Help us tackle mental health

Did you know that one in five Australians experience a mental health condition in any given year? Even more frightening is the fact that suicide remains the leading cause of death amongst Australians aged between 15-44 years. To put that into perspective, that’s more than the number of people who die from car accidents or any forms of cancer each year.

Whether it’s a family member, friend, or work colleague, the chances are that someone close to you is in need of help. Unfortunately, most Australians experiencing mental illness will not seek professional assistance. This is often because of the stigma surrounding this issue, the costs, or the lack of face-to-face services.

At Academy Xi, we’re passionate about changing this reality. As part of our Xi Act, we believe it’s our responsibility to help break the mental health stigma by empowering organisations who are making a positive difference in this space.

To do this, we’re currently raising money for the Black Dog Institute by a number of our Xi team members taking on the famous Sun-Herald City2Surf fun-run next month in Sydney.

The Black Dog Institute is a Medical Research Institute and a global leader in translational mental health research. By using the latest technology, they’re able to turn research findings into clinical services and education aimed at improving the lives of those suffering from mental illnesses. The institute offers expert diagnosis and treatment and prevention for depression and bipolar disorder. The Black Dog Institute is also spearheading Australia’s largest suicide prevention trial – LifeSpan – which connects and amplifies existing suicide prevention services and tailors these to each trial site.

By partnering with community groups, and working alongside schools, workplaces, doctors, and healthcare professionals they aim to achieve 4 essential goals:

• Diagnose mood disorders accurately and early,
• Treat them using innovative, effective and accessible strategies,
• Prevent their onset by understanding why and who they affect and
• Reduce the overall impact of mental illness and save lives

Black Dog Institute’s vision is a world where the onset of depression and suicide can be prevented and treated. At Academy Xi, we’re running alongside them make to help make this mission a reality.

If you share our passion, we encourage you to donate to our fundraising campaign here: Support the Black Dog Institute

Seeking help for mental health is the first step towards recovery. If you are in need of help, talk to a trusted friend, family member, GP or reach out here:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• ReachOut at au.reachout.com