Self-reported depression and anxiety well above the national average in southern adelaide, the fleurieu peninsula and kangaroo island as beyondblue prepares to visit the area
A quarter of people in the Southern Adelaide-Fleurieu-Kangaroo Island region (SAFKI) report experiencing depression or anxiety, according to the latest Roy Morgan research.
The new figures, which show 24 per cent of SAFKI residents aged 14 or over said they recently experienced a depression or anxiety related condition in the past year, reveal the SAFKI rate is much higher than the national average of 20 per cent.
The release of the data comes as beyondblue's National Roadshow continues its tour of South Australia, with 10 events planned across southern Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island from 24 March to 5 April in conjunction with the SAFKI Medicare Local.
beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO said these events will promote good mental health and tackle the concerning rates of self-reported depression and anxiety in the region.
"These rates are troubling and highlight the urgent need for better awareness and understanding of these conditions in the SAFKI region," she said. "That is why beyondblue will visit the area in our big blue bus next week and emphasise how people can take charge of their mental health. The events we hold or attend are aimed at educating people of all ages about depression and anxiety and where to get help in their area.
"Around one million people in Australia have depression at any given time and over two million have an anxiety condition. Unfortunately, over half of all people who experience depression or anxiety don't seek help. We need to get the message out there that these are common conditions and can affect anyone - there is no shame in getting help and there is a lot of support available. We know that untreated depression is a risk factor for suicide and we lose more than 2000 people every year to suicide. That's more than 2000 too many."
CEO of Southern Adelaide-Fleurieu-Kangaroo Island Medicare Local Deb Dutton welcomed beyondblue's visit.
"beyondblue's Roadshow aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions and ensure people who are experiencing depression or anxiety are aware of the resources available to them. We want to encourage as many people as possible to participate and learn more about the mental health services that SAFKI Medicare Local provides throughout the region. We will have a number of our health professionals on hand at these Roadshow events to chat to people about local services."
The National Roadshow will remain in South Australia until 19 April, taking in all five Medicare Local regions. WorkCoverSA is the official state partner for the visit, along with community partner Medibank Community Fund.
To find out more about the National Roadshow and details of events in the Southern Adelaide-Fleurieu-Kangaroo Island Medicare Local region go to www.beyondblue.org.au/take1step
Southern Adelaide
� Flinders University - Monday 24 March
� Westfield Marion shopping centre - Monday 24 March
� Clovelly Park - Tuesday 25 March
� Glenelg - Tuesday 25 March
� Hackham - Friday 28 March
� Noarlunga - Friday 28 March
Alexandrina
� Strathalbyn - Wednesday 26 March
Fleurieu Peninsula
� Victor Harbor - Thursday 27 March
� Mount Compass - Thursday 27 March
Kangaroo Island
� Wisanger - Saturday 5 April
If people are having a tough time, they can contact the trained mental health counsellors at the beyondblue Support Service via phone on 1300 22 4636 or via www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat or email responses. The Support Service is funded by donations from the Movember Foundation.