Stiff upper lip? Let's talk about mental illness and ageing

Think mental illness is a disease for young people? Think again. 

People of all ages can experience mental illness, and older adults are particularly at risk of developing a mental illness (such as depression or anxiety) due to their experience of grief, social isolation and physical illness. According to mental health advocacy organisation Beyond Blue, the rate of depression among people living in residential aged care is thought to be as high as 35%!

Unfortunately, older adults are less likely to talk about their mental health, and less likely to seek help for these treatable diseases. For Mental Health Month this October, we want to change that. 

Azure Beach Library is hosting a Human Library event to start meaningful conversations about ageing and mental illness. Choose from a range of human 'books' and connect with a stranger as they open up to you about their experience of mental illness in a relaxed conversation.  Their stories are likely to surprise you, and challenge your perceptions of mental illness.

"Well, now that we have seen each other" said the Unicorn, 
"if you believe in me, I'll believe in you." 
~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Through conversation and sharing experiences, we can build understanding and empathy and reduce the stigma attached to mental illness. Register now to be part of our exciting, free event. 

Mental Illness & Ageing: 
a Human Library event
10am, 18 October 2023
Azure Beach Public Library Courtyard
Free entry, tea & coffee provided

Register here: https://humanitix.com.au/ABPL/
or in person at your library.

by Madeleine H.

Image: Mental Health Stock Photo by Kevin Simmons, via Flikr (licence information: Creative Commons)

 Mental health starts with you! 
Human Library Event 2024

Mental Health is very complicated. Most mental health issues are caused by a combination of factors like genetics, personal experiences and lifestyle. Do you know that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects around 1 in 20 Australians and the disorder can extend into adolescence? Have you ever found that your family or friends who have lost loved one may have Process Trauma-Induced Depression (PTSD)? You may not know who have mental health issues by judging their appearance. Albert Einstein is a famous example to prove that it is possible to be successful and productive with ADHD!

Have you ever talked about how you feel after losing your job or feeling lonely all the time at home as being an empty-nester? 

Come to join us in our Human Library event to find out more with our Human Books. They share with you their stories and how they survived or healed from their wounds. Each Human Book represents a group of our society who is frequently subjected to prejudice, discrimination and social exclusion.

Choose your title, reserve your place and be ready to have a chat with them.

Bookings:  Bookings essential. Phone Azure Beach Public Library on 02 9293 2425 or click the Eventbrite to reserve your place. Each book reading session is 20 mins. Each booking allows 3 sessions maximum.

Date & time:Sat 20 Apr 2024 @ 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Age:            Young adults, Adults, Seniors

Cost:           Free

Venue:       Azure Room, Azure Beach Public Library, 44 Lighting Way, Azure Beach NSW 2100

Let’s meet our Human Books

	Eating Disorder Alma is a young actress who recovered from serious eating disorders after 7 years of treatment. Listen to her stories that how she can recover from several relationships’ breakup causing depression and leading to eating disorders.
	Anxiety Disorder Nuala is a psychologist helping young people to cope with their mental health problems. However, she also had personal experience of anxiety disorder since she was 12. Discover her road of recovery during the human library event.
	Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Herman has finished his university degree course in sports therapy in the University of Technology Sydney just last year. He has struggled through the degree course in 7 years because he has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) since his childhood. Learn how he lives with ADHD in his life and overcomes the difficulties during university examination.
	Process Trauma-Induced Depression (PTSD) Matilda, a young mum of 3 kids, diagnosed with PTSD a year after the suicidal death of her son. The sudden death of her son put much emotional stress on her and so traumatic that leading to her depression. Chat with her to learn how she can heal from those tearful days.

For more information on mental health, visit the links below:  

Beyond Blue 
Headspace
Mental Health Australia

Created by Josephine