ThroughBlue: A support group for women affected by depression

Authors

  • Trish McBride
  • Jane Fuller Conversations

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol25iss1id98

Keywords:

mental health, depression, self-help, peer support

Abstract

Recent US research has validated the benefits and therapeutic value of peer support groups as a treatment component for depression, as has a 2008 Australian study of a women’s mental health support group. As facilitators working weekly with ThroughBlue, a support group of women who have experience of depression, we had already discovered the truth of their findings. This paper is a description of the way this Wellington group works, and may be of use to others looking to set up or facilitate similar groups elsewhere.

Author Biographies

Trish McBride

Trish McBride is a counsellor in private practice and has co-facilitated ThroughBlue for six years. She can be contacted at mcbride@paradise.net.nz.

Jane Fuller, Conversations

Jane Fuller is a counsellor with Conversations (formerly Wellington People’s Centre), and has co-facilitated ThroughBlue for 12 years.

References

Dennis, C. L. (2003). Peer support within a health care context: A concept analysis. International Journal of Nursing

Studies, 40, 321-332.

Durie, M. (1998). Whaiora: Maori health development, pp. 68–74. Auckland: Oxford University Press.

Evans, R. (2010). Ki te Marama i te tangata me märama hoki i tana ao: Are cultural competencies critical for Maori mental health practitioners? Unpublished MPhil thesis. Massey University: Palmerston North.

Kirwan, J. (2010). All Blacks don’t cry: A story of hope. New Zealand: Penguin.

Pfeiffer, P. N., Heisler, M., Piette, J. D., Rogers, M. A. M., & Valenstein, M. (2011). Efficacy of peer support interventions for depression: A meta-analysis. General Hospital Psychiatry, 33(1), 29-36.

Scott, D. (2008). From clinic to community: The evolution of a group for women with postpartum mental illness. Australian Social Work, 61(3), 197-206.

Sweet, G. (2009). Counselling resources. CD.

Yalom, I. D. and Leszcz. M. (2005). Theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). Cambridge MA: Basic Books.

Downloads

Published

2016-05-19

How to Cite

McBride, T., & Fuller, J. (2016). ThroughBlue: A support group for women affected by depression. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 25(1), 54–63. https://doi.org/10.11157/anzswj-vol25iss1id98

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Articles

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