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PENINSULA ONLINEIssue 5
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Ms Leonie Young (pictured), CEO of beyondblue: the national depression initiative, discussed the extent of depression in Australia, the issues surrounding people with depression and the recent improvements made in the diagnosis and treatment of the illness.
On average one in five people will experience depression at some point in their life, costing the Australian community over $600 million a year. "Five years ago, it was estimated that 880,000 people had depression," she explained. "However of the 20,000 working GPs only 200 had specific training in tackling depression."
She explained that when people did present at their GP they were often misdiagnosed because the symptoms, such as tummy aches, headaches or sleeplessness were not picked up as indicators. Now with around 9000 GPs with further training there are much better outcomes for people presenting with mental health issues providing a much stronger safety net.
Ms Young says that while there has been major improvements in the diagnoses and treatment of depression there was still a long way to go. "There is still a certain stigma attached to admitting that you have depression," she said. "You wouldn't ignore or self treat other illnesses like asthma and diabetes.
"Depression is currently the leading cause of non-fatal disability in Australia with an estimated six million working days lost every year due to depression. It is also a major factor in suicide with many of the 2000 suicides per year attributed to depression."
She explained that it was important to improve people's awareness of the illness while becoming educated about the signs and symptoms associated with depression. "Early intervention is vital and the challenge is to encourage people to get help and take positive action in the treatment early," she said. She added that not everyone diagnosed with depression need anti-depressant medication. Other treatments such as exercise, diet and talking therapy could be as effective.
For more information about depression, visit the beyondblue website. The next Business Associates Breakfast will be held on Thursday, 11 May at the Seahorse Tavern and will be the annual Federal Budget Breakfast presented by Professor John Freebairn.
 Staff enjoyed refreshments provided by OHSE following the WHAM walk held recently. |
Several staff took part in Occupational Health Safety and Environment's WHAM (Wellbeing Happens at Monash) walk recently.
OHSE together with the fitness centre has also developed four other 'walks' around the campus that take about 20 to 30 minutes each so walkers can complete them during their lunch breaks providing an opportunity to get up from your desk, get some fresh air and get active. The suggested routes can be found online.
The Fitness Centre is also offering a wide range of lunchtime and after work classes for all levels include spinning, pliates, yoga, pump and circuit. Further information about the group exercise classes and what they entail can be found online or by calling the Fitness Centre on 9770 1495.
Seventeen students from the Ecoles de Gestion et de Commerce (EGC) in New Caledonia have been hosted by the Faculty of Business and Economics at Peninsula for the past ten weeks.
 EGC students pictured with Mr Max Coulthard, Project Director and Professor Ron Edwards, Head, Faculty of Business and Economics at Peninsula, and representatives from Monash International. |
The group has spent some of their time undertaking classes and the rest undertaking work experience in Australian organisations. These third year university students have greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn about the Australian culture, undertake work experience and learn about campus life.
They also have spent time touring around Victoria and enjoying the social side of student life! While the group recently finished their study tour and headed back to the Pacific last week, the campus can expect another, even larger group next January for up to 12 weeks.