WA:Motorbike ride raises depression awareness

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2011
WA:Motorbike ride raises depression awareness

PERTH, Aug 21 AAP - The devastating and tragic effects of depression are something
Steve Andrews knows all too well.

His mother committed suicide as a result of severe depression after the birth of Mr
Andrews's fourth child.

"At the time, we didn't know she suffered from depression," he told AAP.

"Things came to light later when we saw some of her journals and it became clear what
she had been going through."

Mr Andrews said the tragedy of his mother's death and the deaths of other close friends
made him want to raise awareness about the disease and so, in 2009, he embarked on a solo
motorcycle ride around Australia to bring attention to the issue.

Now, the father of five and grandfather says he is overwhelmed at how much the annual
event has grown.

On Sunday, motorbike enthusiasts from around the country began a week-long journey
from several capital cities to Alice Springs to raise awareness and remove the stigma
associated with depression.

The Black Dog Ride will see about 100 participants from Perth travel 3807 kilometres
to reach Alice Springs while other riders will travel from Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne
and Sydney.

Mr Andrews said depression was the third-largest health problem in Australia, after
heart disease and stroke.

It affects one in five Australians, but many depression sufferers don't seek treatment, he said.

Mr Andrews said it was important to talk about depression so that more people would
seek help as early as possible, especially youths.

The riders are expected to arrive at Lasseters Hotel Casino in Alice Springs on Saturday
for a barbecue lunch, before heading to the Glen Helen Resort at the West MacDonnell Ranges.

All funds raised from the ride will go to the Black Dog Institute to help expand its
community education programs.

The mission of the institute is to advance the understanding, diagnosis and management
of mood disorders by raising clinical, research and education standards.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline
on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).

AAP anr/mp

KEYWORD: RIDE

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