On Tuesday the 18th June the AGSC's Health and Well-Being Committee held a seminar titled: Mental Health and Well-being and Post-Production. This session was attended by members of the AGSC and our friends at the Australian Screen Sound Guild (ASSG). We were delighted at the large turn-out.
Craig Morgan gave the introduction including a brief overview of the mental health statistics for those working in post-production. Dr Morgan also welcomed Clive Miller the CEO of Support Act who added his own introduction to the evening.
The main presentation was given by Warren Werkman from Access EAP (the team who work for Support Act). Warren explained the most common types of mental health issues: depression and anxiety, and about the symptoms of anxiety and depression and what to do if we're experiencing them.
"Depression and anxiety...are like the common colds of mental health"
He also gave the group information about the Support Act Helpline, why people were calling and why people were not calling. Importantly, there was much informal conversation and constructive interaction throughout the seminar. Our friends at the ASSG certainly do share many of the same sensibilities and challenges that screen composers do and the attendees bonded in a sincere and professional way.
Thanks to Damien Lane and Jo Smith for organising and running the event. We are investigating holding a similar event in Melbourne. Feel free to contact us if this is of interest to you.
If you are in need of support or simply an understanding ear please contact:
Support Act Wellbeing Helpline: 1800 959 500
Beyond Blue Phone: 1300 22 4636
Lifeline Phone: 13 11 14
