we will receive 10% of their order as a donation.
Click here to purchase your flowers and gifts online or call 1300 356 937 and quote the code 'Black Dog'.
Last week's Sydney Mining Club luncheon was the culmination of a range of special events to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute to honour Amanda Brock Stachwicz who lost her battle with depression earlier this year. One of Amanda's friends, Karen Heagney, joined by the parents, Graham and Lynda Brock, rallied together with friends and apart from this latest luncheon, there have been wine raffles, a trivia night and a fete stall. Karen led by example - even competing in the prestigous 42 km New York Marathon to raise funds. The total amount raised is now close to $50,000 following the generous donation of an ounce of gold from Dominion and Hill End Gold which was auctioned for a total of $10,000 at the Sydney Mining Club lunch. Speaking at the lunch, Lynda Brock said they were attracted to raising funds for the Black Dog Institute for the research work they promote and support which would undoubtedly benefit chronic depression sufferers like Amanda. Lynda said she and her husband were determined to turn Amanda's passing into some positive benefits to others.
Pictured (left to right): Peter Joseph, Chairman Black Dog Institute, Lynda and Graham Brock, Vicki Miller Black Dog Institute.
NSW Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries, undertook a fact-finding tour of the Black Dog Institute this week. Mr Humphries described mental health as a huge issue for the Liberal-National party coalition in the lead-up to the next election and that he had started a round of talks with leading agencies working in this field. Mr Humphries said the coalition, if elected to power, would have a separate Minister for Mental Health with a stand-alone budget. (Pictured, left to right are Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, Kevin Humphries, MP and the Institute's General Manager, Barry Graham).
An international leader in mood disorders is advocating wider use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment of adults with major depression. Delivering the 2009 Black Dog Institute International Lecture in Sydney last night, Professor Sidney H Kennedy, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, told a full house of health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and neurologists, that DBS had been used with great success in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, with some 30,000 to 40,000 people world-wide receiving the treatment.
DBS is a surgical treatment involving the implantation of a medical device involving a pacemaker, which sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain. DBS in select brain regions has provided remarkable therapeutic benefits for otherwise treatment-resistant medical conditions, such as chronic pain, Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, tremor and dystonias.
See some key slides from Professor Kennedy's presentation [PDF, 375KB]
Read the news release [PDF, 55KB]
Professor Kennedy is pictured with Professor Gordon Parker.
Federal Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull, undertook a fact-finding visit to the Black Dog Institute Randwick facility today.
He is pictured with Black Dog Institute Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker and Corporate Relations and Development Manager Vicki Miller.
Mr Turnbull, a rugby union fan, is seen holding a jumper from the Silver Foxes - a star-studded group of ex-Wallabies who are strong supporters of the Black Dog Institute.
The Black Dog Institute is gearing up for its third annual Gala Dinner, on Thursday 26th November at the Westin, Sydney. After the success of the 2008 Rural Initiatives Dinner, this year's event will be dedicated to raising awareness - through education and research - of the effects of depression on our youth. It coincides with the recent release of the Institute's new book "Navigating Teenage Depression: A guide for parents and professionals". Julian Morrow from the ABC hit series, The Chaser, has come on board to perform MC duties, Old Man River will be performing live, and a number of Black Dog Institute ambassadors will be sharing their inspiring stories with guests. Many generous companies and personalities have donated fantastic prizes and auction items to help raise funds on the night - including a private cooking class with Masterchef winner Julie Goodwin and a cricket clinic with Simon Katich. Tickets are $180 each, with corporate packages available.
Congratulations to Black Dog Institute Chairman, Peter Joseph, who won gold in two breastroke swimming events at the World Masters Games held in Sydney recently.
All year, the Black Dog Institute has been conducting a campaign on the benefits of exercise to improve people's wellbeing. Australian sportspeople such as Olympian John Konrads, swimmer Brendan Capell and golfer David Spindler, have been leading the campaign with the theme, Exercise the Mood. Peter Joseph's swimming achievements in the 65-69 years age group provides a further incentive for people of all ages to place a greater emphasis on exercise to improve their wellbeing.
On Monday 9 November this year, the prestigious Black Dog Institute International Lecture will be delivered by Professor Sidney Kennedy, MD, FRCPC, on the subject "Deep Brain Stimulation for Depression: A (Cautious) Radical Approach!". Professor Kennedy is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and is Psychiatrist-in-Chief at University Health Network also in Toronto, Canada. He has been a professor at the University of Toronto since 1994 and is an international leader in mood and anxiety disorders research and education. The Black Dog International Lecture continues to attract leaders in the mood disorders field and Professor Kennedy's paper this year is set to continue this trend.
Further details on the event can be obtained by contacting (02) 9382 4523.
Seventy five bike riders completed the annual Zoo2Zoo bike ride on Sunday 18 October to help raise awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute. The main group of riders covered 420km over over three days from Taronga Zoo in Sydney to Dubbo’s Western Plains Zoo. Two smaller groups of riders cycled from Wagga Wagga to Dubbo, and from Canberra to Dubbo, and three kayakers also paddled the considerable distance from Wellington to Dubbo as part of this ever expanding event. The Institute’s Rural Initiative Project Manager, Chris Rule, cycled with the group from Taronga Zoo to Mt Victoria on Day One, and can testify to the challenge the bike riders tackled. “Spending 140 long kilometres in the saddle with a group of people who want to contribute to the work being done by the Institute has been truly inspiring for me,” said Chris.
Taken from the Sydney Morning Herald:
Back from the depths of depression, former ironman champion Robert Chapman returns to the scene of a rare failure, writes Will Swanton, in the Sydney Morning Herald...
One word. Overcome.
Robert Chapman's first Coolangatta Gold was in 1984. His second is tomorrow. Twists and turns presented themselves in between. He was indestructible, mentally and physically, an Australian ironman champion until …'I started flowing in and out of a minor depression,'' Chapman told the Herald. 'This was 2003, 2004. My wife wanted me to seek help but I didn't do it, for whatever reason. Male ego, male pride - you tell yourself you can pull yourself out of it. But by 2007 it had become this full-blown depression. Just a major, major depression. I was working as a PE teacher at De La Salle College at Cronulla. I'd been there for 20 years. The meltdown came on a Friday. I walked up to the principal and told him 'I'm out of here.' It was the middle of the day and I just walked straight off the premises.
Continue reading the story in the Sydney Morning Herald
(Picture from the Sydney Morning Herald)
Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, recently travelled to Russia for three lectures. A highlight was a lecture to 150 people on the subject of the 'Black Dog Model for Sub-typing Depressive Disorders. This photograph was taken at the Bekhterev Psychoneurological Research Institute in St Petersburgh (established in 1907) and features the Director, Professor N.G. Neznanov (on left), an interpreter and Professor Parker.
The Black Dog Institute last week hosted a special forum for health professionals to look at the issues and controversies in the detection and management of bipolar disorder in young people. More than 100 guests attended the one-day forum described by Institute Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, as a unique opportunity for health workers to look at the varying professional views as well as listen to insights from creative individuals living with bipolar disorder. Some of the keynote speakers were Professor Philip Mitchell who spoke on the subject 'What do high-risk studies tell us about the childhood and adolescent characteristics of those who will go on to develop bipolar disorder?', Dr Tanya Hanstock who looked at 'Psychological treatments for juvenile bipolar disorder' and Nic Newling, a young man with bipolar disorder who told his story and highlighted the challenges of misdiagnosis.
The speakers from the forum are pictured.
Presentations from the forum
'Which young people will develop bipolar disorder?'
by Prof Philip Mitchell [PDF, 1.54MB]
'The role of schools in the detection and management of bipolar disorder in students' by Stephen Hirneth [PDF, 162KB]
'Psychological treatment for JBD' by Dr Tania Hanstock [PDF, 702KB]
'Bipolar, ADHD or mood dysregulation?' by Dr Jean Starling [PDF, 1.48MB]
'The effectiveness and risks of antipsychotic drugs in paediatric bipolar disorder' by Prof Philip Hazell [PDF, 3.09MB]
'Paediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) & pre-pubertal paediatric bipolar disorder (PPBD) - a controversy from America' by Dr Peter Parry [PDF, 6.07MB]
Seventy-five bike riders are raising awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute in a 420km ride over three days from Taronga Zoo in Sydney to Dubbo’s Western Plains Zoo. The riders will tackle the Blue Mountains and Great Dividing Range on their way to Dubbo from the 16th – 18th October 2009. It will be the fourth Zoo2Zoo, with the inaugural one in 2006 raising money for the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA) and earning Dubbo a place on the NSW Charity Edition of Monopoly. The riders come from a diverse background and the ride is open to anyone who is prepared for the challenge of a demanding ride. “Climbing 4,184 metres over three days is tough, but suffering depression would be a lot tougher” said three time veteran Phil Godbee. “We just hope that anyone suffering bipolar disorder or depression can be helped with the funds and awareness we will raise over the course of the ride”.
Read the news release [PDF, 47KB]
Late Onset Depression: Finding Answers for Older People and their Carers is the challenge in the latest Black Dog Institute Writing Competition. Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, said that while previous competitions had focused on a wide range of topics such as adolescence and depression, tackling mood disorders in the workplace and mastering bipolar disorder, the spotlight this time is on people 60 years and older who have experienced 'late onset' depression. 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,” he said. “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, and, “While elderly people may initially decline a helping hand, they are extremely appreciative of professional assistance and being heard.” 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.
Read the news release [PDF, 34KB]
Parents need to be better educated to read the signs of depression in teenagers and to know when to seek help before the condition spirals out of control. This heart-felt appeal comes from Estelle Dragun, the Perth mother of Charmaine Dragun, the former television newsreader who lost her battle with depression in November 2007. Estelle (pictured with fellow mental health advocate, Nic Newling) was speaking at the launch in Sydney today of a new book from the Black Dog Institute, 'Navigating Teenage Depression: A guide for parents and professionals'. Estelle has taken on the challenge of becoming an advocate for change in mental health care with the aim of making people realise the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing. She said she only wished this book had been available when she was trying to help her daughter in the struggle with depression. As one parent described the book: “It is a map to a maze as we attempt to understand the journey we are required to assume with our loved ones who succumb to depression.”
The was officially launched by by the NSW Governor, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO at a ceremony at the Black Dog Institute in Randwick today.
Read a transcript of the Governor's speech [PDF, 250KB ]
Read a transcript of Estelle Dragun's speech [PDF, 84KB ]
Read the news release [PDF, 29KB]
See a Channel Ten news clip of the launch [WMV, 5.72MB]
See the full selection of Black Dog Institute books
'Navigating Teenage Depression - A Guide for Parents and Professionals' is the title of the latest Black Dog Institute book to be launched by the NSW Governor, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO, on Thursday 1 October. First symptoms of depression often occur during teenage years, and it can be a disturbing and confusing time for families as well as the teenagers themselves. How can you tell whether it's just typical teenage ups and downs that will pass, or something more serious? How can we reliably identify and support teenagers with depression? The new book outlines the Black Dog Institute's approach and logic for teasing out the strands in teenage mood disorders. It lays out a systematic approach for sorting through depression and bipolar disorder in adolescents. The book, published by Allen and Unwin, is available in book stores. Price is $24.99.
Read the media alert [PDF, 25KB]
Read the news release [PDF, 35KB]
See the full selection of Black Dog Institute books
See a clip of Professor Parker discussing the book on Sunrise.
The SILVER FOXES – a star studded pack of ex-WALLABIES take on the GRIFFITH BLACKS this Saturday 26th September in a one off match that you won’t want to miss. The Silver Foxes were conceived in 2006 by former Wallaby Richard Harry and rugby columnist Andrew Logan, and have since become a well known and greatly anticipated fixture on the rugby calendar around NSW. Over the last 3 years they have played matches against several teams to raise money for charity. This weekend's game at Griffith and the post-match charity dinner will raise money for the Black Dog Institute.
See a news clip about the match [WMV]
The Australian Tattersalls team supporting the Black Dog Institute has won this year's prestigious Maui Channel Swim. In a race dominated by the United States since it started 40 years ago, Australia edged ahead towards the finish of the 10 mile race, to win in the time of 3hrs and 7 minutes. The team race starts from the island of Lanai and finishes in the waters near the island of Maui. Congratulations to the Australian team of (pictured left to right) David Browne, Peter Thiel, Ky Hurst, Brendan Capell, Trent Grimsey and Ryan Napoleon.
Trent Grimsey also won this year's Waikiki Roughwater swim. He won the 3.8 km race in a record time of just over 42 minutes.
The Chairman of the Black Dog Institute, Peter Joseph, hosted a reception for visiting Pacific Island representatives on Monday 21st September. He was joined by other board members, Mr James Blomfield, Associate Professor Meg Smith and Mrs Carol Berg. The 2 week conference is being held at the Black Dog Institute for 13 health professionals from across the Pacific. It follows the success of last year's inaugural program that attracted representatives from Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Solomon Islands in August last year. Director of Psychological Services at the Black Dog Institute, Associate Professor Vijaya Manicavasagar, said it was important to raise awareness amongst clinicians in developing countries about the impact of undiagnosed mood disorders on quality of life, work and family as well as health services and the community.
Pictured: Black Dog Institute Chairman, Peter Joseph, with the Pacific Island representatives.
Read the news release [PDF, 23KB]
Good luck to all all our staff and supporters who are participating in this weekend's Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. Our 'team' are running in support of the Black Dog Institute as their
charity of choice in the different events ranging from the arduous marathon to the Family Fun Run. The first race is the half-marathon starting at 6.20am from North Sydney and then across the Sydney Harbour Bridge as they head out on a 21km course finishing at the Sydney Opera House.
Australia is to help developing nations adopt best practices in the treatment of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. The Black Dog Institute has initiated the program, between 21 September and 2 October, 2009 with 13 health professionals from across the Pacific. It follows the success of the inaugural program that attracted representatives from Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Solomon Islands in August last year. Director of Psychological Services at the Black Dog Institute, Associate Professor Vijaya Manicavasagar (pictured), said it was important to raise awareness amongst clinicians in developing countries about the impact of undiagnosed mood disorders on quality of life, work and family as well as health services and the community. “If we can improve their understanding of mood disorders, it will lead to better diagnosing and management of these conditions,” the Professor said.
Read the news release [PDF, 23KB]
The Black Dog Institute is holding an Open Day on Wednesday 7th October (1pm - 4pm) to celebrate Mental Health Week. The event will be launched by the Executive Director Professor Gordon Parker and feature various talks from our researchers on themes such as: building resilience; neurodevelopment of emotion regulation capacities in adolescence; stress busters; influence of personality styles on mood disorders; and direct current stimulation (DCS) as a treatment strategy for depression.
An event program will be posted online shortly. Numbers are limited. To secure a seat, please RSVP to: blackdog@blackdog.org.au
On Wednesday night in Gunnedah, more than 120 guests attended the first in a series of Black Dog Institute rural Community Education Seminars. Kindly funded by WorkCover NSW and with the support of Gunnedah Active Minds, the education seminar looked at mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) and building personal resilience. Going by the reaction of the audience, the evening was a success in helping people find out more about mood disorders as well as gaining tips and strategies for combatting stress. Keynote speakers from the Institute were author Matthew Johnstone and Chris Rule, Project Manager for Rural Initatives. Over the next couple of months the Institute will be holding similar seminars in other country regions, starting with Griffith on 16 September.
The Black Dog Institute gathered its many valued donors together this week to thank them for their ongoing contribution to the success of the Institute. Around 30 supporters attended the event to hear about the work of the Institute including outcomes of recent research studies, and the expansion of community and professional education and training programs. The Institute Chairman, Peter Joseph OAM presented an attractive thank you plaque to all donors with the support of Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker and Funding Director, Vicki Miller.
The Black Dog Institute recently conducted a community education event for professionals in the Jewish community. "Depression affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnicity", said Ms Clair Vernon, Jewish Care's Chief Executive Officer. Black Dog Institute experts discussed the impact of mood disorders on communities, signs and symptoms of depression and provided coping strategies to 80 members of the Jewish community.
Pictured (L-R): Black Dog Institute presenters Matthew Johnstone and Einat Adler with Clair Veron, CEO of Jewish Care.
Yesterday saw the inaugural Silver Foxes and Black Dog Institute Charity Golf Day take place at Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club. A great day was had by all raising nearly $20,000 for the Black Dog Institute. David Spindler, champion golfer and caddy for international stars, attended the event and shared his personal journey of living and working with a mood disorder to players at a dinner. The Golf Day is a preliminary event to the major
Silver Foxes Charity Rugby weekend in Griffith on 25 & 26 September. This is a major community event open to the public with the Silver Foxes also playing the Griffith All Blacks.
For more information visit our Fundraising Events Calendar
Pictured right: David Spindler (left) with winner of the day Angus Klem.
The third and final day of the 2009 AgQuip rural field days has drawn an impressive crowd, and we managed to get caught in a 5km traffic jam this morning as we were driving into the exhibitors’ car park! We have noticed that those who attend really make the most of the experience and are interested in a wide range of information and services - there is definitely something for everyone here!
At the Black Dog Institute stall, it has been a busy morning. We prepared 'showbags' containing an assortment of Black Dog Institute fact sheets, as well as newsletters, stickers and bookmarks and these have been enthusiastically taken by people passing by. They have also been a very effective way of engaging in conversation and learning more about the information on mood disorders that they are most interested in.
There is a huge amount of excitement and interest in the forthcoming community education seminars, including the event in Gunnedah next Wednesday, 26th August.
Read a log of all the updates [PDF, 49KB]
See the Community Events Calendar for dates, times and locations of other free community events.
Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, talks with Sydney Morning Herald journalist, Miranda Devine, about the system of diagnosing and classifying mood disorders. As Professor Parker explains, depression is not an "It" or "a one size fits all disorder". But for almost 30 years, psychiatry has defined depression vaguely as a single condition which varies only in severity - major or minor depression. Professor Parker said this had led to over-diagnosis to a ridiculous extent.
Read the full article in the Sydney Morning Herald
Whether you like pop or opera, it has long been recognised that music can alter mood and different kinds of music have different effects. There is also evidence of benefits for music in dealing with depression.
The ‘In the Mood’ study aims to explore how and why people use music to manage their mood from day to day and to compare music listening choices in those with and without a history of depression. Professor Kay Wilhelm and her team of researchers are from the University of New South Wales School of Psychiatry and the Black Dog Institute.
“We all know that many people find music is important in their own lives. We are interested in what types of music people choose to achieve certain mood states, whether they can actually nominate music that has specific effects for them and how this varies between different personality types and between people with and without depression”, said Professor Wilhelm.
The study is in the form of an online survey on the Black Dog Institute website and takes participants about 30-40 minutes to complete. The idea is to invite participation from people of all ages and musical tastes, regardless of whether they have experienced episodes of depression. The main prerequisite is that they are prepared to think about how music affects them.
The Black Dog Institute is establishing a network of local Information Hubs to make it more convenient for people to be better informed about mood disorders. Initially, the Institute plans to establish 20 of the Information Hubs throughout New South Wales. Already, there are four local Information Hubs in Gunnedah, Condoblin, Maitland and Ashfield. The Institute’s Sydney facility, on the grounds of the Prince of Wales Hospital, at Randwick, is the central Information Hub. The Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, said today the Institute produced a range of resources on depression, bipolar disorder and related topics.
See the Google map of Information Hubs
Read the news release [PDF, 36KB]
Congratulations to Dave and Chris Holloway after travelling 39,975 kilometres on an epic journey from London to Sydney to raise awareness about depression and funds for work undertaken by the Black Dog Institute. The two fun-loving adventurers finished their journey in July at the Sydney Opera House after leaving London on 25 March and travelling in their small four wheel drive through Western Europe, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia before arriving in Darwin for the drive to Sydney. The journey took them to 25 countries in total and took four months and one day. Support throughout the trip was fantastic and the boys have raised more than $3,000.
Visit their website for more photos
(Pictured are Chris and Dave Holloway on a rainy day at the Sydney Opera House)
Journalist, Jill Margo, takes a look at the many questions surrounding bipolar II disorder in an article in this week's Weekend Australian Financial Review. It contains interviews with leading authorities from the Black Dog Institute - Professor Gordon Parker, executive director; Professor Phil Mitchell, head of the School of Psychiatry at the University of NSW and director of the Bipolar Disorders Clinic at the Black Dog Institute and Iain Macmillan, clinical director. Although studies show bipolar II commonly emerges in adolescence, Professor Parker says the majority of people are never diagnosed and those that are, usually receive the diagnosis some 15 years later.
Silver Foxes Rugby are joining the Black Dog Institute on Tuesday August 25th in a great golf challenge at the Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club, which includes breakfast, golf, drinks and dinner.
The Silver Foxes were conceived in 2006 by former Wallaby Richard Harry and rugby columnist Andrew Logan, and have since become a well known and greatly anticipated fixture on the rugby calendar around NSW. Over the last 3 years they have played matches against several teams to raise money for charity.
The team is well known for its mix of former Test players, club identities and exciting new youngsters, on one memorable occasion fielding players with a mindboggling collective total of over 500 Test caps. Several of Australia’s greatest players are Foxes regulars, including all-time centre pairing Tim Horan and Jason Little; 1999 World Cup winners David Wilson, Richard Harry, Owen Finegan, Joe Roff and Andrew Blades; and Wallaby legends such as Warwick Waugh, Marco Caputo, John Langford, Tim Gavin, Tim Wallace, Tim Kelaher, James Grant, Andrew Leeds, Matt O’Connor and Sam Payne.
Moree Secondary College and Moriah College in Sydney may be two worlds apart and hundreds of kilometres from each other but both were venues for a fascinating school talk during July delivered by author and Black Dog Institute creative advisor, Matthew Johnstone. Matthew was speaking on the subject of the Black Dog (depression). His strong message of hope focused on what can be learnt from adversity and underlined the point that you can ask for help. “Extraordinary” and “worthwhile”, is how Matthew described the talks to 300 students at Moriah College and about 220 students at Moree Secondary College.
Read more about our school education programs
With Master of Ceremonies Country Music star, James Blundell, the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers together with local air force, police, ambulance, fire and rescue organisations are hosting a black tie gala ball on August 8th to raise awareness and funds for the Black Dog Institute. As a regional centre, the effects of depression and mood disorders have a significant impact on Tamworth and local communities. For the Defence and Emergency Services community, dealing with depression and mood disorders is a serious and regular occurrence, as a result the Black Dog Institute is the logical recipient of the inaugural ball. Entertainment will be provided by the
Australian Army Rock Band from Brisbane, which has previously performed for troops on operations. James Blundell will launch his latest music video "Riding into town" about the Light Horse Charge at Beersheba. Tickets are $120 and can be purchased from Tourism Tamworth.
Read an article that appeared in The Northern Daily Leader
Watch the Tim Webster interview with James Blundell
Black Dog Institute website hits spiked in the past 12 months as people turned to the internet for advice on depression and bipolar disorder. The number of hits increased by 37 percent to more than two million (2,104,293) in 2008/2009, compared to the previous year. Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, said the widespread use of the internet is significantly influencing the management and delivery of health care. “It’s a trend that is giving millions of Australians the ability to manage their health more actively,” he said.
Read the news release [PDF, 92KB]
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the Black Dog Institute will take part in the largest international study of its type to pinpoint the risk factors associated with bipolar disorder. Around 500 Australians aged 12 to 30 will be recruited to take part in the study, to be conducted in collaboration with four major research institutions in the United States - Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Universities of Michigan, Indiana and Washington. Recruitment to the study is scheduled to begin this month. The study, the most comprehensive of its kind to look at bipolar disorder and its causes, will follow participants who have at least one relative with bipolar disorder but who are non-sufferers of the illness themselves. Researchers will look at all the biological factors that may contribute to the illness, including a patient’s DNA, brain-imaging, psychological testing, clinical evidence and drug use. Professor Philip Mitchell, from the Black Dog Institute and Head of UNSW’s School of Psychiatry, said 1 in 50 Australians suffers from bipolar disorder, yet there was still no way of identifying a person in the very early stages or who was at high risk.
To participate in the study or to obtain more information, phone 1800 352 292 or email
bipolar-kidsandsibs@unsw.edu.au
Read the news release [PDF, 39KB]
See the article that appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald
The Black Dog Institute is to host a special forum for health professionals to look at the issues and controversies in the detection and management of bipolar disorder in young people. Registrations for the one-day conference, to be held on Thursday 8 October, at the Institute's Randwick facility, opened today. Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, said it was a unique opportunity for health workers to look at the varying professional views as well as listen to insights from creative individuals living with bipolar disorder. The forum, he said, would be of particular benefit to professionals such as psychiatrists, paediatricians, general practitioners, psychologists, school counsellors and allied mental health care providers.
Conference Program [PDF, 77KB]
A group of psychiatrists from the Philippines recently attended a one-day seminar at the Black Dog Institute to learn more about the Institute's work. A range of speakers, led by Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker and Clinical Director, Dr Iain MacMillan, gave presentations that were praised by the participants. It was also an opportunity for the participants to be updated on work being undertaken by the Institute in the professional education and training of health professionals to better manage and treat patients with mood disorders, e-health developments,community programs and the Mood Assessment Program (the MAP) ,our computerised assessment and diagnostic program.
Do you enjoy public speaking and have a passion for making a difference in mental health? Apply now to join the Black Dog Institute’s Volunteer Program as a Speaker within our Community Education Program!
We are currently recruiting volunteer speakers for both Sydney metropolitan and rural NSW areas* to present Black Dog Institute presentations to various community groups to help reduce stigma associated with mood disorders and encourage people with mood disorders to seek help and early intervention. A two-day training session and ongoing support will be provided for volunteers. Volunteer speakers will be required to undertake speaking presentations approximately once per month and during working hours when required. Volunteers will be compensated for their out-of-pocket expenses. Applications close June 22nd.
*Rural locations: Gunnedah, Tamworth, Condoblin, Griffith, Dubbo, Casino, Newcastle.
Read the news release [PDF, 99KB]
The Wambangalang Education Centre in Dubbo was the latest venue for a talk by Black Dog Institute creative advisor, Matthew Johnstone, on the subject ' Ingredients for Happiness'. More than 70 secondary school students from Lithgow to Broken Hill attended the camp, organised by Melanie Meers, the Regional Coordinator for Student Leadership in the Western Region. "Just as there is not a single remedy to cure depresion, there is not one finite reason for happiness," Matthew told the students. In using his 'Happiness Cake Presentation', Matthew said cakes are generally associated with happy times and they require special ingredients to make them enjoyable. "I basically presented a recipe on how to make a happiness cake, asking the group for their thoughts, ideas and insights," Matthew said. The presentation finished with the group using their artistic culinary skills to decorate some cakes. And, of course, the group then got to have their happiness cake and eat it too.
Matthew's Happiness Cake Recipe [PDF,79 KB]
Embodying the Aussie spirit for not giving up, Brian Battle is facing his demons head on thanks to his supportive wife and his friends at Bardia Barracks. Ever present in Brian's life, his rock and reason for getting up every day and looking forward to what it might bring, is his wife, Lyn. Brian is a former serviceman, horticulturalist, author and livewire curator of NSW memorabilia held at Ingelburn Army Camp precinct. It’s not been an easy journey for the couple, but things have got much better since Brian was diagnosed with bipolar disorder almost 10 years ago.
'No Man's Island' is a new Australian play exploring men's experience of depression and why they find it so hard to talk about their feelings.
On the 4th June, Matthew Johnstone, author of 'I Had a Black Dog' and 'Living With a Black Dog', will conduct a Q&A session following the show with actor Andrew Bibby (pictured here with fellow actor Simon Bossell).
Read the Shaman Productions news release [PDF, 224KB]
Congratulations to Rod Cheney who finished his epic walk from Coburn in South Australia to Newcastle in New South Wales on Saturday 16 May. Rod raised over $12,000 for the Black Dog Institute along the way as well as raising significant awareness about mental illness and the work of the Institute in every town he visited. Well done Rod! Thank you from all of us at the Black Dog Institute for a tremendous effort.
Rod, 39, lives in Newcastle with his wife and 6 beautiful children (5 girls and 1 boy). In September 2007, Rod lost his brother Michael to depression and prior to this an uncle on his mother’s side, Peter.
Rod said "Although I have never experienced depression myself, others in my family continue to live with depression and deal with the impact this has on their lives". Rod's brother Michael was supported by many people and organisations. One that provided considerable support was the Black Dog Institute. Rod's mission is to raise money for Black Dog Institute so it can continue its work in supporting people with depression and their loved ones.
Watch a Channel Nine news clip from his finish on Saturday [WMV file, 8.14MB]
Watch a Channel Nine news clip about Rod from midway in his journey [WMV file, 8.14MB]
To see pictures or to find out more about Rod's walk, visit his website.
To make a donation in support of Rod, visit his Everyday Hero webpage.
Find out about some of the other community fundraising events for the Black Dog Institute
Employees, co-workers and bosses tell their stories in an insightful look into Tackling Mood Disorders in the Workplace in the latest Black Dog Institute Australasian Writing Competition. As one essay writer declared, the days when an employer could get away with saying “leave your problems at the door” are long gone. “ We all know that no matter who you are, you usually ‘carry you around with you’ and that most people are not able to separate themselves so much so that that they can come to work without their problems,” said first prize winner, Maree Matic of Dulwich Hill in Sydney. The NSW Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health), Barbara Perry, presented the first prize cheque for $2000 and a trophy to Maree for her essay titled Carrying ‘ME’ Around, during an award ceremony at the Institute today. Joined by the State Member for Coogee, Paul Pearce, the Minister acknowledged the important work being carried out by non-government organisations such as the Black Dog Institute.
Read the news release [PDF, 30KB]
Read the winning stories
Read a transcript of the minister's speech [PDF, 70KB]
See a photo album from the ceremony
Exercise is being under-used as a treatment for depression resulting in a leading Australian authority on mood disorders calling on doctors and other health professionals to place a greater emphasis on physical activity for patients with the black dog disorder. Described as a neglected strategy, the Black Dog Institute is joining forces with Australian sportspeople to lead a drive to raise awareness in the community and amongst health professionals on the benefits of exercise to treat some forms of depression. John Konrads (Olympian), Brendan Capell (long distance swimmer) and David Spindler (golfer and professional caddie to some of the world’s best-known golfers) helped launched the Exercise the Mood initiative today. They were joined by the Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker; Research Psychologist, Joanna Crawford; Director of the University of NSW (UNSW) Lifestyle Clinic, Chris Tzar and author, Graeme Cowan. Speaking at the launch, Professor Parker said exercise was particularly useful for reducing depression amongst people with mild/moderate depression who were previously inactive.
Pictured on the right are the three panelists (from L-R): Brendan Capell, John Konrads & David Spindler
Read the news release [PDF, 38KB]
Read a transcript of the launch [PDF, 143KB]
See a photo album from the event [Adobe Presentation]
See Joanna Crawford's presentation [PDF, 470KB]
See our fact sheet 'Exercise and Depression'
The Black Dog Institute recently launched a Volunteer Research Register to help in mental health research studies conducted at the Institute and the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The Institute conducts a large range of research studies relating to mood disorders. We are always looking for people – both with and without mood disorders – to take part in these studies that help advance our scientific knowledge. The Institute’s organisational model is represented by four interactive domains – Research, Clinical Services, Education and Training and Consumer and Community support. These domains are interdependent with each other- clinical observation shapes research hypotheses, while research findings are filtered back into clinical management, which in turn shapes the content of professional education and training programs as well as being disseminated to the community.
Go to the Volunteer Research Register
Read the full news release [PDF, 23KB]
Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, reports he is not experiencing a surge in cases of depression resulting from the financial crisis that has hit Australia and the rest of the world. Professor Parker was interviewed by journalist Fiona Smith and her story appeared in the Australian Financial Review on Tuesday 7 April. Professor Parker told the journalist that: "This is going to sound radical," he says cheerfully, "but we are not seeing many people who are coming along saying they are depressed by the financial situation. They may be saying they have lost 60 percent of their superannuation, or have lost $500,000 or $1 million, but then they laugh and say, 'Well we are all in it together'" .
The Weekend Australian Financial Review (April 4-5) looks at the way the internet is changing the delivery and management of health care. It's a trend that's giving millions of Australians the ability to manage their health more actively and, according to Black Dog Institute researcher, Associate Professor Judy Proudfoot, who is quoted throughout the story, the internet for this purpose will continue to be more of an influence. "We are taking more responsibility for our health and it's good if people find out about their health beforehand and check it out with the clinician as and when they need to." At the Black Dog Institute, Associate Professor Proudfoot is helping develop mobile phone and internet systems designed to aid people with mental illnesses in managing their conditions (see News Release below).
See 'Mobile Tracker' news release 20 June 2008 [PDF, 40KB]
Male General Practitioners (GPs) may not like the comparison, but female GPs are perceived to be more caring when seeing a patient suffering depression. According to a Black Dog Institute study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, female GPs are likely to listen more than male counterparts and write longer referrals. In defence of male doctors, the study points out that, if these findings are valid, such differences in the care of patients could just reflect general gender differences. It could be a ‘men from mars, women from Venus’ scenario, in which the female doctors wish to spend more time in discussion versus male GPs cutting to the chase and making rapid technical decisions, with the female GP viewed as more caring in consequence, according to the study.
Read the news release [PDF, 28KB]
Read the full academic article
The Ministry of Health Care and Nutrition in Sri Lanka launched their ‘National Programme for Community Based Mental Health Care’, with a special focus on mood disorders, on the 24th March 2009 in Colombo. Over 100 clinicians from all over Sri Lanka were invited to attend the inaugural launch and the one and half day training workshop which immediately followed the launch. The importance of the training workshop was highlighted by the fact that the Ministry of Health paid for their clinicians’ accommodation and transport to Colombo from regional/rural areas. A key feature of this national launch and the training workshop was the participation of Sri Lankan speakers who had previously attended a specialised two-week training course in Sydney in August 2008 at the Black Dog Institute. Workshop tools and other professional resources were complied from the Black Dog Institute suite of educational materials for health professionals and incorporated into the overall training. Representatives from the Black Dog Institute who attended the launch and participated in the training and evaluation were Assoicate Professor Vijaya Manicavasagar and Dr Ilse Blignault (both pictured) who ran the training program in Sydney the previous year. A further training programme for an additional 60 participants will be held in November 2009 (in Sri Lanka) to complete training of all the Medical Officers in Sri Lanka working with the Ministry of Health.
The Black Dog Institute continues to set new benchmarks with recent emphasis on Let’s talk about depression” and going on the road to bring the Institute’s professionals, specialist knowledge and support information to sufferers of mood disorders, their families and through community programs. In the Institute’s Yearly Report, 2008 was described by Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, as a period of being “out there” in a major drive to improve the assessment and management of mood disorders. In responding to the challenge, the Black Dog Institute reported strong growth across all its streams of activity – Clinical Services, Professional Education and Training, Research and Community Programs. In the previous year (2007) we talked about the spectacular growth of the Institute website that averaged in excess of 100,000 hits a month. In October 2008, we surpassed for the first time 200,000 hits a month, while the monthly averaged climbed from 111,851 in 2007 to 156,418 hits in 2008. The Institute is constantly updating the information on the website for the public and professionals with the most popular pages such as the Fact Sheets, Bipolar Disorder Self Test, Depression Explained, Depression Self Test and the Health Professionals Home Page.
See the full news release [PDF, 24KB]
The Black Dog Institute award ceremony for the 2009 Writing Competition will be held on Friday 1 May, 2009. The theme for this year's writing competition was Tackling Mood Disorders in the Workplace. A panel of three independent judges currently have the tough job of selecting our winners and the highly commended from 192 entries. The award ceremony will be held in the Robert Dean Lecture Theatre, starting at 10.30am and our special guest this year is the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health), the Hon. Barbara Perry MP.
Read more about the writing competition
Judges for the fifth Black Dog Institute Writing Competition have started the tough job of selecting our winners for 2009. Pictured (from left to right) are Jo-anne Quirk (a senior human resources practitioner and clinical psychologist); Graeme Cowan (author and consultant on mental health issues in the workplace); and Sally Tranter (Human Resources director). The theme of this year’s is Tackling Mood Disorders in the Workplace. Following the completion of judging, all entrants will be advised of the results while an award ceremony is held at the Institute to announce the winners and present their prizes.
Pictured left to right: Jo-Anne Quirk, Graeme Cowan and Sally Tranter.
The Black Dog Institute is offering immediate free 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 currently people are waiting up to three to six months when they are referred to see a mood disorder specialist, according to the Black Dog Institute. The “queue jumping” trial announced today will allow people to receive free treatment and make a valuable contribution to a study that is designed to measure best treatments for melancholic depression. Professor Parker, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, has also given an undertaking that if the participants have not improved following the 12-week trial, the Institute will offer ongoing free management for their condition.
Enquiries: please contact Bianca by phone 9382 9268 or email: melancholicstudy@unsw.edu.au
Read the flyer [PDF, 51KB]
Read the news release [PDF, 88KB]
Around 200 entries have been received in the Black Dog Institute writing competition on the theme Tackling Mood Disorders in the Workplace. The essays provide the opportunity to learn more about how people with a mood disorder, their co-workers and bosses cope – positively or poorly – in dealing with the many immediate problems and potential concerns in the workforce. A three-person independent judging panel will be announced shortly to undertake the task of reading and selecting the winning entries. Following the completion of judging, all entrants will be advised of the results while a ceremony is held at the Institute to announce the winners and present their prizes.
Pictured on the right is Corinna, our Resource Centre Officer, holding a stack of entries.
Read more about the writing competition
Why not send an eCard to your loved one or friend who may be battling with a mood disorder? The Black Dog Institute provides a range of eCards as a means for you to reach out and show your support.
We would like to thank the designers who provided their services to the Institute free of charge. All of the cards were designed by John Bevins Pty Ltd except the two dog cards which were by Matthew Johnstone, author of "I Had a Black Dog".
Choose from our full range of eCards
The Black Dog Institute is seeking help from workers and employers to establish a Jobholder’s Toolkit of effective strategies to tackle mood disorders in the workforce. Executive Director, Professor Gordon Parker, said the Institute was looking for ‘people strategies’. “What we want is for workers to describe what either worked or did not work for them,” he said. “Further, we wish to hear from managers and co-workers about what they have found helpful when confronted with the issue.” The Institute is asking for people to tell their stories in a writing competition with the theme Tackling Mood Disorders in the Workplace. Entries close on 31 January, 2009.
Read the news release [PDF, 25KB]
Read more about the writing competition
Professors Philip Mitchell and Perminder Sachdev of the University of NSW (UNSW), who have close ties with the Black Dog Institute, have each been appointed Scientia Professor from 2009 to 2014. Professors Mitchell and Sachdev have each received this appointment in recognition of their outstanding contributions to research in their respective fields. In announcing their appointment, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Peter J Smith, said Professors Mitchell and Sachdev are both leading academic and research psychiatrists in Australia and recognised internationally for their research expertise in psychiatry and neuroscience. A full description of the criteria for appointment of Scientia Professor is available on the UNSW website.
Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, has expressed concerns with a Swedish study that suggests schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share common genetic causes and the two conditions may simply be the different manifestations of the same disease. The question of whether the two mental illnesses are distinct entities or represent a disease continuum is widely debated in psychiatry and the report, published in The Lancet , calls for a rethink on the way schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are classified. Professor Parker told the Sydney Morning Herald that he would be immensely worried if the two conditions were reappraised into the one all encompassing illness. Speaking with Tim Webster on 2UE, Professor Parker said there was a real risk of over treatment for some patients. He said he believed the group that would be particularly affected by any such change would be those with bipolar disorder who keep their condition under control with minimal medication.
Read the Sydney Morning Herald article
Last year, there was considerable international media focused on a British analytic study which argued that new antidepressants were basically ineffective. Today, Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute, Professor Gordon Parker, argues that no clinician or researcher could interpret anything meaningful from the study because the randomised controlled database was so “intrinsically flawed”. The ‘apples’ assessed in such trials do not correspond to the ‘oranges’ in clinical practice, resulting in a real disconnect between clinical practice and randomised trials. Also, trial components contribute to the disconnect, said Professor Parker. The antidepressant drugs referred to are the dual action types such as SNRI’s and SSRI’s. His comments are contained in a paper, titled ‘Antidepressants on trial: how valid is the evidence?’ just published in the British Journal of Psychiatry which critically analyses a paper published last year by Kirsch and colleagues.
Read the news release [PDF, 30KB]
Read the abstract
Read the full article
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Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.Copyright © 2012 Black Dog Institute
Page last updated: 7-Jun-2010