ATA declares depression awareness initiative a success, saying it has helped industry gain a greater understanding of the issues
November 2, 2009
The Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) initiative to raise awareness of anxiety and depression has been hailed a success.
The group says the involvement of companies such as Linfox and Simon National Carriers to promote BeyondBlue’s Anxiety and Depression Month throughout October has ensured many in the industry have gained a greater understanding of the issues.
Operators such as Simon National Carriers held a morning tea to raise funds, while organisers of the Newcastle and Hunter Region Road Transport Awareness Day used the last weekend of October to issue information kits to attendees.
ATA Chief Executive Stuart St Clair thanked participants for their time and effort and says they made a real difference.
“The level of support for ADA Month in the trucking industry shows we are making a real effort to confront anxiety and depression,” St Clair says.
“Trucking companies need to be concerned about depression, like companies in every industry. By backing beyondblue’s ADA Month, the companies and people involved have shown they are serious about supporting the wellbeing of truck drivers across the country.”
However, he says the industry’s involvement in promoting awareness must not stop despite the end of the Anxiety and Depression Month.
“We need to continue to get the message out that depression is much more serious than feeling sad every now and then or having a bad day on the road. If someone isn’t travelling too well, they shouldn’t feel embarrassed to have a chat to their doctor,” St Clair says.
Those seeking more information on depression and anxiety can contact BeyondBlue at www.beyondblue.org.au or on 1300 22 4636.
The ATA says transport drivers and their family members can also contact the Trans-Help Foundation on 1300 787 996 or visit www.transhelpfoundation.com.au