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

‘You’re in a relationship; your needs are important.He may not be able to give you everything, and oftenhe will have nothing (or close to nothing) to give. Butif you can express how he can help you and he cangive you something (no matter how small), then youhave a little more to give back to him when the dayhas taken its toll.’From the winning entry in Black Dog Institute’s annual writing competition: 2012’s topic tapped into theexperience of carers.Walking the Tightrope. Third prize of $500 wasawarded to Ms Hannah Bretherton from Maroubra,NSW, for her essay Crowded House.Highly Commended:□□□□□□□□□□The Rollercoaster Ride – Rachael Witton,Noosa Heads, QldBridging the Shadows Together – HannahChim, Epping, NSWUntitled – name withheld, Ngunnaul, ACTThe Closed Door – name withheld, Darlinghurst,NSWEnough Hope for Two – name withheld, AvalonBeach, NSW.Over the past eight years the writing competitionhas focused on a wide range of topics, includingadolescents, the elderly, perinatal depression andtackling mood disorders in the workplace, as well asmastering depression and bipolar disorder; resultingin the publication of five (soon to be six) books bydistinguished publishing companies.People have commented that most books ondepression and bipolar disorder have beenwritten from the outside looking in. Drawing togetherperceptions and personal accounts from those whohave experienced such mood disorders – whetherpersonally or in this case, as a Carer – allows us toreverse this approach.‘Inside out’ views offer rich information that assistsin breaking down the mysteries and managementof mood disorders and these are particularly appreciatedby general readers.BLACK DOG 201243