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Abstract
beyondblue is a five-year Australian initiative which takes a populationhealth approach to combating depression. This paper's aim is to describe the findings of an evaluation of beyondblue, conducted four years into its existence.The achievements of beyondblue were examined in the light of its objectives, using synthesised data from 15 secondary sources. Many of beyondblue's lower-level objectives have been completely achieved, with a plethora of key initiatives in place that have led to greater availability of information about depression, improvements in consumer networks, better support for mental health care delivery in primary care settings and increases in targeted research. Most of its intermediate-level and high-level objectives have been partly achieved, with headway made in terms of the community's ‘depression literacy’, acknowledgement of the consumer/carer perspective, the degree to which the health workforce is equipped to deal with depression, the likelihood that individuals will seek help, the range of prevention and early intervention options, the role of primary care practitioners in mental health care, and scientific knowledge about depression. However, in all these areas, ongoing efforts are required. beyondblue's vision, or highest-level objective, has not yet been realised. Society does not optimally understand, respond to or work actively to prevent depression. beyondblue has begun to make an impression, but it is unrealistic to expect systemic and cultural change of this magnitude to occur quickly. beyondblue has partly achieved its goals, and careful consideration should be given to what action is necessary to foster sustainable positive change.