Overcoming the Black Dog

October 5, 2010
by Rodney Olsen
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They call it the black dog. It’s an all consuming illness that drains us of our energy and joy, and magnifies despair.

It’s estimated that 1 in 10 people will experience depression during their lifetime.

While facing depression himself, Darren Speers found that there was a real need for a simple and clear guide to the illness. Drawing on personal experience and a degree in psychology, Darren has written Called to Hope, a book that looks at the symptoms and causes of depression, as well as the many treatments available.

Darren Speers has had depression (chronic dysthymia) since he was 21 years old. Since then, he has earned degrees in psychology and theology, and has worked as a gardener, factory hand, desk monkey, sales consultant, and freelance writer and editor.

When not writing, he tries to improve his knowledge of Greek and Hebrew, although he has some incompetency in German, can order a pizza in Latin, and inform speakers of French that he is a potato. For exercise he enjoys dancing, particularly to swing and blues music.

Earlier this year I spoke to Darren on 98.5 Sonshine FM. You can hear our discussion on depression and the writing of his book by clicking the play button on the audio player at the bottom of this post.

[audio:http://mpegmedia.sonshinefm.ws/feeds/SUN100510_1504.mp3]

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R U OK?

November 27, 2009
by Rodney Olsen
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RUOK.jpgLosing someone to suicide is such a devastating experience. There’s no chance to talk things through and work towards a solution. It’s an event that fills the rest of your life with so many ‘what if’ questions.

It’s heart breaking to think that some people believe that death by their own hand is a better alternative than continuing to live.

R U OK? is doing something about the tragedy of suicide. They believe that something as simple as a conversation can make a world of difference. That means that you and I can do something that may save someone’s life.

R U OK? is an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide. We want to inspire all Australians to recognise they can make an immediate impact on our country’s shockingly high suicide rate by simply connecting with their friends, colleagues and loved ones. A lack of connection is a major contributing cause of many social issues, particularly suicide.

Suicide claims the lives of more Australians each year than the road toll – over 2000 people every year (Source: ABS 2007 statistics). It is the biggest killer of men and women 15-35 years old. For every person who takes their own life, it is estimated that up to 10 people make an attempt. That means each year approximately 20,000 people are directly affected.

This Sunday has been named R U OK?Day. It’s a day that reminds us to stay connected to those around us and to make sure that those we love are doing OK in the journey of life.

R U OK?Day will be held on November 29th, 2009. It is an annual national day of action that aims to get Australians, right across the entire spectrum of society, connecting with friends and loved ones, by reaching out to anyone doing it tough and simply asking: “Are you ok?”

Why start a conversation? Research shows talking about suicide with someone at risk actually reduces the chances of them taking their life. It is the one thing we can all do to make a real difference. R U OK?Day is about prevention, preventing little problems turning into big problems. So it is not just about asking those at immediate risk.

Connection is a crucial part of general health and well being to help in coping with issues such as stressful life events, mental health problems, relationship breakdowns and bereavement.

While R U OK?Day is an Australian initiative, suicide is a world wide tragedy. Who will you reconnect with today? Who needs you to ask if they’re OK today?



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Taming the black dog

January 16, 2007
by Rodney Olsen
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Today marks one year since Western Australia’s former state premier, Dr Geoff Gallop, stepped down from office due to depression.

Part of the statement he made at the time said, “It is my difficult duty to inform you today that I am currently being treated for depression. Living with depression is a very debilitating experience, which affects different people in different ways. It has certainly affected many aspects of my life. So much so, that I sought expert help last week.

My doctors advised me that with treatment, time and rest this illness is very curable. However, I cannot be certain how long I will need. So in the interests of my health and my family, I have to rethink my career.

My commitment to politics has always been 100 per cent plus. I now need that time to restore my health and well-being. Therefore I am announcing today my intention to resign as Premier of Western Australia and the member for Victoria Park in the state parliament.”

His honesty and courage in speaking openly about depression has helped many people seek help for this often crippling problem. Before people start to seek a solution to any kind of mental health issues they need to know that it’s safe to do so. Dr Gallop’s courage gave courage to many others.

One group that has been helping people towards better mental health for many years is GROW.

“GROW’s primary aim is to help fellow sufferers of mental illness or emotional distress recover their mental health and wellbeing through self-activation and friendly mutual help.

Many people who experience depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses, loss, abuse, relationship difficulties or various other misfortunes, often endure their problems with great courage, but do not have the support or knowledge which will enable them to overcome these problems. GROW has found a way based on the lived experience of thousands of individuals who have had a mental illness and have recovered.”

David Tehr is a representative for GROW and I spoke to him this morning as part of my radio programme on 98.5 Sonshine FM.

The good news is that there is a way forward for those suffering depression and other mental health issues.

If you’d like to listen to our conversation now you can use the media player below.



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