Did you know that the levels of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms for Australian Entertainment Industry workers are 10 times higher than in the general population? Or that the  levels of depression symptoms are five times higher than in the general population? Or that Suicide attempts for Australian Entertainment Industry workers are more than double that of the general population? 

Research by Entertainment Assist, found that there were extensive mental health issues across the broad spectrum of the industry often as a result of bullying, sexual abuse, long and unrewarding working hours and a lack of appreciation for years of commitment.

APDG Vice President, Fiona Donovan and APDG Business Manager, Rebecca Whittington recently undertook the very useful screen industry specific mental health first aid course. The course was run by Ben Steel, funded by Screen Australia and adapted from the Standard Mental Health First Aid Course for adults. It teaches participants how to assist a friend, family member, or other members of the community who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

The APDG encourages members to learn more about mental health and wellbeing within the industry and if you are unsure where to start, take a look at the APDG Mental Care and Wellbeing information on our website.  

Anyone who is interested in attending a FREE future MHFA Course, please contact Ben Steel.