BEYONDBLUE has designated October as Anxiety and Depression Awareness (ADA) Month, which includes Mental Health Week (October 7-13) and World Mental Health Day (October 10). While people are thinking about getting into shape for summer, I’d like to encourage everyone to think about the shape they’re in, both physically and mentally. Regular exercise can help shed kilos, but research shows it can also help prevent depression and assist with low mood, anxiety and stress.

In older people, its even been shown to improve memory and clear thinking - and people who aren’t physically active are more likely to have symptoms of depression than active people.

While depression affects one in five Australians during their lives, anxiety disorders are even more common, with one in four people likely to experience an anxiety disorder, including panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or phobias. If you think you or someone you care about may have an anxiety disorder or depression, its important to talk to a doctor or other health professional - the sooner the better. There are many effective treatments (medical and non-medical) to help you get into shape. So put ADA on your radar at home, work or school - order free information materials (including posters, shopping bags, badges, a book and a DVD) by visiting www.beyondblue.org.au or phoning the information line 1300 224 636. Together, we’re raising awareness of anxiety and depression across Australia.

LEONIE YOUNG, CEO, beyondblue: the national depression initiative