drive against depression jy5z
Carsales Staff30 Sept 2017
NEWS

Driving against depression

Leveraging a passion for cars to explore mental health issues has got our attention

How often have you gone for a cruise – we're not talking about commuting here – and felt better for it? 'Drive Against Depression' is a new initiative which aims to jump start conversations about mental health in the relaxed environment of cruising in cars.

Open to all, but aimed at car lovers and enthusiasts, 'Drive Against Depression' runs regular drives, at present only in Victoria, with the goal being to remove the stigma attached to opening up about negative feelings, such as depression or anxiety.

According to the 'Drive Against Depression’ website, "Sitting beside someone while going for a drive provides an ideal forum for unguarded conversations and a chance to reconnect with a passion."

Whether it's the forest views, cruising out in the countryside, a shared lunch or just enjoying some drive time with a mate, "it all plays an important part in mental wellness" according to Sarah and Adam, 'Drive Against Depression' founders.

The not-for-profit organisation has run two 'Drive Against Depression' events so far and the third is planned for November 18, 2017.

Drive Against Depression

In terms of what to expect, the website advises, "The day promises an interesting drive route suited to all cars and drivers, a few fun challenges to inspire your competitive streak and a valuable opportunity to reconnect with others as well as yourself."

Alan Heaphy, legendary Aussie motorsport engineer and team manager, attended the last Drive Against Depression event and as well as talking about his the highs of Le Mans and the Bathurst-winning Gibson motorsport Nissan GT-R, he talked of life's lows.

"The importance of discussing life with your mates is something I think many people - blokes in particular - overlook. We seem to adopt a 'She'll be right' attitude'," he said.

"What's great about Drive Against Depression is that you're able to have these conversations while enjoying some great roads in a great mix of cars. We had everything from old Jaguars to the latest Lexus LC along.

"It was fantastic to see everyone chatting about life, from being a modern-day parent to how much horsepower the 1991 Bathurst Nissan Skyline GT-R actually had...!"

The not-for-profit organisation's last event attracted around 30 cars and 40 participants, and the November 18 event in Melbourne's east requires only a road-worthy, registered car.

For more details check out Drive Against Depression events page.

Share this article
Written byCarsales Staff
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.