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THE Lenno Footprint Foundation is being established in order to support those suffering from anxiety and depression in the local community.
The family fun day held on Sunday helped to draw attention to these two disorders, which are often not talked about.
“We need to focus on this foundation and bring support to them,” beyondblue representative Jeremy Hubbard said.
Mr Hubbard addressed the crowd on the day regarding his own struggle with anxiety and depression, and discussed ways to help those suffering from the afflictions.
Mr Hubbard said the person suffering from depression is the only one who can break the cycle of their disorder.
“You’re the only person that can make the change,” he said.
“If there was hope for me then there is hope for everyone.”
After his speech, Mr Hubbard said he had a fun day and hoped to come back soon.
“I’m really impressed with Jenny [Wells] and the team, and what they are doing here,” he said.
“It’s the start of something cool.”
Mr Hubbard was impressed with how much support from the community there is for the foundation.
“If there is heart and passion behind it, then it usually succeeds,” he said.
“[Then] I guess it can go as far as it wants to.”
Symptoms of depression can include being isolated, not doing things one would normally do, being agitated, as well as sleeping and eating less.
“There’s a stigma attached to mental health disorders – but it is just the same as a physical disorder,” Mr Hubbard said.
“The main part is starting to get help, as soon as that happens you can start to recover.”
Bega Valley Shire councillor Liz Seckold is chairwoman of the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN), which was part of the organising committee for the family fun day.
Cr Seckold questioned how much funding is going to organisations that combat deaths on the road and how much goes to suicide prevention, when the amount of suicides per year is much higher.
SPAN began in 2010 when there was a concern about a spate in teenage suicides.
The organisation focuses on the Bega Valley, and its patron is Dr Mike Kelly.
SPAN meets on the third Thursday of every month, and the next meeting is on June 19 from 1.30–3.30pm at the Bermagui Community Centre.
For more information about SPAN contact Cr Seckold on begaspan@gmail.com or 0447 272 893.
If anyone feels they are experiencing symptoms of depression, contact the mental health support services on the numbers listed below.
Lifeline 131 114
MensLine 1300 789 978
beyondblue 1300 224 636
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800