Maria Prendergast (Health Writer & Broadcaster)
Topic: Understanding Depression
Maria will talk about the different types of depression, symptoms of depression in adults and the many treatment options available including evaluated complimentary treatments. She will also talk about the impact of depression on the family and friends of the depression sufferer. She will include in her talk some of the first person case histories that make the book so relevant and immediate for depression sufferers and their families.
Health writer and broadcaster Maria Prendergast OAM won the SANE book of the Year 2006 for her book ‘Understanding Depression’. She specialises in writing books about health issues for the non-medical person and her titles include Understanding Asthma and Understanding Migraine and Heart and Stroke Rehabilitation.
(followed by)
Sally-Anne McCormack (Psychologist)
Topic: Identifying Depression in Children and Adolescents
DOES YOUR CHILD/TEEN... Lose their temper over minor things; Have difficulty concentrating; Have trouble sitting still; Complain of headaches or stomach-aches without medical cause; Feel sad or cry for no apparent reason; No longer enjoy his/her favourite activities; Sleep more or less than usual.
DID YOU KNOW...Nearly one in ten children/adolescents suffer from depression (one in five adults)? The transition from primary school to secondary school is a large risk factor, along with divorce, bullying, school pressure etc. Depression is a largely preventable illness.
HOW CAN WE HELP OUR CHILDREN/TEENS???
Parents and teachers need to be taught the skills to help their children prevent depression, how to identify if their children are at risk for or suffering from depression, and be informed of the treatments available to assist their children.
During this seminar, attendees will be given some practical advice, and the opportunity to speak to a psychologist/teacher/parent that is passionate about the PREVENTION of this illness.
Sally-Anne McCormack is a registered psychologist, a former teacher and a mother of four. She works as a psychologist in her private practices in Blackburn and Burwood East. Sally-Anne is a committee member of the Australian Psychological Society (A.P.S.), and is registered with them as a media spokesperson. In addition to her professional associations (eg. V.A.G.T.C., D.I.P.P., Mensa), Sally-Anne holds a position on the ADAVIC committee and has written a program for children and adolescents to help teach some strategies to help prevent depression.
