A new short film which highlights how to help someone with depression will be launched on Saturday evening 27 April in the Santa Teresa/Ltyentye Apurte community.
The residents of this community worked with beyondblue and film producers, isee-ilearn to develop this video resource.
beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO said the Keeping Strong short film features a conversation about depression between a female Elder and her granddaughter where they yarn about their concern for a family member, the symptoms she was experiencing and the ways they could help her.
“The film shows the importance of family, culture, traditional ways, and community and their involvement in a person’s healing and recovery,” she said.
Research shows nearly one-third of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 15 report high or very high levels of psychological distress.
“This is about 2.5 times the rate reported by non-Indigenous people.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with psychological stress, especially depression and anxiety, may not recognise it or talk to family, friends or a health professional about their symptoms. We hope this film raises awareness of how to start a conversation with someone who might be depressed and how to get them the appropriate help,” Ms Carnell said.
The stories have been produced in both English and Arrernte to have maximum reach into the community and can be viewed on beyondblue’s Youtube channel
“Making Keeping Strong would not have been possible without the guidance and generosity of people from the Santa Teresa community who have been involved with the project for 12 months. We thank them for sharing their culture and stories with everyone who will view the film.
“The project started with a series of yarning circles held around a campfire to develop the story. In the circles, Community members and Elders started by defining what depression looks like for them, their family and their community.”
“A special thanks goes to the two ‘stars’ of the film, Aunty MK Turner and Amelia Turner, whose images were drawn from photographs and then placed in settings by the illustrator. Aunty’s and Amelia’s voices are also heard in the film.”
“A Keeping Strong short film set in the urban environment of Mt Druitt in Western Sydney has also been developed and this will be launched at the Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney, Mt Druitt on May 7 from 10am to 2pm.
LAUNCH INFORMATION
Celebration to thank the Santa Teresa/Ltyentye Apurte community
Location: Santa Teresa School Grounds, Santa Teresa, 70 kilometres south-east of Alice Springs
Time: Saturday 27 April at 6.30pm
Interview/photo opportunities: Nell Angus, beyondblue Program Leader of the Indigenous and Priority Communities team will be available for interview at the event. Phone interviews