HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH DEPRESSION

DO let them know you've noticed a change in their behaviour and encourage them to:

- Talk about their experiences.
- Realise you're there to listen without being judgmental.
- See a doctor or health professional (and offer to make the appointment).
- Read information about depression/anxiety.
- Talk openly about their depression/anxiety.
- Become involved in social activities.
- Exercise and eat well.
- Get out for a chance of scenery occasionally.
- Maintain contact with friends and family.

- Practice stress management and relaxation techniques

DON'T try to fix their problem or:

- Pressure them to 'snap out of it', 'get their act together', 'cheer up' or 'calm down'.
- Stay away or avoid the person.
- Tell them they just need to stay busy or get out more.
- Encourage them to party more or wipe out how they're feeling with drugs or alcohol.

- Assume the problem will just go away.

Where to Get Help

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Your family doctor

The Australian Psychological Society referral service: 1800 333 479.

The Black Dog Institute: http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/.

Beyond blue: http://www.beyondblue.org.au, 1300 22 4636 or infoline@beyondblue.org.au.

HeadSpace: http://www.headspace.org.au/.

SANE Australia: http://www.sane.org. Helpline: 1800 18 SANE (7263) 9-5 weekdays EST. A Free Infopack can be requested. From a mobile phone call 03 9682 5272 (charged at normal mobile rates).

Lantern 03 9093 5977 or info@lantern.org.au

E-Hub Self-Help Programs for Mental Health and Wellbeing

http://www.ehub.anu.edu.au/welcome.php