What is beyondblue?
beyondblue: the national depression initiative is an independent, not for profit organisation to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia. It has a key goal of raising community awareness about depression and reducing stigma associated with the illness. beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative funded by the Australian, state and territory governments.
Why is this important?
On average, one in five people will experience depression. In Australia each year:
- around one million adults and 100,000 young people live with a depression related disorder;
- depression is the leading cause of non-fatal disability;
- postnatal depression affects 14% of new mothers;
- depression costs the community over $600 million;
- more than six million working days are lost as a result, costing the economy $14.9 million.
beyondblue's national role in raising awareness of depression has contributed significantly to reducing stigma and improving recognition that the illness is a serious health problem and that treatments are available.
Source: 'beyondblue: the way forward 2005-2010'.
What will beyondblue deliver?
By 2010 beyondblue aims to leave in place a sound infrastructure for the community and health professionals to carry forward the national objectives of promoting early treatment and prevention of depression by educating Australians about depression, and reducing stigma associated the condition. The benefits of preventative programs targeted across the lifespan will also result in savings to health budgets and the economy by, for example, reducing the high annual cost of depression and anxiety in Australia's workplace.
How does it work?
beyondblue works in partnership with governments, business, professional, sporting and community organisations, academia and the media, as well as people living with depression, across five priority areas around depression, anxiety and related disorders:
- community awareness and destigmatisation utilising the media, community leaders and health professions, consumers and carers;
- community and carer participation through electronic networks and dedicated websites;
- prevention and early intervention programs in areas including, postnatal and antenatal depression, children and young people, families, older people and depression in the workplace;
- primary care such as improving training and support for general practitioners and other health care professionals; and
- establish research infrastructure.
What funding is the Australian Government committing?
beyondblue was launched in 2000 with an initial commitment from the Australian Government of $17.5 million over five years followed by a 2005-2006 Federal Budget commitment of an additional $39.6 million to June 2009.
When did beyondblue start?
beyondblue was established in 2000 by the Australian and Victorian Governments. It is now funded by the Australian Government and all State and Territory governments.
How is beyondblue progressing?
An independent evaluation has confirmed beyondblue's success in engaging the community in public discussion, raising awareness of depression, encouraging positive media coverage of depression, disseminating information, establishing partnerships with mental health agencies, commissioning research and publishing research on depression and related disorders.
See evaluation report: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=2.24
beyondblue is currently implementing the 2005-2010 framework.
What's been done in the past?
Some of beyondblue's successes in raising awareness of depression issues have included:
- 'ybblue' youth program;
- 'Tackling Depression in Schools' DVD;
- 'Schools Research Initiative' 5 year study;
- 'National Perinatal Mental Health Program';
- 'Don't beat about the bush' drought initiative;
- 'Listen Up' campaign;
- 'blueVoices', a consumer advisory and reference group;
- 'Aboriginal Mental Health Worker' program;
- Continued support of the annual Mental Health Week; and
- Significant funds being invested in academic research into prevention, treatment and comorbid linkage of depression with chronic illness.
Further information
Department of Health and Ageing - http://www.health.gov.au
beyondblue - http://www.beyondblue.org.au - Ph: 1300 22 4636
Publications
See beyondblue: The Way Forward 2005-2010
Also Fact Sheets and other up to date resources from the website at: http://beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=7.246.
Page currency, Latest update: 20 September, 2007