Free sessions for mental health knowledge

WITH the aim of reducing the rates of mental illness, the Black Dog Institute is offering free presentations to community groups to break down stigma and provide practical advice.

The sessions are delivered by trained volunteers who have had personal experiences with mental illness and run for 45 minutes.

During the presentations volunteers share their stories alongside some of the Black Dog Institute’s research to provide participants with knowledge, key identifiers for mental illnesses and confidence to talk to others.

Based in Ballarat, Justin Wilbur has been presenting the Breaking Down Depression sessions since February of last year and said living through a sibling taken by suicide motivated him to help others.

“I want to let people know that there is help available and to please talk to someone,” he said.

“After the presentation, I can really see that people feel lighter. I love the Breaking Down Depression concept and it has helped me in my own recovery from a breakdown three years ago.

“The tools that I talk about are useful for people with depression, as well as those who care for them.”

Having hosted over 440 sessions to a variety of community groups around the country including Men’s Sheds, local councils and sport clubs, the Black Dog Institute are working towards mastering the presentation to best deliver the important yet sensitive information.

The talks aim to provide long-term support for communities by providing participants with an understanding of different mental illnesses and an ability identify warning signs, recognise when professional help is needed and what type of treatment.

To learn more or book a Breaking Down Depression presentation, visit blackdoginstitute.org.au or email [email protected] for more info.