European Alliance Against Depression

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Iceland

Directorate of Health
Campaign Against Depression and Suicide
5 Austurströnd
IS - 170 Seltjarnarnes

Local coordinator

Dr. Högni Oskarsson
Phone +354.5101900
hognio@mmedia.is

Directorate of Health

The Icelandic Alliance against Depression (IAAD; Icelandic: Þjóð gegn þunglyndi) is organized and run as a separate entity under the auspices of the Directorate of Health in Iceland. The Directorate of Health is responsible to the Ministry of Health and is mandated by law to oversee and set standards for all healthcare organizations and public health institutions as well advising the government in matter pertaining to health care services and health policy.
The IAAD was established in late 2002 and has seven members, representing Psychiatry, General Practice, Nursing, Social Services and school counseling. During its lifespan the IAAD has established collaboration with various public institutions, professional and volunteer organizations, as well as with local businesses.

The Icelandic Alliance against Depression

IAAD - Activities

Following is a list of some of the ongoing activities:

The educational and training approach is based on the Icelandic healthcare district system. So far, 5-hour seminars including from each healthcare district GPs and other primary healthcare staff, professional staff from Social Services, from the schools, church, police and others, have been held in about 80% of all healthcare districts in Iceland. The seminars include brief lectures, group discussions, videos and role play training. We will complete the first round of seminars all over the country in September.
A number of seminars and shorter meetings for groups of professionals, mostly for schools and Social Services in the Reykjavík area have been held.
A number of briefer, educational meetings for volunteer groups, mental health promotion groups and others have been held.
Wide distribution of educational pamphlets, posters, crisis cards, educational videos for patients and their families as well as videos for healthcare staff
Sponsorship and distribution of material written by other organizations such as "The Mental Health Commandments", "Suicide risk alert" and a pamphlet on coping skills.
Various appearances on radio and national TV, numerous articles and interviews in newspapers.
Website opened: http://www.thunglyndi.landlaeknir.is/
Population survey of knowledge of and attitudes towards depression completed.
Supervision of volunteer staff of the Red Cross hotline in Iceland.
Research collaboration has been initiated with the Dpt. of Psychiatry, University of Iceland.

Information on regional offers can be found at

The IAAD website - www.thunglyndi.landlaeknir.is
The website of the Directorate of Health - www.landlaeknir.is
The University of Iceland website - www.hi.is
A self-help organization - www.gedhjalp.is
A mental health promotion organization - www.ged.is

Última Actualización: 15.03.2010