CCC Forum 2006, "Depression: Don't Let It Get You Down”

 The IDGP Community Consultative Committee organised and hosted an information forum on Depression.  The aim of the forum, which was held on Wednesday 1 March 2006, was to bring to the attention of the local community the prominent issue of depression in our community.  This was done by sharing the perspectives of consumers, GPs and psychologists.

 According to the Department of Health and Ageing depression is currently the leading cause of non-fatal disability in Australia, with fewer than 50% of affected people receiving medical care. A huge number of people are suffering in silence – a fact the community forum aimed to address.

 “We wanted to let people know that there is help available. We wanted people to come and feel comfortable listening and discussing depression because it affects so many us”, says Helen Gapps, chairperson of the Illawarra Division of General Practice’s Community Consultative Committee.

 Claire McLeod, a clinical psychologist with the Division and speaker at the community forum says, “One in five people will suffer from a depressive illness over the course of their lifetime.  Without appropriate treatment, some of these people will experience serious, debilitating and at times, life threatening symptoms.  However, one of the main things we wanted to convey to the community is that depression is a highly treatable illness.  The most effective treatments use a combination of antidepressant medication and psychological therapy”.

 Local GP Dr Liz Magassy also spoke at the forum about realistic treatments, practical strategies and coping skills to support people and their families.

 Grahame Gould, Executive Director from Lifeline, South Coast also enlightened participants about the impact that depression currently has on our community. The highlight of the Forum was the honest and open personal journeys that were shared with participants by three local people who live with Depression.

 Following are some pictures from the Forum.


Beth Bignell and Guest MC for the event, Erica Hodge


Best attendance at a Community Forum to date!


Consumers speaking out on living with Depression


A GPs perspective was shared with attendees on treating people with Depression


IDGP Psychologist Claire McLeod, Dr Liz Magassy, and a young community member answer questions from the floor on Depression.

Thankyou to all that participated in the hugely informative and successful event

Participants at the "Depression: Don't Let It Get You Down" Forum were asked what they liked about the forum. Responses included;

  •  "The honesty from all the speakers"

  •  "As a carer better understanding of the condition - depression"

  •  "Hearing people's stories; the very helpful speakers; the welcoming attitude of the helpers"

  •  "The normalising of depression and the personal experiences"

  •  "The stuff on CBT coping strategies; the consumer stories; hearing first hand from a GP their experience"

  •  "Opportunity to share information; Increase awareness counselling services available through community"

  •  "Ice breaker: public awareness, removes public stigma of this illness"