Mind Fitness Program
Wheelchair Sports Victoria (WSV) in collaboration with Beyond Blue has initiated the development of the Mind Fitness Program in order to provide an education and information service to members of WSV and their families.
WSV has identified depression as a significant risk factor within its membership base. Our membership base is predisposed to this mental health illness not only because of the rigours of sport, retirement and injury but it is also attributable to people that have lifelong disabilities that may give them a higher predisposition to depression, either during the onset of a traumatic injury, or years down the track.
Some WSV staff have unintentionally become 'sounding boards' for members. WSV has acknowledged this and in conjunction with beyondblue will be training WSV staff, coaches, team managers and key partners, who are all in contact with members and their families, on how to best help people who may be suffering from depression.
While they will not become accredited counsellors, this program aims to give participants the tools to support members by:
• Providing a supportive and confiding relationship
• Encouraging the control of negative thoughts
• Assisting and encouraging problem solving
• Encouraging involvement in positive activities
• Promoting health maintenance
• Providing controlled exposure to reminders of loss
This program has the potential to be a supportive safety net for people not just when they depart rehabilitation, but more particularly further down the track following their rehabilitation procedures.
For further information on the Mind Fitness Program, please contact Sean Corcoran on scorcoran@wsv.org.au or 9473 0133.
Information sheet 1a
Information sheet 1b
Checklist
Wallet card
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ENDORSEMENT FOR WHEELCHAIR SPORTS VICTORIA & BEYOND BLUE INITIATIVE
Times of great stress can get us down, especially when we can't see the way forward. This is particularly so at times of transition, which comes to us all at different points in our lives. Because there seems to be no way forward they may plunge us into deep depression. Common transition times are: retirement from full-time work or elite sport, from walker to wheelchair bound or from youth to old age. We have the inner strength to see these times as challenges for a different and rewarding future.
However, we may also see the obstacles and challenges and be unable to see the way towards that interesting future. Family, friends and other people close to us can be very helpful in providing encouragement and support through these difficult times, but that may not be enough. Often we need guidance and help from someone outside our immediate circle, someone who can stand back, help us to focus on our strengths and help us to find the way forward. If such assistance comes early, the transition can be fairly smooth, though not without its anxiety. If we can't get that outside help, we may slide quickly into deep depression - a deep dark hole with sheer sides from which we can no longer escape nor even see the ladder that is there for us to climb.
For early intervention, we must recognise the times when our friends or colleagues are at risk. This is not just the time of obvious transition, but also about how they are handling the challenge. Appearances may belie the inner reality. I am very pleased to see this initiative of Wheelchair Sports Victoria and Beyond Blue. Those trained in this program would be able to recognise the signs of depression at an early stage and assist people to get help before depression really sets in. This program will train people to be open, aware and capable of detecting and providing guidance to people who are struggling with major stresses in their life. It will fill a gap, of which we are often unaware, alleviate anxiety and provide support for those in need.
A/Professor Douglas J. Brown
Director
Victorian Spinal Cord Service
Austin Health