I'm a multimedia varied Artist who has also been a (long term) sufferer of Anxiety and Depression, and more recently Postnatal Depression. I know there is a vast number of creative people in the DeviantArt community and beyond who also quietly suffer from perhaps one or even more mental health disorders like myself.

Recently I received an email from the Australian "beyondblue" website [link] in regards to raising awareness for mental health. And so I decided to write this article to help spread the message and to let others know that they are not alone.


World Mental Health Day October 10th 2007


World Mental Health Day is being promoted internationally and as people are likely to be thinking about mental health issues at this time; the
Australian beyondblue initiative are inviting others to help raise
awareness and to reduce the stigma of depression and anxiety in your
community and/or workplace.

During October beyondblue will be asking people to put "Anxiety and
Depression Awareness (ADA) on their RADAR and support beyondblue to
engage individuals, community, government and corporate organisations
in activities specifically targeted at increasing awareness of anxiety
and depression.


Such as -

Anxiety Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Depression

Postnatal Depression

Grief and Loss

Suicide Prevention

Substance Abuse and Related Disorders

Young People

Older People

Rural/Country Communities


Suggested activities may include -

Hosting community forums

Wearing something blue to work.


For more information please feel free to contact the beyondblue website - [link] or google someone who's closer to your part of the world.


Also, though not a professional body you may find of interest the DA group, which I am also an active member and promoter, *Circleoffriends for when you need a little support.


And finally, to all the Artists in the DA community, whether you be a musician, a writer, a painter, a craftsperson or something else, always remember that there will be someone who cares about you. It may be someone you don't even know, or who doesn't even know you. But there are people who care, and will listen.

Even when you feel beyond blue.