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.
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.
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'.
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 will beyondblue deliver?
By 2014, beyondblue aims to have in place sound infrastructure for health professionals and the community to carry forward the national objectives of promoting early treatment and prevention of depression and anxiety by educating Australians about depression, anxiety and related misuse disorders and reducing the stigma associated these conditions. 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.
Through the 2010 Election Commitment- Taking Action to Tackle Suicide- Targeting men who are at greater risk of suicide- but least likely to seek help, the Australian Government committed $23.2 million over four years to beyondblue to provide additional services and support targeted at men.
This commitment has three components:
- Expanding the National Workplace Program ($11.0m) - provide an additional 350 workplace courses per annum;
- Increasing the capacity of telephone helplines ($3.2m) - allow up to 30,000 additional men to access information, referral and assistance per annum; and
- A targeted National Campaign for men’s health ($9.0m) - that will include awareness raising and establishment of appropriate partnerships with organisations to reduce stigma.
What funding is the Australian Government committing?
Over a period of ten years (2000 – 2010), beyondblue have received $72.5 million from the Australian Government under the National Depression Initiative.
Over the next 4 years, to 2014, the Australian Government will provide $60 million for the continuation of beyondblue: the national depression initiative, including the 2010 election commitments targeting men.
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
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: 21 July, 2011