Male Depression the driver for Riding4aCause

Riding 4 A Cause

Three Sydney friends who share a passion for motorbikes have come together to declare they will ride to the red centre of Australia to raise awareness of male depression.

In their quest, they aim to rally at least another 497 fellow motorcyclists (a total of 500 - both men and women) to join them on their journey.

The motorcycling trio aim to remove the social stigma associated with mental health disorders by asking men to talk about the challenges and stress they face.

Leaving Sydney on 5^th September, friends, Raz Chorev, Andrew Blanda and Robbie James will embark on a week-long journey covering over 3,000km visiting towns such as Bathurst, Hay, Broken Hill in New South Wales and then onto Port Augusta and Coober Pedy in South Australia before heading into the Northern Territory.

Upon arriving in the Northern Territory they will join other motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Australia who have signed up to the Black Dog Ride.

The Black Dog Ride aims to raise awareness of depression and is the brainchild of Steve Andrews (who last year rode solo around Australia to spread the word). As a collective, all riders will complete the last 130kms of the journey together from Alice Springs to the Glen Helen Resort on 11^th September 2010.

Male depression affects one in six men in Australia and one in eight men worldwide yet it is difficult to self-diagnose and is often blanketed by silence with many choosing to ignore the symptoms.

Raz Chorev, just one of the three original starters from Sydney says he has seen the affects of depression first hand and wanted to do something to help.

“I grew up with a mother who worked in the mental health system and through her work I have seen first hand how depression can affect sufferers and their families, especially men.

“Women tend to be more open to talking about the issue and seeking help but when it’s somewhat taboo when it comes to men and we really want to do something to change that.” He says.

“Hopefully by taking this trip and talking about male depression along the way we can demonstrate that it’s OK to open up and talk about our concerns,” Chorev says.

Men experience depression differently to women and are less likely to seek help or medical treatment. Instead they may use alcohol or drugs to suppress their feelings.

Chorev, Blanda and James are urging everyone to get involved either as a participant or a supporter. To find out more visit www.riding4acause.org To make a donation toward helping those with depression please visit: www.everydayhero.com.au/riding4acause