Black Dog Ride Brings Awareness to Mental Health Issues

You have probably heard of Black Panther, a superhero mega blockbuster that also serves as a great representation of black people within Hollywood.

But have you heard of the Black Dog? This symbol has a heavier meaning attached to it - the black dog is also known as a metaphor for depression.

The Black Dog Ride means exactly that; a motorcycle ride in Australia with the aim to raise awareness of depression.

(All images taken from the Black Dog Ride website)

 

First beginning in 2009, the ride was sparked off by the tragic death of Anna, who had lost her battle with depression. Anna was the wife of the founder, Steve Andrew’s, best friend, and was “part of the epidemic of depression that seemed to be surrounding” him.

 

Having had a long-held dream to ride around Australia, Steve was given a compelling reason to fulfill that dream. And thus, the ride to raise “much needed awareness about the insidious nature of depression” was born.

 

As taken from their website, the Black Dog Ride aims to do the following:

 

• Engage and collaborate with local communities Australia wide
• Raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention in communities involved with the rides
• Build important social links for riders, community members and community groups
• Link riders and community groups to mental health support services
• Build the capacity of Black Dog Ride volunteers around Australia
• Support local business and community groups, and
• Raise vital funds for mental health services

 

 

This year, the ride will be heading down to Darwin for the first time, and they will help to raise funds and awareness for mental health issues.

 

The new CEO of Black Dog Ride, David Peach, also said that “awareness is the best catalyst for promoting help seeking behaviour and preventing the tragedy of suicide.”

 

Check out this documentary on the 2014 Black Dog Ride here:

 

As Steve Andrews said: “Please remember, depression is an illness not a weakness, and effective treatments are available. It is okay to reach out for help; it’s ok to talk about the way you feel. You don’t have to battle it on your own.”

 

While Singapore still appears to be more conservative about these kinds of topics, leading to the stigma attached to psychiatric disorders, do not hesitate to seek help if you are suffering from mental illness.

 

Interested in learning more about this cause? Visit their website here.