UWS Open Forum: Discrimination and Mental Health

The CEO of beyondblue, Kate Carnell AO, will address a special University of Western Sydney Open Forum to discuss the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with depression and anxiety - which many of them say can make them feel worse than the actual illness.

The UWS Open Forum: Discrimination and Mental Health will be held at the UWS Parramatta Campus on July 25 at 6pm.

More than three million Australians are currently living with depression or anxiety, and it is estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. 

Joining Ms Carnell to discuss the community response to mental illness will be former Australian Human Rights Commissioner and Director of Equity and Diversity at UWS, Dr Sev Ozdowski, who will act as MC for the evening.

"Every Australian deserves the chance to earn an honest livelihood and live decently, but despite the fact people with mental health issues can normally function perfectly, they need help from time to time," Dr Ozdowski says.

"The good news is that with the right training we can all provide that help- what's important is that we know the warning signs, so we can step in and offer our support when the behaviour of our friends and colleagues changes ."

Kate Carnell was appointed Chief Executive Officer of beyondblue in 2012, having been a Director since 2008 and Deputy Chair since 2010. Ms Carnell was elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in 1992, and became Chief Minister, ACT in March 1995, being re-elected in 1998.

beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia.

beyondblue media contacts: Julie Foster - 0409 433 501 or Reid Sexton - 0413 777 393

 Ends

22 July 2013

Contact: Mark Smith, Media Officer

By submitting a comment you acknowledge you agree with the Terms and Conditions.