In recent years the mental health of Australians has become a heightened topic of discussion due to factors such as high levels of suicide, violence, drug and alcohol issues and mental illness, to name a few.

Two mental health issues that are particularly common are depression and bipolar disorder.

One in seven Australians will suffer depression while one in 33 suffers from bipolar disorder. Seeking early treatment is very important in order to deal with these illnesses.

Yass Valley Men’s Shed will be hosting a forum about depression and bipolar disorder under the banner ‘Mood Disorders and Resilience’.

Two members of the men's shed, Dr Raja Ahluwalia and Peter Hurley, were recently trained by the Black Dog Institute to be able to run this forum.

The forum aims to give a concise and precise explanation on both depression and bipolar disorder: the causes, living with them, fear of seeking help and how to seek help. There will be a strong emphasis on building resilience to strengthen oneself to struggle positively with these mood disorders. This presentation will also be helpful to those who support people with these illnesses.

The forum is open to all members of the Yass community.

It will be held at the Yass Valley Men's Shed at 1428 Yass Valley Way, North Yass, on Thursday December 6.

The evening will begin with a barbecue from around 5.30pm with the presentation beginning at 7pm and going until about 8.15pm.

If you would like to attend please register your interest with the shed's secretary, Wayne Stuart, on 0419 292 022.