beyondblue and Vicdeaf release a new fact sheet

3 December, 2008

AN Australian-first fact sheet on depression developed specifically for people who are deaf or hard of hearing has been released today.

The fact sheet is a joint venture of beyondblue: the national depression initiative and the Victorian Deaf Society (Vicdeaf).

The release coincides with the International Day of People with a Disability - 3 December. 

Research shows people who are deaf or hard of hearing are more likely to experience depression than the general community.

Around six in 10 people with hearing loss have symptoms associated with depression.

Half will experience excessive irritability, one in five have sleep difficulties and one in seven withdraw from family and friends.

The new Fact Sheet 33 - Depression in people who are deaf or hard of hearing contains information about why the two conditions often co-occur and practical tips to overcome communication barriers when seeking treatment for depression.

CEO of beyondblue, Leonie Young, said it was another example of how beyondblue is working towards ensuring every person in the community has access to information about depression.

"This new fact sheet is another important addition to our growing range of materials that are tailored to reflect the diversity within our community," she said.

"We are pleased to have partnered with Vicdeaf to provide practical information about depression and hearing loss.

"Being diagnosed, treated for and recovering from depression can be challenging for everyone, but it can be even more difficult for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. We hope this information will make accessing treatment easier for people living with both conditions."

President of Vicdeaf, Mac Adam, said the fact sheet would be widely used.

"Our partnership with beyondblue benefits the community by giving people the facts about depression, where they can get help and ensuring they do not experience depression alone.

"We are delighted to work with beyondblue and look forward to collaborating in the future on mental health issues for deaf and hard of hearing Australians."

beyondblue has also partnered with:

• Parkinson's Australia
• The Kidney Health Foundation
• Alzheimer's Australia
• Foundation 49 (men's health)
• The Breast Cancer Network of Australia
• Cancer Councils
• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

To download Fact Sheet 33 - Depression in people who are deaf or hard of hearing click here

To see the entire range of beyondblue fact sheets and booklets click here 

To read an inspirational story of a deaf person's experience of postnatal depression click here and scroll to the bottom of the page

Deaf Services Queensland and Deaf Children Australia are hosting the 4th World Congress on Mental Health and Deafness from 27-30 October in 2009, at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The theme of the Congress is, 'A Life to be Lived' emphasizing the importance of connectedness throughout life's stages, from birth to early childhood, adolescence, adulthood and the aged.

You can register your interest now, with early bird registrations to open soon. See www.mhd2009.org for more information or email info@mhd2009.org