Mental health advocacy

In 2005 and 2006, David Pereira fell seriously ill. He sought hospitalisation (winter of both years) and was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Expert psychiatric and psychological interventions eventually proved helpful, but anti-depressants caused tremor that made cello playing impossible.

By mid-2007 David had recovered completely and discontinued his drug regimen. He then quickly returned to full professional functioning.

In October 2009, David appeared on Stateline (ACT) to discuss his illness and recovery. Click here to view a transcript of the interview.

David is a Patron of the Mental Health Foundation (ACT).

Photograph:

Duncan Sargent, guitar, and David Pereira, cello, performing together at Tilleys to fundraise for the Mental Health Foundation (ACT), 2009.