National trial of Minds Together program supporting people who care for someone with depression or anxiety

As part of a national trial, Everymind is seeking people who support someone experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety to participate and share their feedback for our new Minds Together online program.

Dedicated to educating and building the skills of people who provide care, the program aims to support the mental health and wellbeing of carers while informing and connecting them with helpful resources and tools. The program also empowers those in a caring role to recognise how their mental health contributes to and influences the care and support they provide.

Everymind Program Manager, Dr Sally Fitzpatrick, said building capacity in those who support and care can positively enhance their mental health and wellbeing and also benefit the individuals for whom they provide care.

“Caring for someone experiencing depression or anxiety is often a challenging and stressful job, and it can negatively impact on the mental health of carers,” Dr Fitzpatrick said.

“We know that prevention strategies can significantly reduce mental ill-health, and the Minds Together program is an evidence-informed approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of carers through access to a tailored program of resources.”

The Minds Together program has been developed with carers who have either supported or are currently supporting someone experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

The program's four modules explore areas of the carer's journey, effective communication techniques and helpful self-care strategies for everyday life. Each module includes information sheets, interactive activities, case studies, videos, and podcasts featuring real-life carers, clinicians, and others working in the mental health sector.

Participants in the program trial must be aged 16 years or older, currently supporting someone experiencing or has experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety, be living in Australia and have access to the internet and a computer/device.

You can read more about this study at: everymind.org.au/mindstogether or contact the research team at: [email protected].