22 March 2006
Workplaces are increasingly recognising the impact of depression on individuals, the CEO of beyondblue: the national depression initiative, Ms Leonie Young, will tell guests next week at Monash University's Peninsula Business Breakfast Seminar Series.
Depression costs the Australian community more than $600 million a year, and affects one in five people at some point in their life.
But despite workplaces increasingly recognising the impact of depression, there was still much work to be done in getting accurate information to people, Ms Young said.
beyondblue is a national, independent, not for profit organisation working to raise awareness of depression and anxiety, and reduce the associated stigma.
Ms Young said beyondblue's corporate and community partnerships were playing a key role in raising awareness and understanding of depression.
"Depression can strike anyone at any time," she said. "It is important that the corporate community recognises that depression is an illness, not a weakness, and effective treatments are available. The most important thing is to recognise the signs and symptoms of the illness so you can seek help early or assist others."
Appointed CEO of beyondblue in 2003, Ms Young previously managed the Northern Territory's office of the Commonwealth Dept of Health and Ageing.
Monash University's 2006, Breakfast Seminar series is delivered in partnership with Frankston City Council, Frankston Chamber of Commerce and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
What: 2006 Business Breakfast Seminar Series Program: Opening our Eyes to Depression throughout Australia -- beyondblue CEO, Ms Leonie Young
When: 8 -- 9am, Tuesday, 28 March 2006
Where: Peninsula Country Golf Club, 211-279 Sky Road, Frankston, (Mel Ref: 100 12A)
RSVP: Narelle Krueger, +61 3 9904 4074 or email
narelle.krueger@buseco.monash .edu.au before Friday, 24 March 2006.
For more information contact Ms Natasha Whalley, Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9201 or 0437 458 457.
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