Black Dog Institute
E: fundraising@blackdog.org.au
T: 02 9382 4530
A: Hospital Road, Randwick NSW 2031
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
One in five Australians are affected by
mental illness each year. Mental illness can be
overwhelming, crippling and isolating.
The Black Dog Institute has a vision of a
mentally healthier world. We bring together
the strength of a medical research institute
and a not-for profit organisation, dedicated to
improving the lives of people affected by poor
mental health.
We aim to significantly reduce the incidence of
mental illness and suicide, remove stigma and
empower all people to live the most mentally
healthy life possible.
Founded in 2002, we are a world-leader
in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of
depression, bipolar disorder and suicide. We
focus on the rapid translation of quality research
into improved clinical practice, increased
consumer accessibility and delivery of long-term
public health solutions.
About the Black Dog Institute
National awareness and fundraising campaign
Exercise your
mood
Putting health in mind
Make a real difference to the lives
of those living with mental illness.
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Exercise is an evidence-based treatment for
depression. It has a large antidepressant effect
on mild to moderate depression, and on major
depressive disorder.
The benefits of exercise for your mental health
also include:
• increasing endorphins and decreasing stress
hormones
• improving sleep, fitness and energy levels
• distracting from worries and interrupting the
‘inactivity cycle’ of depression
• providing social support and reducing
loneliness
• increasing a sense of control and self-esteem.
Exercise doesn’t have to be extremely strenuous
to provide a benefit. The National Physical
Activity Guidelines for Australians recommend
a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity
exercise on most, preferably all, days of the week.
You can achieve this by:
• doing something that gives you a noticeable
increase in breathing and heart rate
• exercising for at least 10 minutes at a time
• combining short sessions of different
activities to make up the daily total.
Set yourself a personal goal. If you feel daunted,
start small. The key is to find something you feel
good about doing.
What is Exercise Your Mood?
Exercise Your Mood is the Black Dog Institute’s
national awareness and fundraising initiative.
The campaign is designed to encourage
Australians to get active and address the
importance of regular exercise for not only
maintaining physical health, but good mental
health too.
When is it?
Black Dog Institute places a special focus on
Exercise your mood as a fundraising campaign in
September. However as this is an all year around
message, we encourage you to host an exercise
your mood event any time, day, month of the
year that works for you!
Exercise
Your Mood
campaign
How can you get involved?
By giving your time, money or influence you can
make a real difference to the lives of those living
with mental illness.
Here are a few ideas to get your fundraising
activities started:
• Join an existing event in your state – run, swim
or pedal! For a national list of events visit
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au > Fundraise now.
• Organise an event in your workplace, school
or community – a pedometer challenge, mini
Olympics or football game!
The benefits of exercise
Tips for exercising your mood
Create your fundraising page at
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Click on the Fundraise now button