Beyondblue RuRal Womens Bulletin

Transcription

beyondblue
Rural Womens Bulletin
LEONIE YOUNG
Chief Executive Officer of beyondblue since 2003
People in rural communities in Australia are used to toughing
it out and have always been extremely resilient. It’s these same
qualities of self-sufficiency and resolve which can sometimes
make country people less inclined to seek help for health
problems like depression.
Depression is a potentially disabling condition that affects
around one million Australians each year. One in four women
and one in six men will experience depression at some stage
of their lives. It’s important to realise depression is a serious
condition for which effective treatments are available and having
depression should never be considered a weakness.
Using alcohol and drugs to try to make oneself feel better
is common, but in the long-run, it only makes the situation
worse. If left untreated, depression can be a risk factor for
suicide. However, with the right treatment most people recover.
beyondblue: the national depression initiative is working with
country communities throughout Australia to raise awareness
of depression in the bush (its signs, symptoms and where to
get help) and to reduce the associated stigma that so often
prevents people from getting treatment.
Over the last few years, beyondblue ’s Don’t Beat About the
Bush campaign has targeted rural communities and this year has
incorporated The Mental Health Drought Initiative which is funded
by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing. beyondblue,
in partnership with the Australian General Practice Network
(AGPN) is raising community awareness of depression, educating
business and community leaders at workshops and providing
community outreach and crisis counselling in rural, remote and
regional areas until 2009. At present, the depression awareness
workshops are being held in Exceptional Circumstances areas
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland. A
dedicated Community Support Worker in each community runs
a beyondblue information kiosk. The campaign provides free
For more information
www.beyondblue.org.au
information kits including fact sheets, posters, DVDs, self-help
books and a manual on how to organise a community forum
on depression.
Another useful beyondblue resource is the Rural Assistance
Information Network (RAIN) Map on the website
www.beyondblue.org.au The interactive RAIN map shows
services available to country people in their region. Information
can also be obtained by phoning the beyondblue info line
– 1300 22 4636 (local call cost from a landline).
There are many dedicated women working with beyondblue
to help raise awareness and ease the burden of depression
in drought-affected areas across the country. This newsletter
contains a collection of their stories, highlighting the wonderful
work that is being done in rural, regional and remote areas of
Australia and recognising the inspirational women (and men)
who make it possible.
or
beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636
Rachael Williams
Rachael farms sheep and cattle on 23,000 hectares near
Balranald in rural New South Wales with her husband.
She also manages a community development company
and helped organise beyondblue depression awareness
workshops in her town.
“The reality might be
you’re experiencing depression
and that’s okay because
one in five do in their lifetime
and you can get help.”
WHEN she was eight-years-old, Rachael remembers the
kangaroos getting into the rubbish on her parents’ farm to eat
the labels off tin cans. As a year of crippling drought gripped the
country, animals were forced to forage through trash because
there simply was no other food source. It was a dreadful year for
farmers in Balranald in rural NSW, but unfortunately it was to be the
harbinger of the enduring drought to come.
Today the town’s life blood, the Murrumbidgee River, is a remnant of its
former glory as the area enters its tenth year of below‑average rainfall
and its sixth year declared as an Exceptional Circumstances area.
Rachael lives with her husband and 16-month old daughter on
the property where she grew up. On their farm, the sheep stock
has been reduced to core breeders and their cattle are away on
agistment on a farm where the rain comes more frequently. “We’ve
sold anything we can. We’re just feeding what we have left to keep
them alive,” Rachael said. “We had rain in January – 140mm – but
very little in the growing season. The crop has just been surviving
on 5mm here and there. Here, things are progressing from bad to
worse for a lot of people. Drought is really tiring. Feeding sheep and
chasing water is a constant and thankless task and keeping stock
alive becomes your only goal. It’s almost like treading water instead
of swimming.”
Through her community work, Rachael noticed many farmers
had been doing it tough for so long they were showing signs
of depression. She was inspired to help organise a beyondblue
depression awareness training session. The turn-out was
predominantly women. She said it was heartening to see the
enthusiasm with which they grasped the subject matter.
“The trainer did a good job of demystifying depression,” Rachael
said. “The reality might be you’re experiencing depression and
that’s okay because one in five do in their lifetime and you can
get help. Certainly a lot of the women who did the course were
very fired up to tackle it constructively with their husbands and felt
good having some tools to do that. I think it has created a culture
of acceptance around depression and wanting to talk about it and
share the strategies to deal with it.”
or
Cath Walker
Cath is a psychologist and registered nurse who lives
on 20‑hectares in rural central Victoria with her partner
and their 10-year-old Red Heeler Ella.
WHEN she’s not looking after her property or camping deep in a
national park somewhere Cath Walker travels to rural, regional and
remote communities to conduct beyondblue depression-awareness
workshops. She is part of a network of “rural workforce trainers”
– mental health professionals employed by beyondblue who have
lived and worked in rural settings and understand first-hand the
pressure farming families face in tough times. Cath says women in
drought-stricken areas frequently encounter problems, like financial
worries, relationship breakdowns, loneliness and constant stress,
which if ongoing, could put them at risk of developing depression.
“People in the city or even the regional towns often don’t realise just
how isolated we are out here,” she said. “The networks for women
are collapsing to a degree, there are so many people moving out
of town and they don’t want to go and talk to Aunt Jane because
her sons have just walked off the property. A wife doesn’t want to
talk to her husband because they’re both too stressed. She might
drink too much because that’s how she copes. You can never get
away from the reminders or the stress of drought… you would give
anything just to get away from it all just for a break.”
A fundamental component of the beyondblue rural depression
awareness workshops is educating community leaders to talk
openly about depression to reduce the stigma and encourage
people not to feel ashamed to seek help. Participants attending
the workshops may include members of the Country Women’s
Association, priests, hairdressers, the local publican – anyone who
mixes with people who may be experiencing depression.
“The training looks at the difference between normal emotional ups
and downs a person may have when living with the associated
stress of drought, floods and fires, and the diagnosable medical
condition of depression,” Cath said. “At the end of the day, you
do have difficulties in rural areas, but if someone you are really
concerned about has a serious mental illness, they may not get
better for a long time if left to cope with it on their own.
“In the workshops, we give people ideas about the most
appropriate time to bring it up the topic and how to go about it.
It’s not a matter of just being tougher or more resilient … they’re
in strife and they can be helped. It’s as easy as booking in to the
local doctor. After the training, participants have really good and
accurate information and know how to help others get treatment
and they can go about working to decrease the stigma associated
with mental illness in their own communities.”
Marita Sleep
Marita is a Community Support Worker and drought
officer with the Mallee Division General Practice. She
moved from the Philippines 16 months ago to marry her
Australian husband.
IN 1991, the world watched as Mount Pinatubo erupted,
completely destroying parts of the Philippines claiming hundreds of
lives and displacing millions. Five years after the disaster, counsellor
Marita Sleep took a job in government aid based in one of the
worst-affected towns, the former, American Navy port Subic. It was
there Marita witnessed the results of long-standing psychological
distress caused by the widespread financial, emotional and social
effects of the tragedy.
Marita brings her experience of working in a community coping
with difficult times to the Mallee Division of General Practice as
their drought officer. She is responsible for outreach and crisis
intervention, counselling, education and training on the mental
health implications of drought and operates a beyondblue
information kiosk. The kiosk is stocked with beyondblue information
which is available free to anyone in the community.
The Mallee region has been drought-declared for 10 years. The
drought has spread from dry farming lands to the irrigated farms
and is now impacting on citrus and nut farms, horticulturalists and
even support industries in the CBD. Marita says women, especially,
need to keep their mental health in check while they support their
partners through the tough times.
“A big stress for women, especially, is keeping a stable household
while the husband is trying to salvage the business,” she said.
“Often, women are the ones who do the legwork in seeking
assistance for mental health problems because their husbands are
too proud, or don’t have time and there is still social stigma.
“I would encourage women to be more alert, to educate
themselves on the signs and symptoms of depression, because
they’re the front-liners. When things go really bad, we rely on
women to hold the fort and they need support as much as
anyone… so any opportunity they get to attend the workshops, or
even just to familiarise themselves with the beyondblue information,
they should. Just make the time or even network with other women
to support each other – it’s so important.”
She said since beyondblue had conducted two depression
awareness workshops in her region, there had been a measurable
increase in GP referrals to mental health professionals.
or
Lesley Young
Lesley is the National President of the Country Women’s
Association of Australia from 2006 and sits on the Rudd
Government’s Expert Social Panel reviewing Drought Policy
in Australia. She runs a 260 hectare vegetable, sheep and
cattle farm in East Sassafras Tasmania with her husband
and son.
LESLEY Young recently spent six weeks visiting some of Australia’s
worst drought-affected communities to listen to residents talk
about their experiences. In June 2008, she was appointed to an
expert panel set up by the Federal Government to examine the
social impact of drought on farming families and rural communities
as part of its national review of drought policy.
During her travels, Mrs Young frequently heard stories of
relationship breakdowns because of the prolonged strain of living
in drought. “We really need to be proud of the way these people
are dealing with extreme circumstances,” she said. “It has had a
huge affect on all members of the family, not just men. Women are
affected in many ways because they sacrifice a lot for the sake of
the family,” she said. “They carry the burden of watching husbands
struggle with the drought, while taking great pains to make life as
normal as possible for the children.”
Mrs Young has heard many accounts from women who have had to
leave the farm with the children to earn a second income to make
ends meet, leaving their husbands to contend with the farm work.
Some women remain on the farm to carry out extra duties which
would have been done by workers they can now no longer afford to
pay. While stress and family upsets alone won’t cause depression,
severe ongoing stress combined with tough times is a risk factor.
Mrs Young commends the work beyondblue has been doing in
drought-affected areas to raise awareness of depression and anxiety
and to encourage people to get to help. “I think what beyondblue
is doing out there in rural communities is tremendous,” she said.
“Attitudes are beginning to change. In some places, it’s now getting
to the stage where people are accepting the situation instead of
burying their heads in the sand. We still have to tackle this stigma of
people not wanting to go through that door marked ‘psychologist’,
but most have no problems seeing their family doctor.
“My advice would be either to call beyondblue or visit their website
and take yourself, take the whole family and just go and see your
GP if you think there is a chance someone might have depression.
It’s not necessarily up to you to do these things on your own doing it as a family can be a lot more supportive.”
“l would encourage women to be more alert,
to educate themselves on the signs and symptoms
of depression because they’re the front-liners.”
– Marita Sleep
or
Lisa Wright
Lisa is employed as a Community Support Worker for North
and West Queensland Primary Health Care. She grew up
on sheep and cattle property in northern NSW and has been
working as a psychologist in remote areas of Queensland
for four years.
LISA Wright’s office stretches 700,000 square kilometres across
Queensland. Based in Longreach, she spends long hours travelling
across the arid countryside to provide counselling to farming
families. Her area extends from Winton and Muttaburra in the north,
to Birdsville in the south, east to Alpha and Blackall and westwards
to the Northern Territory border.
“There is such a big demand for
beyondblue depression information
resources. l think 20 years ago
that never would have happened.”
Lisa is employed under the Federal Government’s Mental Health
Drought Initiative as a Community Support Worker for North and
West Queensland Primary Health Care. Her role involves clinical
consultation, crisis intervention, health promotion and organising
awareness-raising activities. She distributes beyondblue depression
information resources to all of the farming families she meets.
The drought situation is variable in each area because of the size
of the health district. Longreach has been in drought for the past
seven years, but has received a small amount of rain this year.
Birdsville is having a reasonably good season, whereas Boulia is
currently having its worst season in 30 years, with many cattle
farmers having to export their cattle on agistment. Some Boulia
farming families have been forced to leave their properties and find
employment elsewhere.
Lisa said regardless of the severity of drought, the mental health
implications across the region were similar. “I think it has had a
huge impact out here because a farm is not just a business, it’s a
home. It’s the foundation of your family, it’s your garden, it’s your
whole environment - so the devastation that comes with seeing
your business go backwards really erodes feelings of self worth,”
she said. “This drought has had a huge affect on the men in rural
and remote areas because it diminishes their role as the providers
and that in turn has a huge affect on the women. Women then
have to step up and provide support and placate the situation and
exert a lot of emotional energy.”
Lisa believes the stigma attached to depression and anxiety
in her area is beginning to break down because of increased
awareness of the conditions. She says the self-help book provided
by beyondblue, Taking Care of Yourself and Family, has been
immensely popular with farming families. “I took a carton of the
books to an agribusiness forum and I ran out,” Lisa said. “They
went like hotcakes. There is such a big demand for beyondblue
depression information resources. I think 20 years ago that never
would have happened.”
She is determined to continue her work to address depression in
drought-ravaged areas and says she couldn’t imagine herself doing
anything else. “I’ve been able to develop personal relationships with
a lot of families because of the distance I cover,” she said. “I don’t
just zip in and zip out – I might spend a whole day with them and
talk to them while we go and do things around their property. Then
contact will often be by phone for about 10 weeks, after which we’ll
see each other face to face again. For me this is the perfect job
because I get to work with rural people with hearts of gold.”
or
DID you know that under Federal expansion of mental health funding, you can get help for depression and
anxiety under Medicare? If you qualify for a referral from a General Practitioner, psychiatrist or paediatrician, you
could be eligible for rebates for up to 12 individual consultations with a psychologist, social worker or occupational
therapist in mental health (more in exceptional circumstances) and up to 12 group sessions each year. Ask your
referring practitioner for more information or log on to www.beyondblue.org.au – click on Get Information,
then Download information then click on Fact Sheet 24 ‘Help for depression under Medicare’ or call the
beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636.
For comprehensive information on depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, related drug and alcohol issues,
available treatments and where to get help go to www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636
(cost of a local call from a landline).
In my work as a psychotherapist, I see similar numbers of women
and men. Both have their own characteristic ways of coping, of
handling stress, and dealing with emotion. Both tend to exhibit
gender-specific ways of not coping.
© beyondblue: the national
depression initiative, 2008.
The role of women
on the land is becoming
increasingly difficult
By Doctor John Ashfield
DR John Ashfield is a psychologist and author of Taking
Care of Yourself and Your Family, a self-help book provided
free across Australia by beyondblue. The book is now in
its ninth edition and is available by calling the beyondblue
info line on 1300 22 4636 or ordering it from the website
Gauging the impact of drought on the mental health of rural and
remote communities is not as straightforward as it may appear.
As many people on the land will tell you, two seasons of drought
for people in ‘good’ farming country, can sometimes have a
more adverse psychological effect than ten seasons of drought in
pastoral areas where people are more hardened to surviving with
meagre rainfall and very difficult conditions. But there does appear
to be one thing which otherwise diverse communities have in
common – their experience of powerlessness.
Drought has stripped away years of hard-earned gains; it has
shattered dreams, broken relationships – severely diminishing
people’s sense of control over their lives. For many on the land,
unnerving trends of climate change, input costs, sustainability and
succession issues were trouble enough even before the drought
– trends that will still exert a formidable challenge to people’s
resilience and mental health in the foreseeable future.
Men, particularly in circumstances that prompt a stoical and
protective response, tend to focus on problem solving; they
distance themselves from the emotional content, putting emotions
on hold – in order to remain action-focused until things feel
more under control. Though they appear to be better at emotion
and thought regulation than women, the pit-fall for men can be
over‑regulation – failing to deal with and disperse emotions put
on hold. Men are more susceptible than women to the misuse of
alcohol, and are much more highly represented in suicide statistics.
Though women generally tend to excel at expressing and verbalising
emotion, this is not always an advantage, because they’re also
inclined to ruminate – go over and over problems and their
associated feelings – the pitfall of which can be under‑regulation
of thoughts and emotions. Not surprisingly, women tend to be more
susceptible than men to depression and anxiety.
There is good reason for us to be concerned about women on the
land, because women’s needs and vulnerabilities are all too easily
obscured by the seemingly bigger practical and economic issues
of survival.
It is chiefly women who perform the role of preserving relationship
and emotional wellbeing in their families; which is why it is so
important that they themselves are adequately supported. With
a trend towards larger land holdings in many areas, not only are
many families experiencing increased isolation, but many women,
who mainly derive their support from other women, are feeling
particularly alone. This is exacerbated by the present cost of fuel
which discourages mobility of social importance. Add to this, the
grief associated with children moving away for better opportunities,
concerns about the diminishing morale of their menfolk, and
strained marital relationships, women can become seriously
emotionally depleted and vulnerable.
We need a longer-term view of how to support women on the
land, to ensure their personal and social support – not only in
circumstances of drought, but in an environment in which their role
expectations may otherwise become increasingly unsustainable.
or
Free beyondblue
depression and anxiety
information available
Depression will affect one in five people
living in Australia at some point in their lives.
Understanding
depression
4. Physical
Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s
a serious illness. People with depression find
it hard to function every day. Depression has
serious effects on physical and mental health.
O Tired all the time
O Sick and run down
O Headaches and muscle pains
O Churning gut
O Sleep problems
O Loss or change of appetite
O Significant weight loss or gain
How do you know iF a person is
depressed and not just sad?
wHat makes a person more at risk
oF depression?
• lost interest or pleasure in most of their usual activities.
1. Behaviour
9. Had recurrent thoughts of death?
Add up the number of ticks for your total score:
4 or less:
5 or more:
If it’s not you,
maybe it’s someone you know.
Depression is often not recognised or treated.
Different types of depression require different types of
treatments. This may include physical exercise for preventing
and treating mild depression, through to psychological and
drug treatments for more severe levels of depression.
www.beyondblue.org.au or beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636
References: American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of
mental disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV). Washington, DC: APA, 1994; and, International
classification of diseases and related health problems, 10th revision. Geneva,
World Health Organisation, 1992-1994.
For more information about depression, visit the
beyondblue website at: www.beyondblue.org.au
or call 1300 22 4636
Talk to your doctor or
another health professional.
Helping someone with depression isn’t beyond you
It could be depression. With the right treatment,
most people recover from depression.
Practical ways
to help someone
with depression
Helping someone
with depression
It’s not always easy to help someone who may be experiencing
depression. It can be hard to know what to say or do. Here are some tips.
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.
Talk to the person about how they’re feeling.
DO – You can help someone by:
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.
• 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
Maintain eye contact and sit in a relaxed position – positive body
language will help you both feel more comfortable.
• Assisting them to make an appointment and/or going with them to
see a doctor or mental health professional
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 to
start a conversation.
1300 22 4636
Mensline Australia
1300 789 978
Lifeline
13 11 14
Lifeline’s Information Line
Unlikely to have a depressive illness
Likely to have a depressive illness
For further assessment, please consult a doctor or another
health professional.
Effective treatments are available
and recovery is common.
1 of 2
• Feeling down?
• Drinking or smoking too much?
• Withdrawing from family and friends?
• Stressing over money worries?
• Easily irritated or upset?
• Feeling like you’re losing control?
beyondblue info line
1300 13 11 14
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277
Kids Help Line
1800 551 800
• 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
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.
• Keeping in touch and encouraging close friends and family to do
the same.
Often, just spending time with the person lets them know you care
and can help you understand what they’re going through.
DON’T – It’s unhelpful to:
• Pressure them to ‘snap out of it’, ‘get their act together’ or ‘cheer up’
Encourage the person to seek professional help from their family
doctor or a mental health worker.
• Stay away or avoid them
• Tell them they just need to stay busy or get out more
Take care of yourself. Supporting someone with depression can be
demanding, so make sure you take some time out to look after yourself.
• Pressure them to party more or wipe out how they’re feeling with
drugs or alcohol
• Assume the problem will just go away.
For more information about depression, effective treatments
and how to help someone visit www.beyondblue.org.au or
call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636 (local call).
For more information about depression, effective treatments
and how to help someone visit www.beyondblue.org.au or
call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636 (local call).
For urgent assistance call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (local call).
For urgent assistance call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (local call).
The resources may be of interest to a wide range of areas including:
Community Support Workers, health promotion officers, health and
community services, human resources, youth workers, libraries, leisure
facilities, maternal and early childhood services, multicultural programs,
seniors and aged care.
© beyondblue: the national depression initiative, 2008.
© beyondblue: the national depression initiative, 2008.
www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636
Rural
assistance
Help is available:
Australian Psychological Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 333 497
(Find a Psychologist)
beyondblue info line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 22 4636
Bush Crisis Line and Support Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 805 391
(24 hour support for rural and remote health practitioners and their families)
Centrelink Drought Assistance Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 23 16
Centrelink Family Assistance and Parent
Information Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 61 50
Centrelink Farmer and Small Business
Assistance Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 050 585
Kids Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 551 800
Lifeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 11 14
• Depression symptom checklist (DL size card)
(24 hour phone counselling)
Lifeline Information Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 13 11 14
Mensline Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 789 978
Relationships Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 364 277
SANE Helpline (Monday to Friday office hours) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 187 263
Suicide Call Back Service Referral Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 659 467
Trans-Help Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1300 787 996
(Support for transport drivers and their families)
Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dial 000
www.abc.net.au/water/drought/
ABC News – Drought-related information
www.centrelink.gov.au
Information on depression and where to get help
Information on income support and referrals to counsellors
www.counsellingonline.org.au
www.crufad.org
Online drug and alcohol counselling
Information on depression, anxiety and its management
www.depressionet.com.au
• beyondblue wallet-size information card
• beyondblue rubber wristbands
• beyondblue fridge magnets
Information on health and safety for farmers/families
www.kidshelpline.com.au
www.menslineaus.org.au
Depression and anxiety can
affect anyone at any time.
Online information and support forums
www.farmsafe.org.au
• Practical ways to help someone with depression (DL size card)
Online counselling for young people
Support for men with family and relationship problems
www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
Online psychological therapy
www.psychology.org.au
Australian Psychological Society – Find a psychologist
www.reachout.com.au
Information to help young people through tough times
www.relationships.com.au
www.transhelpfoundation.com.au
www.youthbeyondblue.com
To find out more visit
or call the info line 1300 22 4636
Relationships Australia – relationships counselling
Advice and support for transport drivers
and their families
beyondblue’s website for young people –
info. on depression
Postnatal depression
Depression in older people
fact sheet 22
fact sheet 17
Adjusting to life as a mother can be difficult. In fact, for many women, having a baby is the most
significant life-changing event they will ever experience. Adjusting to this major life change, as
well as coping with the day-to-day demands of a new baby, can make some women more likely to
experience depression at this time, particularly if they’ve experienced depression in the past.
hOW cOMMON Is POstNataL
DePRessION?
hOW DO YOU KNOW If YOU haVe
POstNataL DePRessION?
Postnatal depression (PND) affects almost 16 per cent of new
mothers in Australia. As with depression, PND is common. On
average, one in five people will experience depression at some
point in their lives – one in four females and one in six males.
Around one million Australian adults and 100,000 young people
live with depression each year.
Postnatal depression has the same signs and symptoms as
depression. Women with PND can experience a prolonged
period of low mood, reduced interest in activities, tiredness and
disturbance of sleep and appetite and negative thoughts and
feelings. To find out about the general symptoms of depression,
go to the series of depression checklists at
www.beyondblue.org.au.
What caUses POstNataL
DePRessION?
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (see below) is
a set of questions designed to see if a new mother may have
depression. The answers will not provide a diagnosis – for that
you need to see a doctor or other health professional. The
answers will tell you however, if you or someone you know, has
symptoms that are common in women with PND.
Like depression which occurs at any other time, postnatal
depression doesn’t have one definite cause – but it’s likely to
result from a combination of factors including:
• a past history of depression and/or anxiety
• a stressful pregnancy
• depression during the current pregnancy
• a family history of mental disorders
• beyondblue A3 posters
• experiencing severe ‘baby blues’
• Stories of hope and recovery (DVD)
• Inability to find pleasure in any activity
• Difficulty getting motivated in the morning
• Behaviour which is out of character
• Denial of depressive feelings – this can be
used as a defence mechanism
2 Thoughts
• Indecisiveness
• Loss of self-esteem
• Persistent suicidal thoughts
• Negative comments eg. “I’m a failure”,
“It’s my fault,” “life is not worth living”.
• Concerns about financial situation
• Perceived change of status within the family
3 Feelings
• Moodiness or irritability – may present as
angry or aggressive
• Overwhelmed
2 Definitely less than I used to
• Worthless, guilty
3 Hardly at all
• having unrealistic expectations about motherhood
3 Yes, most of the time
continues overleaf...
2 Yes, some of the time
• making work adjustments (e.g. stopping or re-starting work).
of 4
for more information
htlaeh lanoitomE
dna ycnangerp gnirud
doohtnerap ylrae
6364 22 0031 enil ofni eulbdnoyeb ro ua.gro.eulbdnoyeb.www noitamrofni erom roF
Help for depression
available in different
languages
Feb 2008
beyondblue’s depression fact sheets are now available in 24 languages.
The languages include:
•
Arabic
•
Farsi
•
Macedonian
•
Somalian
•
Assyrian
•
Greek
•
Polish
•
Spanish
•
Bosnian
•
Italian
•
Punjabi
•
Tamil
•
Cambodian
•
Japanese
•
Russian
•
Thai
Khmer
•
Korean
•
Serbian
•
Turkish
•
Croatian
•
Lao
•
Chinese
•
Vietnamese
•
Dari
beyondblue’s translated depression fact sheets are available to print or order free of charge
at www.beyondblue.org.au (click on Other languages) or by calling the beyondblue
info line 1300 22 4636.
beyondblue materials are available to download and print at
www.beyondblue.org.au ( click on Get Information ).
For printed copies return order form overleaf to beyondblue.
• Decline in day-to-day ability to function,
with confusion, worry and agitation
3 I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.
• moving house
• Neglect of responsibilities and self-care
• Sadness, hopelessness or emptiness
0 As much as I ever did
1 Rather less than I used to
• Don’t beat about the Bush! (DVD to raise awareness of depression in rural
areas, incorporating the ABC’s Landline program)
beyondblue’s depression and anxiety fact sheets are also available
in different languages.
2. Lost interest or pleasure in most of their
usual activities.
AND experienced symptoms in at least three of
the following four categories:
2 Definitely not so much now
3 Not at all
• Postnatal depression (fact sheet)
• Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family – a book by John Ashfield
Depression in older people is common and
may occur for different reasons. The onset of a
physical illness or personal loss and sadness can
be common, but depression is not a normal part
of ageing.
2 I have looked forward with enjoyment to things.
• difficulties in close relationships
• Depression in older people (fact sheet)
• Emotional health during pregnancy and early parenthood booklet
• Withdrawing from family and friends
hoW do you knoW if an older
person is depressed and not
just sad?
1. Felt sad, down or miserable most of the
time, OR
• being a single parent
for more information
• General slowing down or restlessness
Depression can have serious effects on physical
and mental health.
To complete this set of questions, mothers should circle the
number next to the response which comes closest to how they
have felt IN THE PAST SEVEN DAYS.
0 As much as I always could
• past history of abuse
1 Behaviours
People with depression find it hard to function
every day.
An older person may be depressed, if for more
than two weeks they have...
1 Not quite so much now
• a lack of practical, financial and/or emotional support
What is depression?
Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a
serious illness.
If you have concerns that you or someone you know has PND,
please consult a doctor.
1 I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things.
• a prolonged labour and/or delivery complications
• problems with the baby’s health
• difficulty breastfeeding
• having an unsettled baby (e.g. difficulties with feeding
and sleeping)
• Drought and depression information card for rural people
_____
What does your score mean?
(assuming you answered ‘YES’ to question 1 and/or question 2)
1 in 5 people will experience
depression in their lifetime.
Are you or one of your mates…
• Understanding depression (fact sheet)
8. Had poor concentration? OR
Had difficulties thinking? OR
Were very indecisive?
(local call)
wHat are tHe treatments For
depression?
beyondblue encourages people to help raise awareness of depression in their
communities by ordering, displaying and distributing information in relevant
facilities or programs.
7. Felt worthless? OR
Felt excessively guilty? OR
Felt guilt about things you should
not have been feeling guilty about?
or call
1300 22 4636
On average, one in five people will experience depression
in their lives; one in four females and one in six males.
Overwhelmed
Guilty
Irritable
Frustrated
No confidence
Unhappy
Indecisive
Disappointed
Miserable
Sad
4. Sleep disturbance?
5. Felt slowed down, restless or excessively busy?
6. Felt tired or had no energy?
To find out more visit
How common is depression?
Very common. Around one million Australian adults and
100,000 young people live with depression each year.
3. Feelings
3. Lost or gained a lot of weight? OR
Had a decrease or increase in appetite?
It’s important to remember that each person is different
and it is often a combination of factors that puts a person
at risk of depression.
2. Thoughts
O “I’m a failure.”
O “It’s my fault.”
O “Nothing good ever happens to me.”
O “I’m worthless.”
O “Life’s not worth living.”
If you answered ‘YES’ to either of these questions,
complete the symptom checklist below. If you did
not answer ‘YES’ to either of these questions, it is
unlikely that you have a depressive illness.
Depression
• family conflict
• isolation or loneliness
• unemployment
• having a serious medical illness
• drug and alcohol use
• brain and chemical changes
• having a family member with depression.
Tick if
Yes
1. Felt sad, down or miserable most of the time?
2. Lost interest or pleasure in most of your usual activities?
Some events or situations have been linked
with depression:
O Stopping going out
O Not getting things done at work
O Withdrawing from close family and friends
O Relying on alcohol and sedatives
O No longer doing things they enjoyed
O Unable to concentrate
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
To find out if you, or someone you know may have depression,
complete the checklist below.
For more than TWO WEEKS have you:
OR
AND experienced symptoms in at least three of the
following four categories:
beyondblue: the national depression initiative has a range of depression and
anxiety information available free to Community Support Workers, councils,
community groups, organisations and individuals.
Depression Checklist
In most cases, depression will go on for weeks or months
if left untreated. If it isn’t properly treated, depression is
highly likely to recur.
A person may be depressed, if for more than two weeks
they have:
• felt sad, down or miserable most of the time
of www.beyondblue.org.au or beyondblue info line 1300 22 4636
of 4
beyondblue FREE RESOURCES
Complete this form and send to:
eyondblue: the national depression initiative
b
Distribution, PO Box 6100
Hawthorn West VIC 3122
ORDER FORM
Fax to 03 9810 6111
Please allow approximately 2-3 weeks for delivery. Please call the beyondblue Distribution Team on 1800 226 718 if you
require further assistance. Feel free to photocopy this form for orders for other departments or facilities.
NAME :
JOB TITLE :
ORGANISATION :
STREET ADDRESS ( NO P.O. BOXES ) :
STATE :
EMAIL :
TELEPHONE :
FAX :
POSTCODE :
Would you like to receive further information from beyondblue in the future? e.g. newsletter (please circle)
Information materials
Understanding depression (DL size fact sheet)
Depression symptom checklist (DL size card)
Practical ways to help someone with depression (DL size card)
beyondblue wallet-size information card
beyondblue rubber wristbands
Drought and depression information card for rural people
Depression in older people (fact sheet)
Postnatal depression (fact sheet)
Emotional health during pregnancy and early parenthood booklet
beyondblue A3 posters
beyondblue fridge magnets
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Family – a book by John Ashfield
Stories of hope and recovery (DVD)
Don’t beat about the Bush! (DVD)
Translated materials
Arabic – Understanding depression fact sheet
Assyrian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Cambodian/Khmer – Understanding depression fact sheet
Chinese (Simplified) – Understanding depression fact sheet
Chinese (Traditional) – Understanding depression fact sheet
Croatian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Dari – Understanding depression fact sheet
Farsi/Persian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Greek – Understanding depression fact sheet
Indonesian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Italian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Korean – Understanding depression fact sheet
Macedonian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Polish – Understanding depression fact sheet
Russian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Serbian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Somalian – Understanding depression fact sheet
Spanish – Understanding depression fact sheet
Turkish – Understanding depression fact sheet
Vietnamese – Understanding depression fact sheet
YES or NO
Quantity required

Beyondblue RuRal Womens Bulletin

Transcription

Similar documents

Depression 2 - Tricia Worthington

myCompass: Using mobile phone and web

Stress and depression -‐ a taboo in our time

Depression in Advanced Cancer Patients

filling the cookie jar pioneers of the spirit every breath she takes

MHM 2016 Poster

The Link Between Alcohol and Depression

thumbnail version - Counseling Library

Page 2 - News - University of West Florida

Aug 2014 -Depression and Petst