Virtual Talk: Understanding Anxiety and Depression with Wayne Wigham
Date & Time
Wayne Wigham shares his own lived experience of mental illness as well as the latest information and tools from the Black Dog Institute.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & RECEIVE ZOOM DETAILS
Free online event – everyone welcome!
The changes brought about by COVID-19 are affecting us all. As a result, the important work of Mental Health Month is even more vital to the wellbeing of our communities.
This talk is suitable for a general audience, whether or not they have experienced a mental health issue.
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions via the Chat function on Zoom, to be addressed at the end of Wayne’s presentation.
This event will not be filmed or recorded.
Virtual Talk: Understanding Anxiety and Depression with Wayne Wigham
Are you or a loved one experiencing COVID-related anxiety or depression?
Sydney is coming out of lockdown – it is an exciting time, but it can also be distressing.
You might be experiencing social anxiety or persistent fear after so long confined to the home. Perhaps you have felt increasingly depressed during the pandemic due to isolation, financial worries or being separated from family and friends who live further afield.
Words like ‘depression’ and ‘anxiety’ are often misused and misunderstood. Talking about mental health in general can be a minefield for many of us, but it is important to understand there is help out there and that we are not alone.
Join former professional rugby league player and firefighter Wayne Wigham, as he shares his own lived experience of mental illness as well as the latest information and tools from the Black Dog Institute for coping with anxiety and depression.
Wayne’s presentation will cover causes, signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, when and where to seek help and practical strategies for helping a friend or family member in need.
Free online event – everyone welcome!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER & RECEIVE ZOOM DETAILS
About Wayne Wigham
Wayne has been a lived experienced speaker for Black Dog Institute for 15 years.
Wayne was first diagnosed with depression at the age of 10 and has experience dealing with the illness through schooling, a teaching career, ten years as a professional Rugby League player and eleven years as a professional Firefighter and business owner. Throughout these careers, Wayne battled with misdiagnosis of his illness, drug and alcohol abuse through self-medication and relationship difficulties.
Wayne’s personal journey highlights the fact that mental illness can affect anyone. Wayne is passionate about breaking down the stigma of mental illness and the absolute importance of recognising symptoms and seeking help at the first opportunity.
Wayne frequently talks to young people and adults about mental health and mental fitness and is an advocate for people avoiding the ‘tough guy’ myth attached to seeking help for mental illness.
About Black Dog Institute
Mental health issues will affect 1 in 5 Australians every year. Anxiety disorders are often the most common mental health challenge, followed by depression.
Mental illness can be overwhelming, crippling and isolating. The Black Dog Institute has a vision of a mentally healthier world. Black Dog brings together the strength of a medical research institute and a not-for profit organisation, dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by poor mental health. Black Dog aims to significantly reduce the incidence of mental illness and suicide, remove stigma and empower all people to live the most mentally healthy life possible.
About Mental Health Month
Mental Health Month is celebrated each year in the month of October in NSW. This awareness month encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we have a lived experience of mental illness or not. This month also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of mental health in our everyday lives and encourages help seeking behaviours when needed.