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 Unpublished MPhil thesis.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.

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

Downloads

Published

2016-05-19

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

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