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Following on from John Kirwin’s high profile depression campaign other elite sports people seem to be at risk from depression. Not perhaps surprising that people under extreme pressure do suffer from depression. The cumulative effect of the extreme pressure to succeed, that drives top sports people, mean that when they get to the top of their game they can sometimes crash and burn. Not all top sports people suffer from depression, but we hearing more about the ones that do. Is our interest in them some kind of delight in how the mighty have fallen or is it that it makes their humanity visible.
Clive James says about celebrity:
Celebrities often have fame comparable to that of royalty. As a result, there is a strong public curiosity about their private affairs. Celebrities may be resented for their accolades, and the public may have a love/hate relationship with celebrities. Due to the high visibility of celebrities’ private lives, their successes and shortcomings are often made very public. Celebrities are alternately portrayed as glowing examples of perfection, when they garner awards, or as decadent or immoral if they become associated with a scandal.
One positive sign is that more athletes willing to talk about their experience.
- in the article “Troubled Tait will consult other depressed sportsmen” the South Australian cricketer said he was emotionally and physically exhausted and needed time away from the game to clear his mind
- Mental Health Foundation chief executive Judi Clements talks about Lou Vincent’s battle back from depression
- Vincent’s treatment depressing talks about Vincent’s demonstration of extreme courage … by publicly acknowledging he suffered from depression
We are very excited to have Gill Graham and Michelle McCarthy from the Mothers and Babies unit at Princess Margaret Hospital, speak to us on the topic of Post Natal Depression. Gill is the Clinical Manager and Clinical Nurse Specialist of the outpatient team and has worked in the service for nearly ten years. Michelle is a Clinical Psychologist who has been at Mothers and Babies for nearly three years. Both clinicians have considerable experience in working with women who are adjusting to parenting and in particular, women who have postnatal mental health issues.
DATE: Monday 10 March 2008
TIME: 7.00pm till 9.00pm
COST: Entry is free, however a donation would be appreciated
Registrations are essential. To register contact:
Depression Support Network
Phone 03-366-8083, or fax office@dsn.org.nz
