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What can you do


	Mental Health
		Helping others information is below or you can view it on the beyondblue website.


	Limelight Statistic
		In 2001, the most commonly reported mental and behavioural problems were mood (affective) problems and anxiety related problems.


	Understanding is the Key
		Some of us will go through life without any mental health issues, which is lucky for them. This does not mean they should ignore it, or brush it off; but accept it and understand it, helping those who are less unfortunate.


	NOTE: The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.

Helping others

People with depression often don't see the point of doing anything and may feel that no one can really help them. Helping someone who isn't ready to recognise they need assistance may be very difficult.

DO - you can help someone by:

• Spending time talking about their experiences

• Indicating that you've noticed a change in their behaviour

• Letting them know you're there to listen without being judgmental

• Suggesting they see a doctor or mental health professional

• Assisting them to make an appointment and/or going with them to see a doctor or mental health professional

• Asking how their appointment went

• Talking openly about depression and assisting them to find information

• Encouraging them to exercise, eat well and become involved in social activities

• Keeping in touch and encouraging close friends and family to do the same.

DON'T - it's unhelpful to:

• Pressure them to 'snap out of it', 'get their act together' or 'cheer up'

• Stay away or avoid them

• Tell them they just need to stay busy or get out more

• Pressure them to party more or wipe out how they're feeling with drugs or alcohol

• Assume the problem will just go away.

Helping someone with depression

It's not always easy to know how to help someone who may be experiencing depression. It can be hard to know what to say or do. Here are some tips.

1. Talk to the person about how they're feeling.

2. Listen to what they're saying - sometimes, when a person wants to talk, they're not always seeking advice, but just need to talk about their concerns. Make it clear they have your full attention and you are listening properly. You may like to save any suggestions for a later discussion.

3. Maintain eye contact and sit in a relaxed position - positive body language will help you both feel more comfortable.

4. Use open-ended questions such as 'So tell me about...?', which require more than a 'yes' or 'no' answer. This is often a good way of starting a conversation.

5. If your conversation becomes difficult or the person you're talking to gets angry: stay calm; be firm, fair and consistent; admit if you are wrong and don't lose control.

6. Often, just spending time with the person lets them know you care and can help you understand what they're going through.

7. Encourage the person to seek professional help from their family doctor or a mental health worker.

8. Take care of yourself. Supporting someone with depression can be demanding, so make sure you take some 'time out' to look after yourself.

Reference: Helping someone with depression; Beyondblue www.beyondblue.org.au