October 10, 2008
Put ADA on your RADAR on World Mental Health Day (10 October)
Depression awareness increasing - More than half (56 per cent) of the Australian population recognises depression as a major mental health problem compared to 49 per cent in 2002 according to beyondblue's latest national Depression Monitor survey 1.
Awareness of anxiety disorders low - Awareness of anxiety disorders however, is consistently lower with only 7 per cent of the population recognising this as a major mental health problem.
This is despite anxiety disorders being the most common of all mental health conditions affecting about one in four Australians at some stage of their lives - whereas depression is likely to affect one in five.
Deputy CEO of beyondblue: the national depression initiative Dr Nicole Highet said that 7 per cent is an improvement on 2002's results when only 5 per cent of the population recognised anxiety as a major mental health problem, however she said, it's important people know about anxiety disorders and that they can be treated effectively.
"Anxiety disorders are more common than most people realise and quite often co-exist with depression. Twenty-five per cent of Australians are likely to experience one or more of the following conditions: Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder and phobias," she said.
"Of particular interest in the survey results was that 71 per cent of people were not aware of any specific types of anxiety disorders, and only 27 per cent of people could name an anxiety condition.
"The most frequently mentioned were Panic Disorder and phobias, both of which were identified by 34 per cent of those who could name specific conditions. This was followed by followed by OCD which was identified by 19 per cent, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (13 per cent) and PTSD (6 per cent).
beyondblue Board Director and actor, Garry McDonald has experienced both anxiety and depression - and says when he has a panic attack, it feels like his life is in danger.
"You get an incredible feeling in your stomach, you become quite frightened, you can't put two words together ...it's an absolutely awful feeling," he said.
Garry says that through Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, he has learned how to challenge negative thinking and recognise early symptoms of anxiety that could lead to a panic attack.
"It's important to seek help early," he added.
beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett said it's pleasing to see that 76 per cent of Australians are now aware of beyondblue compared to 31 per cent in 2002.
"There's still much work to be done in raising awareness because when asked to name major health problems (as opposed to mental health problems) only 6 per cent of the population mentioned depression and hardly anyone said anxiety," he said.
Mr Kennett also noted that 50 per cent of respondents said a family member had experienced depression and 14 per cent said they'd experienced depression themselves.
"Importantly, more than 80 per cent of those people with depression had sought help from a health professional - so the message must be getting through that depression is an illness for which effective treatments are available. The sooner you get help, the sooner you're on the road to recovery," he said.
Dr Highet said that according to this survey, fewer people have negative attitudes about depression, but there's still considerable room for improvement.
- 56 per cent of people still think antidepressants are addictive compared to 61 per cent in 2004/05. (They're not.)
- 32 per cent of respondents said that people with depression can't be trusted in positions of responsibility compared to 36 per cent in 2002.
- 31 per cent said people with depression shouldn't stand for politics compared to 43 per cent in 2002.
- 32 per cent of those surveyed think people with severe depression are dangerous to others compared to 38 per cent in 2002.
- 68 per cent said people with depression are unpredictable - down from 78 per cent in 2002.
beyondblue's National Depression Monitor survey aims to assess community changes in awareness, understanding and stigma surrounding depression, anxiety and related disorders.
Jeff Kennett said: "This is why beyondblue is putting the spotlight on anxiety in ADA month, building on the awareness of depression that has been achieved to date, and encouraging people to learn more about the most common mental health problem in Australia - and seek help if they need it."
Available for interview:
- Garry McDonald - beyondblue Board director and actor who has experienced both anxiety and depression
- Jeff Kennett - Chairman of beyondblue
- Dr Nicole Highet - Deputy CEO of beyondblue and researcher overseeing the national Depression Monitor survey
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
Jeff Kennett and Garry McDonald will hand out beyondblue ADA kits (containing anxiety and depression information) to commuters at Flinders Street Station
Date: Friday October 10 (World Mental Health Day)
Time: 7.30 am - 8.30 am
Place: Flinders Street Station steps, Melbourne
