Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders, account for the highest burden of global disability. Half of mental illnesses first manifest prior to 14 years of age and childhood disorders are linked to a range of long-term deleterious social, criminal and economic outcomes in adulthood. Since 2009, a research team at the Food and Mood Centre (Deakin University) has led many observational studies, across countries, cultures and age groups, showing that diet matters to depression and other health issues.
Better quality diets are consistently associated with reduced depression risk, while unhealthy dietary patterns – higher in processed foods – are associated with increased depression and often anxiety. The importance of good nutritional intake at an early age is explored in multiple studies, including a systematic review in 2014, which found that a poor diet is linked to poorer mental health in children and adolescents.
The emphasis of this PD session (self-care) is to learn how our food consumption may affect not just our physical health, but also our mental health and wellbeing. Participants will also learn how our ‘six core needs’ drive our decision and behaviours on a daily basis, and develop awareness into why we do the things we do and who we become as a result.
11:30 am Registration
12:00 noon Lunch and networking
1:00 pm Well being 101 (Part one)
1:50 pm Short break
2:00 pm Well being 101 (Part two)
3:00 pm Afternoon break
3:15 pm Well being 101 (Part three)
4:30 pm Q&A, feedback, and suggestions
5:00 pm End