Nicholas, speaking from experience of severe/extreme depresssion in myself and others, your emphasis on trust, access and the scope to take risks is spot on. Critical factors in depression are the distortion of perspective, inability to communicate and the fact that people who have not experienced depression can not comprehend what you’re going through – there is a terrible feeling of isolation, alienation and helplessness. As I argued to relevant Ministers, depressioNet is an excellent low –cost facility which allows people, without risk, to expose themselves and their illness, to discover that they are not alone, to receive excellent advice and encouragement, and to take first steps on the road to recovery. The benefit-cost ratio for government support to dN must be very high compared to most government spending.

In my case, my work-related depression (coming on top of severe viral illnesses) effectively ended my career, in part because my employers were so concerned to deny any responsibility for my illness that they refused to respond to medical advice that I could recover full health and productivity subject to them addressing the issues in such a way as to support my return to work in a safe environment. No paradigm shift there!

I agree with Nicholas comment that the following need to be examined "the way in which symptoms of mental distress are understood and presented, the way help is sought, and the way care is evaluated by those who receive it. This process links the mental health experiences of people in our community as they are held by them and other concerned individuals with governments’ interpretation of them."

Adding to Faustino point - businesses either don't know how to recognise mental health problems in employees or simply refuse to the recognise the problems or deal with them.

More loss to employers as experienced employees walk elsewhere.

Regarding Government. I don't think Mr Abbott's "Darth Vader" approach to psychological disorders is typical of the Liberal Party. He will also need to recall that his Catholic Church has a strong vein of humanity.

The Government needs to keep in perspective that funding depressioNet.com.au costs less than one medium size anti-aircraft missile in our army's armoury.

I have had a long battle with depression owing to issues with my family and a few other things. It is a greatly underreported big health problem.

As well as environmental factors, physical disorders such as hypoglycemia and hypothyroidism can contribute to depression.

Well said Nicholas Procter, and your article is very timely. Mental distress is on the rise and the mental health system (if it can still be called that) is already threadbare. Faustino mentioned helplessness. As many would be aware it is helplessness that is a major signifier of loss of reason to live - what a shame that we can't all see helplessness like we can a broken leg. Perhaps sometimes we simply do not look hard enough...... I agree Nicholas with your conclusions that "a paradigm shift will also help bring about more informed and compassionate awareness". I would also add that people as a nation need to be educated to realise that mental distress is a real illness but that many people do recover given support and belief in themselves. Sadly there is still a stigma that surrounds mental illness that adds to distress. Only a long term nationwide education program will reduce such stigma. The utopia would be that such illness be seen like someone having a long term bout of shingles. In the interim perhaps educating people to look out for family and friends when they are doing it mentally 'tough' or to be more aware of warning signs that a loved one is completely helpless (not always possible) may be useful. Informed and compassionate awareness is not just for Governments and mental health workers - it is for all of us if we truly wish to call ourselves meaningful titles such as friends,lovers, family, co-workers,or neighbours.

Faustino

Similar circumstances occurred to me - I was subjected to a high level of workplace stress within an organisation I had worked for for many years. I also contracted a serious viral illness. While my overall prognosis was good, because the employer wished to avoid any responsibility - I was subjected to further stress due to litigation. I eventually resigned, found part-time work (my new boss fancied me - I didn't fancy him) forced to resign. As a result I now work as a temp. Have had enough.

Also cannot continue seeing my psychologist with whom I had developed trust as I can't afford her. I am seeing someone through government assistance - but not the same. Have to keep on explaining myself over and over. Another reason why I have been silent on many forums here regarding mental health. Just sick of talking about it.

However, must speak out. Many people can make full recovery and become contributing members of society again with consistent support. The stance of "too hard" is false economy. What is lost in litigation, sick leave, compensation payout etc would be regained if people actually helped to recover rather than fighting just to be taken seriously as I have been. Depression is very real.

BTW - one of the reasons for my excessive workload was due to Kennett dismantling of many public sector departments resulting in one person doing the work of 4. And now Kennett trots himself out every time someone mentions 'depression'. Also BeyondBlue doesn't really DO anything its just an info site. No assistance with affordable psychotherapy for example.

I was responding well to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - as do many. But it is not finacially supported.