Disease on a leash

JOHN Arden has recovered from depression and is now helping others to do the same.
“Based on my own experience with depression I felt I had enough to identify the symptoms of depression in other people,” Mr Arden said.
Mr Arden battled the disease for 10 years.
He left the police force, sold his assets and used all his savings.
“I lost everything I had,” he said.
“The depression is so insidious it can take over.”
Mr Arden has been working at Upwey’s Magpie House for two months, delivering workshops and seminars on depression and related illnesses, personal development and life skills.
He said there is much said about the subject of depression but it is still misunderstood.
“As long as there is still confusion over the difference between depression and being depressed, the disease will never be fully understood,” he said.
He said depression is a disease that generally results from a chemical imbalance in the brain.
“Being depressed is not a disease, it’s simply a question of mood and emotion,” he said.
Mr Arden said assisting families to intervene and help those suffering from depression is also part of the work he does at Magpie House.
“Intervention is the key; in many cases, people suffering from depression and related illnesses are unable to help themselves,” he said.
He said it is also important to provide support for people who have recovered from the illness.
“Recovery is only part of the process.
“The difficult part is trying to figure out where to go from there.”
Mr Arden wants to inform the public on the nature of depression through seminars and workshops for community groups, service clubs and other organisations to help people to better understand the illness and how to help.
Based on the feedback from his 30 January introductory seminar, Mr Arden is exploring the possibility of a regular weekly session for those suffering from and interested in the subject of depression.
A second seminar on 27 February will revisit material covered in the first session, as well as exploring strategies for treatment of the illness and maintaining better physical and mental health.
Starting on Wednesday 13 February is Reconstruct Your Life, four weekly sessions designed for those who have recovered from depression or other illness, or are lacking a sense of direction in life.
Seminars on relationships, men’s issues, and current environmental conditions will also be held at the house in the coming months.
Magpie House is located at 48 Main Street, Upwey.
For more information on any of the sessions at Magpie House or those who are interested in having Mr Arden speak at a seminar or workshop can contact him on 9751 1439 or 0408 991 737.