In speaking at the launch of his book today, Andrew Robb said his decision to go public about his battle with depression saw a spike in men over the age of forty visiting psychiatrists and psychologists to seek help with their mental health, said Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Shadow Minister for Ageing and Shadow Minister for Mental Health.
“My colleague Andrew Robb was approached to write a book about his battle with depression but agreed to it only if he managed to get on top of it,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said after the Canberra launch of Black Dog Daze.
“It’s an inspiring message for anyone who may be battling with depression or any other mental illness. Andrew lived with his depression for 43 years and had been self-managing the condition during that time.
“He said that the first four weeks of taking medication were the worst of his life, but that every day now is free of the affliction that dogged him every morning.
“Mental illness affects one in five Australians each year and on RU OK Day it is important to take the time to ask your friends, colleagues and families if they are OK.
“By writing this book Andrew hopes to help remove the stigma surrounding mental illness. The more we talk to each other about it, the more likely we are to accept those with it and seek help ourselves.
“I congratulate him on the publication of the book and look forward to reading it.”