Not-for-profit organisation Beyondblue is sending its  ‘Big Blue Bus around northern Queensland next week and will stop in at the Port Douglas Markets on Sunday morning.

Beyondblue, which is dedicated to addressing issues including depression and anxiety disorders, is urging anyone with problems to come see its trained staff on the bus, which is touring the region as part of the organisation’s National Roadshow.

The National Roadshow has already covered close to 30,000km on its journey around Australia to tackle anxiety and depression and is visiting dozens of communities across Queensland’s 11 Medicare Local regions.

Beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman urged people to attend a Roadshow event, where they can chat to Beyondblue staff in an informal environment, pick up free information resources and find out about local support services.

“We’ve been working with the Far North Queensland Medicare Local and community groups to plan events and we look forward to chatting with people about depression and anxiety and how to get help. We’ll also be encouraging people to ‘Take 1 step’ for better mental health by tuning in to how they are feeling, opening up and talking through their worries with those around them, and taking action to get help if needed,” she said.

“Around one million people in Australia have depression at any given time and over two million have anxiety. These are common conditions and can affect anyone. Unfortunately, over half of all people who experience depression or anxiety don’t seek help. Getting Queenslanders talking about mental health is an important first step in tackling anxiety, depression and suicide.”