A Bond University researcher is calling for volunteers to take part in her study into depression and its affect on loved ones.
Assistant Professor of Psychology Christina Samios is looking for 150 people suffering depression, along with their primary support person, to complete a questionnaire about how they cope with the illness.
“On average, one in five Australians will suffer from depression at some point in their lives,” said Assistant Professor Samios.
“Depression affects not only the individual, but also those around them. Living with, or caring for a depressed person can have a profound impact on an individual, and they can sometimes become depressed themselves.
“Their relationship with the depressed person can become strained as they deal with that person’s symptoms - their low mood, difficulties concentrating, loss of interest in activities previously found enjoyable and even insomnia.
“Often the family and friends of someone with depression are so focussed on caring for their loved one, they forget how important it is for them also to take care of themselves.
“The aim of this research is to provide psychologists and other mental health professionals with a better, more in-depth, understanding of how depression affects not only the person diagnosed with the condition, but also those close to them.
“It is my hope that this increased understanding will inform the development of couple and family-based prevention and treatment programs for the illness,” she said.
To take part in the study, or for more information, please contact Assistant Professor Christina Samios at Bond University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, on 07 5595 2665 or email [email protected].