The organisation works in partnership with governments, local health services, educational institutions, workplaces, media and community organisations, as well as the general community to raise community awareness about anxiety and depression and reduce the associated stigma.[3] Beyond Blue was founded in 2000 by former premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett. It is currently chaired by Julia Gillard, former prime minister of Australia. Gillard is supported by CEO Georgie Harman, and Deputy Chair Kate Carnell.[1][6]
Beyond Blue began in October 2000 as a five-year initiative of the Australian Government and state and territory governments after a period of public debate on the treatment of depression sufferers assisted by intensive and persistent lobbying by former Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett. The aim was to raise awareness of depression and to reduce the associated stigma.[7]
Politicians who have encouraged people to both donate to and utilise the services of Beyond Blue include Geoff Gallop and John Brogden.
In March 2017, it was announced that former prime minister Julia Gillard would take over as chair of Beyond Blue from founder and chairman Jeff Kennett.[8] Gillard replaced Kennett on 2 July 2017.[9]
In 2011, Jeff Kennett remarked publicly that children of gay and lesbian parents have worse mental health outcomes,[17] and amid a resulting controversy Beyond Blue staff and supporters called on the organisation to create specific programs for gay and lesbian Australians.[18] In 2012, Beyond Blue launched a $1.5 million year-long campaign to reduce discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender people in Australia.[19] In 2015, the organisation issued a statement in support of same-sex marriage.[20][21]
In 2018, Beyond Blue rejected a donation of $5,000 from wrestler Dave Marshall. Marshall, who is gay, publicly stated the donation was a portion of the money he earned selling pornographic photos and videos. Beyond Blue subsequently said they would not accept money that comes from "gambling, alcohol or pornography". Beyond Blue clarified that they would accept the donation if Marshall removed their name from his platforms to ensure “future consumers of your products are not given the impression their purchase is in any way supporting Beyond Blue”.[22] Marshall instead donated the money to the suicide prevention Black Dog Institute.[23]
In 2013, Beyond Blue campaigned against the insurance industry's discrimination against people who have experienced anxiety and depression.[24] They also launched a campaign featuring actor Ben Mendelsohn as the character "Anxiety", describing symptoms and how it feels to experience anxiety,[25][26][27] and conducted a survey into the mental health of doctors and medical students finding very high rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.[28]
A 2015 survey of 1,200 Australians by TNS Australia revealed that one in five Australians still believe that people with anxiety are just "putting it on".[29] In 2016, Beyond Blue launched another campaign on radio and TV to raise awareness of anxiety and its symptoms, with actor Guy Pearce providing the voice over.[30]
Men are a key audience for Beyond Blue and the Man Therapy campaign achieved widespread coverage. The campaign was a "first of its kind" program in Australia and featured a humorous character, "Dr Brian Ironwood", urging men to take action when it comes to their wellbeing.[31][32] Launched in 2013, it was an international collaboration with the Colorado Office for Suicide Prevention, whose Man Therapy was adapted for an Australian audience.[33] The campaign was programmed to last one year.[31]Ipsos Social Research Institute evaluated the campaign's effectiveness for Beyond Blue and found that 1/3 of men 18 and over recognised the Man Therapy campaign, 280,000 visited the website and 5–15% of men aware of the campaign changed their attitudes to mental health.[34]
Beyond Blue and AOMB also reached agreement to fundraise an initiative to raise awareness of anxiety and depression in Australia by organising several charity events.[35]
Writing in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, Rob Whitley criticised Beyond Blue's advertising as blaming men for their mental health issues. For example, the front page of Beyond Blue's website stating "Men are known for bottling things up".[36]
Beyond Blue provides support for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression through their helpline.[37] The helpline is accessible 24 hours a day, providing immediate support to those in need.[38] The helpline number is 1300 224 636.[39] This service allows individuals to speak with a trained mental health professional who can provide advice and guide callers to appropriate resources.[40]
