Are you supporting a family member or friend with depression?
This can be a stressful, overwhelming and isolating experience.
Here is some more information to help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to help yourself.
In Australia, depression is most commonly described as feeling of sadness. People who are depressed experience an extended period of sadness or a negative mood, rather than a brief reaction of sadness to a stressful or difficult situation. In a depressed state, the brain and body do not function as well as they do in a non-depressed state.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. In 2012, approximately 2.1 million people, almost 10% of the Australian population, were reported to be living with depression. This to highlight that you, or your loved one, are not alone and help is available.
As a result of these symptoms, people with depression find it difficult to undertake their usual activities of daily living.
Many different factors can contribute to depression, instead of one single cause.
People who are depressed show an imbalance in their biochemistry or a deficiency of neurotransmitters in their brain that contribute to feeling ‘happy’ emotions. This is why medication can be a useful method of treatment. Talking therapies such as counselling have been evidenced as the most successful treatment of depression.
It is really important that the person experiencing depression seeks help to address the contributing factors, by making healthy lifestyle changes and speaking to a health professional, such as a GP, about their feelings. Health professionals will be able to comprehensively assess your individual situation and make key recommendations for treatment.
The recovery rates for depression are very positive and effective treatment is available.
Effective treatment is available, and many people successfully recover from depression.
Most people who are depressed or who have lived with depression do not commit suicide, although some do and any talk of suicide should be taken seriously. Encourage them to talk about their feelings with you or suggest they call an anonymous 24/7 helpline.
The best way to help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or illness, is to offer a listening ear and let them know you are there for them.
Often, we have a strong desire to ‘fix’ or ‘solve’ someone else’s problem, however this is not your role and should be left to a professional. The best thing you can do is to help them find an appropriate service though a GP, mental health phone line, mental health service or by searching online.
Having someone close to you who lives with mental health challenges can be exhausting, frustrating, confusing and isolating. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
HelpingMinds offers free and confidential support to people who are caring for someone living with mental health challenges. We offer free counselling, support groups, rest and revive activities, school holiday programs, family programs, youth programs and advocacy to people living in WA.
Would you like to know more about free and confidential mental health carer services and how we can support you? Please feel free to contact HelpingMinds via the form below or on (08) 9427 7100. For one of our team to get back to you, we will require your email address and/or phone number. Please know all information provided will be treated completely confidential and in line with our privacy policy.
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Helping Australians since 1976.
© 2020 HelpingMinds.
Privacy Policy
Eligibility Policy
Resources
Carer Rights
Feedback
How We Can Help
Supporting Mental Health Issues For Families, Young People & Adults.
Get In Touch
All calls made to our Carer Centre will be directed to our metro or regional offices.
Head Office
182 Lord Street, Perth WA 6000
Phone: (08) 9427 7100
Fax: +61 (8) 9427 7119
Free Phone: 1800 811 747
HelpingMinds respectfully acknowledge that we work on Aboriginal land and pay our respects to community members and Elders, past and present. Individuals pictured are models and are used for illustrative purposes only.
HelpingMinds is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. HelpingMinds welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information, see our Diversity Statement.
HelpingMinds prides itself on being an accessible and inclusive organisation, ensuring everyone who needs support is able to access the right service and receive the help they need. If you require accessible locations, an interpreter or translator services, please contact us. For more information, see our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.
Helping Australians since 1976.
© 2020 HelpingMinds.
Privacy Policy
Eligibility Policy
Resources
Carer Rights
Feedback
How We Can Help
Supporting Mental Health Issues For Families, Young People & Adults.
Get In Touch
All calls made to our Carer Centre will be directed to our metro or regional offices.
Head Office
182 Lord Street, Perth WA 6000
Phone: (08) 9427 7100
Fax: +61 (8) 9427 7119
Free Phone: 1800 811 747
HelpingMinds respectfully acknowledge that we work on Aboriginal land and pay our respects to community members and elders, past and present. Individuals pictured are models and are used for illustrative purposes only.
HelpingMinds is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. HelpingMinds welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information, see our Diversity Statement.
HelpingMinds prides itself on being an accessible and inclusive organisation, ensuring everyone who needs support is able to access the right service and receive the help they need. If you require accessible locations, an interpreter or translator services, please contact us. For more information, see our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.
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