Reducing the stigma of mental illness

[From left to right: Alex Wood with riding buddies, Corey Grandin and Enzo D’Ambrogio]

By Emily Castrission

Dressed from head-to-toe in lycra, nothing was left the imagination as Alex Wood made his way, from the bike he had been fused to for two days, to the crowd of onlookers who were gathered at the gates of the Dubbo Western Plains Zoo.

The Black Dog Institute held its annual Zoo2Zoo ride from the National Zoo in Canberra to the Dubbo Western Plains Zoo in March.

“We have been able to raise, collectively as a group, almost $30,000 for the Black Dog Institute,” Mr Wood said.

It was a hot and sweaty day and I was one of the many enthusiastic crowd members welcoming the novice and very weary cyclists into the zoo. Alex was among thirty riders to have undertaken the epic 450-kilometre ride.

Fundraising Manager for the Black Dog Institute, Evan Jackson said the ride not only raises funds for mental health research in Australia, but also encourages conversation around the issue of mental illness.

“The zoo2zoo guys literally raise their voice and make it absolutely obvious that it is time to cut the stigma,” Mr Jackson said.

Each year, approximately one in every five Australians experience a mental illness according to the Australian Government’s National Suicide Prevention Program, Mindframe.

Emma Tucker, who is now 30, has suffered with anxiety and depression related illnesses since she was just eight years old. Whilst dealing with her health, Emma has had to also come to terms with the stigma that surrounds mental illness.

“I had this sense of failure, I’m not good enough, and it’s shameful and how embarrassing,” Ms Tucker said.

“The stigma was partly to do with ignorance. My family and people around me not really knowing enough about it (mental illness).”

Canberra Psychologist, Dominique Kazan believes the perception around mental illness is changing, however she feels there are not enough services in place to assist those in need.

“Stigma is decreasing, awareness is increasing,” Ms Kazan said. “But the issue is that when we don’t have enough prevention and frontline services for people to access.”

Emma Tucker and Dominque Kazan spoke to Emily Castrission.

If you need immediate assistance, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression, contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or talk to your GP or local health care provider.