Ignorance most probably killed a lot of people. A friend thinks that there will be a record when u see a psychiatrist for depression, unfortunately not having a record may also mean shackles in a coffin along the line if the problem is not arrested and left to escalate. 15% of mentally ill people committing suicide, is a very high number. And it is a very REAL statistic. My mum thinks lending a friend read a book about depression will make my friend feel worse. It's akin to saying giving u a telephone number to call a doctor when you have flu is going to make you feel worse that you have flu. However, not having the means to help myself when i have a flu will actually exacerbate my miserable situation. If you're like me that can't wait to be up and about, i'd rather go take medication than lie in bed and wait til my immune system fights it out.

Myths about Depression
1. It is normal to be moody
Normal mood swings do not impair the person's functioning or cause them to commit suicide

2. Depression is a sign of the mentally weak / a character flaw
Depression is an illness that needs treatment, just like pneumonia

3. Talking about depression makes it worse
Talking about depression gives them an outlet and can make things better

4. People who talk about commiting suicide do not end up doing so
In a local study of teens who committed suicide (note that commit and attempt are very different) in 2003, 50% wrote a suicide note

5.Telling on a friend is betraying a trust
Without your help, your friend may have very little hope of getting out of it

Institute of Mental Health
T: 6389 2222

Family Service Centres (to find the nearest counsellors around your area)
T: 1800 838 0100

DepNet A local online community that covers depression