Chronic illness and depression/anxiety
Introduction
A range of chronic physical illnesses have been associated with depression. These include asthma, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, dementia, chronic pain and Parkinson's disease.
Research suggests that over 40 per cent of Australians with a mental disorder have a chronic physical illness, and that having a chronic physical illness puts a person at greater risk of developing depression.
For people with a chronic physical illness, depression makes recovery and management more difficult. It can make it harder for people to find the energy to eat healthily, exercise or take medication regularly.
Programs/Projects
Improving awareness of depression and anxiety among people living with a chronic illness is a key priority for beyondblue. beyondblue is investigating the relationship between chronic illness and depression and anxiety, and is developing information and education programs to increase awareness of co-morbid chronic illness and depression and anxiety. beyondblue's chronic illness programs include:
Depression and Cancer Program
Depression and Cardiovascular Disease Research Program
Chronic Illness and Depression/Anxiety Education Program
In partnership with chronic illness peak bodies, beyondblue is providing education on depression and anxiety for people living with a chronic illness and their carers. The education program aims to increase awareness and understanding of depression and anxiety, and the relationship between chronic illness and depression. The session can be tailored to suit the needs of different chronic illness peak bodies.
Peak bodies who are interested in partnering with beyondblue to delivery the chronic illness and depression/anxiety education program can contact beyondblue on (03) 9810 6100 or bb@beyondblue.org.au.
COTA beyond maturityblues sessions on chronic illness
In association with beyondblue, Councils on the Ageing (COTAs) in every State and Territory conduct free community education sessions for older people on the topic of depression and anxiety. The sessions are delivered by older volunteers who are trained to speak to other older people in the community about depression. Sessions are available specifically addressing chronic physical conditions and depression. Chronic physical conditions can put a person at greater risk of developing depression and make recovery from depression more difficult. Risk factors that are relevant to people with chronic physical illnesses are discussed, along with ways of minimising their impact.
To book a free beyond maturityblues education session for your community group, contact the COTA in your State or Territory.
- COTA ACT - 02 6282 3777
- COTA SA - 08 8232 0422
- COTA WA - 08 9321 2133
- COTA WA - 08 9321 2133
- COTA TAS - 03 6228 1897
- COTA NT - 08 8941 1004
- COTA VIC - 03 9654 4443
- COTA NSW - 02 92863860
- SPEC NSW - 02 82194231
- COTA QLD - 07 3316 2999
Information resources
beyondblue has a range of resources available for people living with a chronic illness and their carers. These resources provide information on the link between chronic illness and depression/anxiety, and include:
Chronic illness partners
beyondblue works in partnership with chronic illness organisations to increase awareness of depression and anxiety.
Chronic Illness Alliance - www.chronicillness.org.au
An alliance of chronic illness organisations, which aims to build a better focus in health policy and health services for all people with chronic illnesses. The website includes a list of national and state-based chronic illness organisations.
Alzheimer's Australia - www.alzheimers.org.au
Information on dementia
Arthritis Australia - www.arthritisaustralia.com.au
Information on arthritis
Asthma Foundations of Australia - www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
Information, advice, education, counselling and support for people with asthma
Breast Cancer Network Australia - www.bcna.org.au
Information about breast cancer
Canteen - www.canteen.org.au
Information for young people living with cancer
Diabetes Australia - www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
Information about diabetes
Kidney Health Australia - www.kidney.org.au
Information on kidney health
National Heart Foundation of Australia - www.heartfoundation.com.au
Information on a range of heart-health topics
National Stroke Foundation - www.strokefoundation.com.au
Information on stroke
MS Australia - www.msaustralia.org.au
Information on Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's Australia - www.parkinsons.org.au
Information on Parkinson's disease
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia - www.prostate.org.au
Information on prostate cancer
The Cancer Council Australia - www.cancer.org.au
Information about cancer
The Continence Foundation of Australia - www.continence.org.au
Information on preventing and managing incontinence
Tinnitus Association of Victoria - www.tinnitus.org.au
Information on tinnitus.
Leukaemia Foundation - www.leukaemia.org.au
Information about leukaemia.
Media/news
beyondblue is promoting awareness of the link between chronic illness and depression/anxiety through the media. Recent news article include:
Research
beyondblue is investing in research to better understand the links between depression and anxiety and chronic illness. beyondblue's chronic illness research includes:
