A new report from the Hunter Institute of Mental Health has shown that caring for someone living with a mental illness is taking a great toll on the mental and physical health of Australian carers.
Launched in Melbourne today, the Supporting those who Care: Partners in Depression National Program Outcomes report gives evidence for the need for carer-focussed prevention programs. [Partners in Depression] is one such program, supporting carers of people experiencing mental illness to develop skills to better support themselves and the person they care for.
"More than 70 per cent of people who live with or care for someone with depression that we encounter through Partners in Depression record high levels of psychological distress – indicating the need for immediate help," said the Director of the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, Jaelea Skehan.
"Inspire Foundation appreciates the value of Partners in Depression for supporting carers of the one in four young Australians who experience mental illness," said Jonathan Nicholas, CEO of Inspire Foundation, the organisation behind Australia's leading online youth mental health service ReachOut.com.
"With carers of people with mental illness experiencing significant adversity themselves, it is imperative that we support them," added Nicholas.
beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO said, "This army of carers are the hidden heroes of Australia’s health system. Their all-encompassing role can often be overwhelming. This research shows they need support too."
The Partners in Depression study recognises the significant challenges inherent in supporting people with mental illness, and identifies an evidence-based and cost-effective model for delivering community support to carers.
View the evaluation report, Supporting those who Care: Partners in Depression National Program
Launched in Melbourne today, the Supporting those who Care: Partners in Depression National Program Outcomes report gives evidence for the need for carer-focussed prevention programs. [Partners in Depression] is one such program, supporting carers of people experiencing mental illness to develop skills to better support themselves and the person they care for.
"More than 70 per cent of people who live with or care for someone with depression that we encounter through Partners in Depression record high levels of psychological distress – indicating the need for immediate help," said the Director of the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, Jaelea Skehan.
"Inspire Foundation appreciates the value of Partners in Depression for supporting carers of the one in four young Australians who experience mental illness," said Jonathan Nicholas, CEO of Inspire Foundation, the organisation behind Australia's leading online youth mental health service ReachOut.com.
"With carers of people with mental illness experiencing significant adversity themselves, it is imperative that we support them," added Nicholas.
beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO said, "This army of carers are the hidden heroes of Australia’s health system. Their all-encompassing role can often be overwhelming. This research shows they need support too."
The Partners in Depression study recognises the significant challenges inherent in supporting people with mental illness, and identifies an evidence-based and cost-effective model for delivering community support to carers.
View the evaluation report, Supporting those who Care: Partners in Depression National Program
