October 19, 2017
Social media could benefit some people battling against feelings of isolation and depression, Tie Up The Black Dog co-founder Mary Woods told an audience at Kingaroy Library last week.
But it could make others suffering the same problems feel even worse, and needed to be treated with caution.
Ms Woods was in Kingaroy as a guest of the South Burnett Regional Council last week for a community breakfast to acknowledge Queensland Mental Health Week.
The event was organised by BIEDO, and Kingaroy Lions members manned a barbecue outside the library to supply guests with a light breakfast.
“Depression and mental illness are issues which affect many Australians, regardless of age, status, gender, occupation or geographic location,” Ms Woods said.
“In our rural and remote communities, depression and mental illness is a serious issue taking an alarming toll on sufferers as well as their family and friends.
“Sadly, Australia’s rate of suicide in rural and remote areas is substantially higher than in the country’s urban centres.”
Ms Woods said her group’s mission was to bring better awareness of mental health issues into rural and regional communities.
“We seek to use good clinical information accompanied by some personal life experiences to lift the cloak surrounding mental illness and depression,” she said.
The group run regular public forums in south-western areas of Queensland.
They also operate a website which provides resources for people experiencing difficulty with mental health issues.
South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell said good mental health was an important topic, and improving community access to mental health services was something he supported.
