Below is a collection of great resources available across the web. For more discussion, and to hear other people’s stories & ideas, join us for a chat over at the forums!

Depression Basics - From the Black Dog Institute:

• What is Depression?

The first step to helping anyone (including yourself) with depression is getting educated, and this is an excellent place to start.


• Depression Education Program

For a more comprehensive understanding of depression - the more you know, the better!


• How to tell if someone has depression

A self-assessment to see if you or someone else may have depression.


• Depression Symptoms

What does depression look like?

• Causes of Depression

You might be surprised to see the wide range of factors involved.

• Fact Sheets

A comprehensive collection of fact sheets on depression & bipolar. Including self-assessment information, information for children & teenagers, advice on the various treatments available, and lots more. A fantastic collection!

• Depression Q&A

For any other questions you might have about depression, have a look here.

From Depressionet: (Australia)

• Find Help! Emergency Resources
  When you need to find help immediately!




• Medicare Assistance

Gives information on the assistance Australian medicare offers for people needing professional assistance for their mental health. Be sure to check with medicare at the time of making your first appointment with a mental health professional.

Psychology & Psychiatry - what’s the difference?

• Psychological Society
  Briefly covers the difference between psychologists & psychiatrists.




• Alpha Counselling
  An overview of the differences between psychology, psychiatry, psychotherapy, counselling & social work.

Other Great Sites

• Mood Gym
  A Cognitive Behaviour Therapy online program - provided free. They also offer e-couch - a depression management program - online and free.




• Beyond Blue
  A great site full of amazing resources to help with depression, bipolar and other mental illnesses. Excellent resource for people with depression, as well as those caring for someone with depression.




• YBBlue
  A site created by Beyond Blue specifically for young people.




• Depression Alliance
  Excellent resources for depression, particularly for people in the UK.




• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  Inform yourself, find help & take action! Especially useful for US residents.

Books

• Beating the Blues: New Approaches to Overcoming Dysthymia and Chronic Mild Depression
  
• I Had a Black Dog
  
• Living With ‘It’: A Survivor’s Guide to Panic Attacks
  
• Change Your Thinking: Overcome Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, and Improve Your Life with CBT