Sep 11 2008
The launch of BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO
Well the official launch happened on Tuesday September 9th at the Black Dog Institute in Randwick. It was a beautiful day and the room was filled to capacity.
The launch was MC’ed by Professor Gordon Parker, the Executive Director of the Black Dog Institute who brought us quickly up to date with some of the fantastic work the Institute is doing. One fantastic initiative they have is a computerised model called the Mood Assessment Program (MAP). This allows doctors to access the clinical expertise of the BDI. The patient fills out a computer based questionnaire that takes about an hour to complete. This then produces a diagnosis and treatment plan. It is in it’s pilot stage and is currently limited to NSW doctors but it will then be rolled out.
Professor Parker then introduced Elena Katrakis, CEO of Carers NSW who spoke on a macro level of the the extraordinary work being done by carers. She explained that their are over 2.5 million caregivers in Australia and their contribution is mostly hidden.
Professor Parker then introduced Lucy Brogden to launch BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO. Lucy spoke with honesty and compassion about the role carers play. She then spoke very personally about the roller coaster of emotions she experienced when trying to help her husband John in his battle with depression.
The audience laughed at her attempts to medicate John by feeding him foods with high levels of serotonin such as bananas and pumpkin seeds. She then disclosed that it would take 20 kg of bananas per day to be a therapeutic dose. The amusing anecdote highlighted the length many carers go to to try to help.
Lucy stressed the importance of self care and having “me time” in order to ensure on can sustain the help to a loved one long term. It was a brilliant speech which really touched those who heard it with it’s humility and honesty and genuine desire to help.
Finally it was my turn to talk and thank those who had helped make BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO a reality. This included the BDI, Carers NSW, the generous caregivers who had completed the survey that became the driving force behind the content of the book and many others from the mental health area too numerous to mention.
I then thanked my carers - my ex wife Susan, and my siblings. My most heartfelt thanks was reserved for my parents, Alan and Judy Cowan, who looked after me for 18 months when I couldn’t look after myself. My two books would never have happened if they hadn’t hung in there. I owe them everything.
Afterwards we enjoyed a lovely light in the courtyard. It was a proud moment after a year of research and hard work.
Full details of BACK FROM THE BRINK TOO can be found at www.DepressionCarer.com
Tonight I am in Melbourne for the Victorian launch which has been organised by www.grow.net.au
Kind Regards
Graeme
