If you are over 80-years-old and lead an active, healthy life – beyondblue: the national depression initiative wants to hear from you.

beyondblue raises awareness about depression and related mental health problems, and is inviting people to share their stories about positive ageing by getting involved in the "Over B……Eighty!" (OBE) campaign.

Why? Because a lot of people incorrectly tend to think that the older you get, the more depressed you become - when we know that this isn't necessarily so. Research shows that exercise, friends, family, going out, a good diet and staying positive all play a big role in helping people's wellbeing. 

CEO of beyondblue, Leonie Young, says people over 80 around the country are invited to share their stories on what keeps them well to dispel those myths about ageing and to help encourage others to live active and healthy lives into their 80s and beyond.

"Contrary to common belief, depression is not a normal part of ageing, but an illness for which effective treatments are available – regardless of the person's age," she said.

"We would like to hear how people over 80 are keeping mentally and/or physically fit. We are keen to hear first-hand accounts of what people think helps them to prevent – or recover from - depression and anxiety and what they do to enjoy life. Our aim is to publish these stories on the beyondblue website and encourage others to gain insight and enjoy everything life has to offer."
 
If you are interested in sharing your story, the first step is to write a short letter about what keeps you mentally and/or physically healthy in 100 words or less and send it in to beyondblue.

If the story helps promote positive ageing – beyondblue will be in touch to arrange an interview over the phone. beyondblue will write your story and publish it on the beyondblue website www.beyondblue.org.au

If you are interested in participating in beyondblue's OBEcampaign please write to:    

beyondblue OBE campaign
PO Box 6100
Hawthorn West
VIC, 3122

Or email: OBEs@beyondblue.org.au

Don't forget to include a phone number, so beyondblue can phone you. If you would prefer to talk to someone at beyondblue rather than write, call Bonnie Vincent or Sue Gherdovich, on 03 9810 6100. Please also let us know if you are willing to have your story published with your name on it, or whether you'd prefer to remain anonymous. We welcome photos, wherever possible.