Women and Separation (Booklet) - Relationships Australia

Separation and women's experiencesWhat to do if you think you’re depressedIt’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Many women feelembarrassed or feel that they’re letting the family down if they admitto being depressed. However, women should remember that depressionis common and treatable.A General Practitioner (GP) is a good person to discuss your concernswith in the first instance. A GP or other health professional will be ableto help you decide whether treatment is needed and what treatmentsare suitable. Different types of depression require different types oftreatment and support. This may range from physical exercise forpreventing and treating mild depression, through to psychologicaltreatments and drug treatments for more severe depression.If you don’t have a regular GP or clinic, you can contact beyondbluefor a list of GPs with expertise in treating common mental healthproblems – visit www.beyondblue.org.au and click on ‘Find a Doctoror other Mental Health Practitioner’ or call the beyondblue info lineon 1300 22 4636 (local call cost from a landline).Remember:• help is available• with the right treatment, most people recover from depression• don’t dismiss the signs and symptoms of mental health problems inyourself because you are too busy caring for others• seek help early – the sooner the better.‘Once I realised I was depressed,getting the right treatment helpedme adjust to the loss of myrelationship.’T.L., aged 38, one year after separation7