A Story of Purpose and Mental Health: Peter Joseph AM

Peter Joseph AM is a Past Rotary Global Scholar who shares a powerful story, shining a light on mental health. He will be joined by Professor Helen Christensen AO, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and former Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute. They'll be in conversation with journalist Emma Rossi. Dr Christensen is a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues.

Peter will speak about life, loss, and finding purpose through service.  Peter is the founding Chair of the Black Dog Institute and will talk about how his time as a Rotary Global Scholar nearly 60 years ago helped shape his values and direction in life. 

In an honest and moving discussion, Peter will reflect on the origins of the Black Dog Institute which was founded in 2002.  This Medical Research Institute was established at a time in Peter’s life that also saw the illness and later the tragic loss of his son who took his own life in 2006 after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness.  Peter has since dedicated much of his life to shifting how Australians understands, responds to, and researches mental illness.

The conversation will be in an interview format led by journalist and Australia Day Ambassador Emma Rossi.

This event is free and is being jointly hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre.