Download a PDF of the 2012 Annual Report - Black Dog Institute

What is the Black Dog?About the InstituteThe Black Dog Institute is a world leader in thediagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorderssuch as depression and bipolar disorder. Foundedin 2002, the Institute is an independent not-for-profitorganisation that combines expertise in clinical managementwith cutting-edge research.One in five Australians are affected by mentalillness every year, with one of the most common ofthese being depression. It touches people of all agesand from all walks of life, and places an enormousburden on individuals, families, workplaces and thehealth system.Living with the ‘black dog’ (as Winston Churchilllabelled his depression) can be overwhelming, a feelingof being trapped in a dark haze. It can manifestas extreme lethargy, irritability or sadness. In extremecases, it can result in thoughts of suicide or self-harm.But there is hope.The Black Dog Institute’s research programextends from risk identification genomic studies todevelopment of websites to enhance mental resiliencein teenagers. We are conducting clinical trials into newtreatment methods as well as conducting groundbreakingimaging studies to ‘see’ what happens to thebrain when depression strikes.While diagnosis and treatment is of utmostimportance, the Black Dog Institute also places emphasison teaching people to recognise the symptomsof mood disorders in themselves and others, as wellas providing them with the right psychological tools tohold the ‘black dog’ at bay.The Black Dog Institute is a collaborativeorganisation that partners with universities, healthservices and community groups across the country.We focus on access – running education programs inregional areas and providing a number of clinicallyendorsedtraining programs both for health careprofessionals and workplaces.Our patron is Her Excellency, the Governor ofNew South Wales, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO.8