News

This year’s World Day of Prayer on Friday March 2 at Frank Vickery Village in Sylvania saw prayers for those suffering with depression; for farmers and their families in the midst of the drought, for people around the world and for those in aged care who are affected by this illness.

Over 80 people including residents, staff and special guests gathered together for a special service to remember those around the world and in their local community affected by depression. Clinical Psychologist Natasha Galovic, from Wandene Private Hospital, was special guest at the event and spoke on the issue of depression and caring for the depressed.

Ms Galovic began by describing depression, outlining the most common symptoms and went on to talk about some of the causes for depression and where to get help. She also spoke about depression in the elderly and the difficulty of recognising it as many of the symptoms could be attributed to old age, dementia or general health problems.

“We were so grateful to have heard from Ms Galovic about this important issue,” said Rev Veneeta Singh-Lucas, who minsters at Frank Vickery Village and organised the World Day of Prayer service.

“Depression is something that our residents can identify with and it was so helpful to learn more about it and gain an awareness of how many people it affects. Ms Galovic presented the information in a way that will equip both our staff and residents to better read signs of depression and support their families and friends going through it,” she said. 

Ms Galovic is one of the Clinical Psychologists that facilitate the Depression Management Day program at Wandene Private Hospital which is one of two private psychiatric hospitals run by Wesley Health Services. The other is Wesley Private Hospital.

Both hospitals offer treatment for those with anxiety or depression, personality and other psychiatric conditions including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and treatment for alcohol and other drug dependencies. Treatments may be in a day patient setting or inpatient setting for the more seriously ill.
 
Residents and staff at Frank Vickery Village were so impressed with the support and information from Wandene Hospital they have asked them to come back to give a presentation on anger/anxiety management.

Linda Barclay 
Public Affairs Officer 
Ph: 02 9263 5509 
Mobile: 0434 076 642