By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
MENTAL well-being is a topic that needs to be discussed regularly and openly, according to Narre Warren Lions Club president Lorraine Riches.
This is a big reason why Ms Riches helped organise a special information session on depression at the Casey council chambers last month in conjunction with the Narre Warren Lions Club and Beyondblue and supported by local and state politicians.
The Pakenham and Endeavour Hills Lions clubs, and the Berwick Lionesses also lent their support to the event.
It comes as Beyondblue and the Lions Clubs of Australia joined forces last year to create the Joining Hands initiative, a project which will focus on raising awareness around anxiety and depression.
The Casey event included presentations from guest speaker Tony Wynd, Monash Health representatives and Ms Riches herself – who reflected on her late mother’s battle with depression.
“I think it is very crucial, very vital, to get out there that you don’t have to be a health professional to get out and talk about it,” Ms Riches said after the event.
“The Federal Government organises R U OK day, but instead of just one day in September, let’s make it every day.”
Working as a nurse, Lorraine said she continually saw how depression and anxiety could leave victims helpless and not knowing where to turn.
“Some people are left almost catatonic, and they can’t function,” she said.
“Others just go through the motions.”
The gold coin donations raised from the event will all go towards Beyondblue.
“Even some people feel alone within their own families and are reluctant to speak to anyone,” Lorraine said.
“Everyone’s been touched by knowing somebody with anxiety or depression in their lives.
“And with the stigma and their response, sometimes you just don’t how to approach them.”
Lions is one of the largest service clubs in the world, with more than 1400 clubs across Australia.
The volunteer organisation helps the needy and assists in emergencies, while also supporting children in various school projects.
The Narre Warren group gets together on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Narre Warren Senior Citizens Centre at 7.30pm.
For more information, contact Ron on 0412 350 006 or Lorraine on 0450 806 744.
Those in need of immediate assistance or who need someone trustworthy to talk to can phone Lifeline on 131 114.
