Consumers Speak On Depression

Health Consumers Speak Out About Depression, Anxiety and Chronic Health Problems

Media Release

14 October 2009

'Depression and anxiety are more than health issues: they are employment, economic and social issues and result in more years of disability and lost productivity than other illnesses' according to Carol Bennett, Executive Director of the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF).

With such a significant burden of disease, CHF has partnered with beyondblue: the national depression initiative to raise awareness about the consequences for population and illness groups as well as broader health management. The latest issue of CHF's journal, Health Voices is dedicated to exploring consumer voices on depression, anxiety and chronic conditions.

'This issue of Health Voices provides an important insight into the issues faced by people who have experienced depression, anxiety or related conditions - often in combination with other very debilitating health or social problems. It tells stories about triumph over struggle and provides some very practical suggestions for how people can overcome the barriers to wellness that are common with this type of illness,' Ms Bennett said.

CEO of beyondblue, Leonie Young said: 'More than one million Australian adults currently live with depression, yet we know that less than half those experiencing the illness are receiving help from a health professional.

'The stories featured in this issue of Health Voices are told with the aim of raising community awareness and reducing the stigma that so often prevents people from getting the help they need,' Ms Young said.

The issues covered include the unique challenges faced by people who are: living in rural and remote areas; on transplant waiting lists and experiencing dialysis; living with disabilities; carers; young; in the workplace; indigenous; from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds; experiencing retrenchment and job loss; among others.

Health Voices is available at www.chf.org.au or www.beyondblue.org.au or by calling 1300 22 4636.

For further information contact

CHF Executive Director, Carol Bennett 0417 043 547

beyondblue: the national depression initiative, Jane Gardner, Communications Officer 03 9810 6100


SOURCE: Consumers Health Forum of Australia