Young Victorian basketballers turn blue to raise awareness of depression

Young basketball players throughout Victoria will turn blue on July 23 and 24, to raise awareness of depression, anxiety and related disorders in the sporting community. On Friday evening, 23 July, a blue round will be played totalling 467 games at over 67 venues.

The Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) and beyondblue: the national depression initiative formed a partnership at the beginning of the 2010 Aussie Oranges Championship Season.

beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said: “We are thrilled to be working with the VJBL and we see the blue round as a wonderful opportunity to get important mental health information to everyone involved in junior basketball in Victoria.

“Young people need to know that depression and anxiety disorders are common illnesses that can be treated. We encourage young people to look for the signs of depression and anxiety, to listen to their friends, to talk about what’s going on and to seek help together if it’s needed.”  Basketball Victoria’s CEO, Wayne Bird says he is delighted to be working with beyondblue to raise awareness of depression and anxiety amongst young people.

“This partnership allows members of VJBL to promote awareness of depression and anxiety whilst playing a game that they love. Depression and anxiety disorders in young people are common - it is so important basketball plays an active role in promoting awareness about where to get help and how to stay well,” he said.

Research shows that depression and anxiety disorders often develop in adolescence. Around 20 per cent of young people will have experienced significant depressive symptoms by the time they reach adulthood. (www.youthbeyondblue.com)  That equates to one in five or 1,720 VJBL participants who will experience some form of depression by the time they turn 18.

A special VJBL beyondblue Exhibition Game will be played on Saturday 24 July at the Werribee Basketball Stadium, Ballan Road Werribee, tip off 4.50pm. Free beyondblue information will be available at the stadium. For more information about the game visit www.vjbl.com.au

For more information about depression, anxiety and related disorders, where to get help and how to stay well, visit www.beyondblue.org.au or www.youthbeyondblue.com or call 1300 22 4636.