Prejudice and misunderstanding of those with a mental illness causes many in society to look on these folk as “bad”, “not to be trusted”, “dangerous”.

None of the above negative labels applied to my father nor do they apply to any other sufferer who may have a family history of depression that is quite common along with a chemical imbalance in the brain which is an illness just like cancer, poliomyelitis or a common cold and when someone is afflicted with depression either through life’s hard knocks or heredity it is hardly their fault. They are not “bad” or “dangerous” when a difficult circumstance upon an even more difficult circumstance befalls them, heaping load upon load of hopelessness upon them which leads them to the “big black hole” of loneliness, rejection, worthlessness and sometimes, suicide.

Old age, isolation, hopelessness that springs from a need to wait for an op- eration, chronic pain, chronic illness or disability of some sort, can all be triggers for experiencing depression. When caring for these clients it is always good to remember to listen and remain compassionate. The signs and symptoms of depression can involve thoughts, feelings or changes in behaviour and physical signs include:

• Feeling sad, hopeless or in despair

• Loss of interest and enjoyment in life

• Difficulty in sleeping or sleeping too much

• Major appetite and weight changes

• Tiredness and loss of energy

• Trouble thinking, concentrating and making any decisions

• Feeling helpless, worthless and guilty

• Feeling restless, irritable, agitated

• Feeling fragile and on edge

• Thinking about death and/or suicide

• Having problems with sexual function, loss of interest in sex

• Experiencing headache and muscle pain

People who suffer forms of depression do not respond to lines like, “pull yourself together”; “everything’s okay”; “things will get better” or “come on, get over it. Look, it’s a beautiful day outside”! They cannot see the beautiful day and things for them do not seem to get better.

This is a poem written by a sufferer of depression. It succinctly outlines

depression’s notorious “black hole” of thoughts:

“Once more winter crawls across my face

cold

old and naked

It bites

it permeates

it ices over

all hope and promise all dream and destiny

all care and need

all breath of life

now blanketed and swallowed by a single sheet of fading pale…”

–anon – 2007

 There are different therapies that can help those with depression such as Cognitive therapy where your client can keep a weekly diary and/or daily account of their feelings and an idea of why they feel the way they do and perhaps come up with different ways of thinking in order to change the outcome of their situation. This helps people see a pattern of habitual distorted thinking that in time may be conquered and altered to a healthier thought pattern.

There are other successful therapies used to cope with depression including psychotherapy and meditation as well as medication to help rebalance the chemistry of the brain.

For people like my father medication plus the use of a self-help book written by Norman Vincent Peale named “The Power of Positive Thinking”, helped to bring about remarkable relief from the black abyss. For those you may look after who suffer from depression like for those with any other mental illness, you can offer support in various ways such as:

• Showing respect and treating them just like anyone else.

• Respecting their privacy and confidentiality.

• Being non-judgmental.

• Accepting the person’s reality while admitting it is not your reality.

• Avoiding confrontation.

You can help those in your care by encouraging them and assisting them to seek professional advice as well as encouraging activities that promote good mental health such as, physical activity, stress management, social activities and also helping them to develop positive coping strategies.

If you have a close and caring relationship with your client it will easier for your client to trust you and be willing to accept and access help from the community support agencies such as “Beyond Blue”, Community Health and Mental Health centres or the Area Suicide Prevention Coordinator in your district. Other agencies that can help and offer advice are to be found in your local phone book under Health and Medical (Advice and Assistance – Numbers you Need).

If you are interested in helping those folk with mental health issues you can also undertake a Mental Health First Aid course, which trains you in all aspects of mental illness e.g. Managing aggression and understanding the impact of substances that are used in Mental Illness.

There are other Certificate courses you can undertake through TAFE plus short courses in Suicide Prevention (a one day course) and Dual Diagnosis (a one day workshop) because a lot of people with a mental health problem also have a second mental health issue.

There are many other types of mental illness that a carer may be required to face when working in the community.

From the book "Strong Hands, Gentle Heart" by Toni Cary
Available through Aspire publishing