INTRODUCTION

Making big conversations a little bit easier
CHAPTER ONE

Understanding that you're not alone
CHAPTER TWO

Deciding when, where and how to talk
CHAPTER THREE

Taking it step by step
CHAPTER FOUR

Getting the right support
FURTHER SUPPORT

Resources

Click on a chapter to start reading

INTRODUCTION

Making big conversations a little bit easier

CHAPTER ONE

Understanding that you're not alone

CHAPTER TWO

Deciding when, where and how to talk

CHAPTER THREE

Taking it step by step

CHAPTER FOUR

Getting the right support

FURTHER SUPPORT

Resources

This book has been developed by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV in partnership with GAMIAN-Europe
(Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks-Europe) and EUFAMI (European Federation of
Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness).

A virtual roundtable meeting brought together patient and carer representatives from both
advocacy group partners to discuss individual experiences of starting conversations around
depression. The contents of this book reflect the conversations that took place during the meeting.

“Depression can trick you into thinking you’re the only one in the world who feels this way. The only way to deal with it effectively is to be open about your feelings and ask for help”

Individual living with depression

“It’s scary to say how you’re feeling out loud for the first time but speaking about your feelings won’t make them worse. For me, it felt like a weight had lifted”

Individual living with depression

“Knowing there’s someone I can rely on to sit and listen to me without judgement is such a relief. I don't want sympathy, just to know they are there if I need them”

Individual living with depression

“My best piece of advice is that by taking the time to listen, even though it may feel like you’re doing nothing, you’re doing everything you should”

Friend of someone living with depression

“It's important to be patient. There will be good and bad days, but the right support can make all the difference”

Family member of someone living with depression

“When you’re caring for someone, it’s easy to lose yourself in your role. You can help them recover, but you need to make time to look after yourself, too”

Family member of someone living with depression

“Depression can trick you into thinking you’re the only one in the world who feels this way. The only way to deal with it effectively is to be open about your feelings and ask for help”

Individual living with depression

“It’s scary to say how you’re feeling out loud for the first time but speaking about your feelings won’t make them worse. For me, it felt like a weight had lifted”

Individual living with depression

“Knowing there’s someone I can rely on to sit and listen to me without judgement is such a relief. I don't want sympathy, just to know they are there if I need them”

Individual living with depression

“My best piece of advice is that by taking the time to listen, even though it may feel like you’re doing nothing, you’re doing everything you should”

Friend of someone living with depression

“It's important to be patient. There will be good and bad days, but the right support can make all the difference”

Family member of someone living with depression

“When you’re caring for someone, it’s easy to lose yourself in your role. You can help them recover, but you need to make time to look after yourself, too”

Family member of someone living with depression

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