Carers theme for Black Dog Institute Writing Competition
Late Onset Depression: Finding answers for older people and their carers, is the challenge in the latest Black Dog Institute Writing Competition.
‘Late onset’ depression is when someone who has not previously had depression develops the illness as they grow older.
Depression and anxiety are also common amongst family carers of older people and the Institute is also interested in receiving accounts from them, of how they go about helping their loved one cope and how they cope themselves.
Professor Parker from the Institute said depression in this age group is often not diagnosed.
“This is because older adults and health care professionals may think it is part of the normal ageing process, but suicide rates have always been high amongst older people, particularly men.”
The Institute aims to provide new insights into depression with a particular focus on those who experienced depression for the first time after the age of 60. Writing should explain why the depression may have occurred, its impact and how they handled the illness.
The 2009/10 competition invites entries from the Australasian region. Prizes will be awarded for the three best essay entries of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 respectively. Essays are to be no more than 1,500 words.
For further information and an application form, visit the Institute’s website http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au or call (02) 9382 4523.
