A selection of links to other sites
MensLine Australia: supporting men and their families
"When you feel like it's all getting too much, help is as close as the phone. Talk to someone who understands." MensLine Australia aims to help Australian men to build and nurture healthy personal relationships that support healthy families, workplaces and communities.
My "black dog" battle: Christian men talk
First-hand accounts of living with depression by four young men, the youngest aged 18.
The Big Build - Hidden depression in men
This article reports on findings from a major study examining men's experience of depression. The findings will equip men to detect, and act on, symptoms of depression in themselves and in others.
Beating the Black Dog
Five Australians tell their story of beating depression, the "black dog" affecting one in five people in this country. Four Corners, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's long-running (Four Corners celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011), award-winning investigative journalism program, explores this important issue through the moving personal stories of those who have battled with depression for years. They and their families reveal the cost to themselves and those around them. They tell of their courageous battles to lead their lives. For some, this has meant taking medication in conjunction with therapy and lifestyle changes. Others have found that they are able to manage their condition without the need for ongoing medication. This program aired in 2004, and unfortunately there's no video download. However, the transcript of the program is available, and there are links to resources for further information.
Headspace
Mental health is the single biggest health issue facing young Australians. headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is working to make appropriate and responsive services readily accessible for young people aged 12-25. It aims to be the focal point for youth mental health issues, and to deliver improvements in mental health, social wellbeing and economic participation for young people. There are headspace services in each state and territory.
Beyondblue
Depression and anxiety can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. beyondblue is an organisation actively working in Australia to “build a society that understands and responds to the personal and social impact of depression, works actively to prevent it, and improves the quality of life for everyone affected by it.”
My experience of depression is that most people don't understand it, and are not able to understand what you are feeling or thinking when you are depressed. I was really encouraged when beyondblue was established in 2000. It's role in educating people—both those who suffer from depression and those who don't—is a vital one.
Includes help in diagnosing symptoms, personal stories, and beyondblue's TV ads.
SANE Australia
SANE Australia is a national charity working for a better life for people affected by mental illness through campaigns, education and research. Free Factsheets can be read online or downloaded. Bookshop.
Black Dog Institute
An educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility dedicated to improving the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders.
Where beyondblue's focus is the general public, The Black Dog Institue's emphasis is on diagnosis and management of mood disorders by raising clinical, research, education and training standards. The site includes information on depression and bipolar disorder.
The Mail Crew
An information and support site for email groups that encourage gay, lesbian, bi, and not-sure high school students to communicate with each other on a personal, local level.
A recurring theme for gay and lesbian kids seems to be isolation. They are often lonely and scared, and wondering whether they are “normal.” The Mail Crew was begun in 2003 by a group of friends in response to a need in their high school. One of the founding members was near suicide when an encouraging note from two boys who noticed his pain turned him around. Learning he was not alone changed his life. The email groups advocated by The Mail Crew are about communication and building relationships—getting to know other GLB and curious kids personally.
The site also provides links to useful sites and stories.