Canowindra woman Joy Beattie is a passionate advocate for mental health and is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding depression and anxiety in the community.
October is NSW Mental Health Month and this year Joy has brought back the free information table at Canowindra Pharmacy to help spread awareness and understanding about mental illness. “The focus is on depression and anxiety
in young people who are sometimes overlooked,” said Joy. “Depression can affect young children.” “There are so many resources out there that people aren’t aware of and they don’t know where they can get information from.
I want to make people aware of where they can find help, and offer them help too. I’ve made it my goal to inform people and put information out there for people to take home.” Through her own experiences with depression and being a distant carer for a child with bipolar, Joy believes that education and support
are the most important aspects of helping someone with mental illness.
“Carers have a very important role in supporting people with a mental illness. Sometimes a person with a mental illness can’t explain what they’re going through. If their carer has an understanding, they can help.”
The Canowindra Depression Anxiety Awareness Support Group meets every second Tuesday of the month from 5pm to 6pm in the CWA Rooms on Blatchford Street. Anyone is welcome to come along to seek and offer support in a relaxed and confidential environment. Call Joy on 6344 1866 for more information. Check out Joy’s information table at Canowindra Pharmacy to pick up a wristband, postcard and a variety of useful resources to help you or someone you care about.