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The Black
Dog Institute are running a Writing Competition for
Seniors which I think would be extrememly beneficial
in promoting throughout the RSL Clubs in Australia.
This is an Australia Wide AND New Zealand competition
and focuses on Seniors 60+ people whom have experienced
late onset depression. ALSO aimed at the Carers 60+
of those who have suffered depression. They can submit
personal accounts, experiences and ways they have handled
or managed the illness.
1st Prize
is $2000 / 2nd is $1000 / 3rd is $500 and the winner
and some entries will be published in a book release
by the Institute.
CLOSING
DATE FOR ENTRIES IS 15 January 2010
The spotlight
for the latest Black Dog Institute Writing Competition
is on people 60 years and older who have experienced
'late onset' depression. According
to Professor Gordon Parker, Executive Director of the
Black Dog Institute, the challenge is finding answers
for older people and their carers. Professor
Parker said that an estimated eight percent of older
adults in Australia suffer from depression, although
those experiencing 'late onset' depression are a smaller
proportion of this group.
It is called
'late onset' when someone who has not previously had
depression develops the illness as they grow older.
"These older adults have lived through times when
there was greater stigma associated with depression
and mental illness, "he said. Professor
Gordon Parker said that previous Black Dog Institute
writing competitions had focused on a wide range of
topics such as adolescence and depression, tackling
mood disorders in the workplace and mastering bipolar
disorder.
"I have
heard it said that 'becoming old you become invisible'.
There is also a tendency for depression to make people
feel invisible" Professor Parker said, and, "While
elderly people may initially decline a helping hand,
they are extremely appreciative of professional assistance
and being heard."
Depression
and anxiety are also common amongst family carers of
older people and the Institute is also interested in
receiving accounts from them, of how they go about helping
their loved one cope and how they cope themselves. Professor
Parker said depression in this age group is often not
diagnosed because older adults and health care professionals
may think that it is part of the normal ageing process
but suicide rates have always been high amongst older
people, particularly men. Depression in this age group
reflects a range of biological and social factors.
This writing
competition seeks to learn more about how to best assist
older people with depression and to provide useful feedback
and strategies for their carers generally - though the
focus is particularly on those who experienced depression
for the first time after the age of 60, why it might
have occurred, its impact and how they handled the illness.
"For
these people with late onset episodes, the trigger that
brings on bouts of depression may well have been retirement,
a sea change, feeling neglected by family, the result
of 'empty -nesting' (children leaving the family home),
changing roles, social isolation, loss and medical/physical
illness," Professor Parker said. "I
believe older people will find it useful to hear stories
from others, and what they found to be helpful in managing
their depression or 'highs'. Hopefully, this will also
lead to reducing stigma about mood disorders amongst
the elderly and, at the same time, identify services
that are needed to support the carers of these people,"
he said.
Professor
Parker observed that this was sixth Black Dog Institute
writing competition in as many years. All of the competitions
have resulted in the publication of books by distinguished
publishing companies. The current book titled Navigating
Teenage Depression - A Guide for Parents and Professionals,
was launched by Allen and Unwin in last week. A book
from the latest writing competition, with the theme
of Tackling Mood Disorders in the Workplace will be
published by Allen and Unwin in 2010.
"What
the Institute is aiming for is to provide new insights.
People have commented that most books on mood disorders
have been written from the outside looking in. Drawing
together perceptions and personal accounts from those
who have experienced mood disorders is allowing us to
reverse this approach. 'Inside out' views offer rich
information that assists in breaking down the mysteries
of mood disorders and their management," Professor
Parker said.
The 2009/10
competition invites entries from the Australasian region.
Prizes will be awarded for the three best essay entries.
Essays are to be no more than 1500 words.
First Place: $2000; Second Place $1000 and Third Place
$500.
The closing
date for receipt of entries is 15 January, 2010. Participants
are required to complete an application form and forward,
where possible, an electronic copy of their essay to
blackdog@blackdog.org.au plus an original copy of the
essay on A4 paper (paper clip/not stapled) by post,
addressed to:
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