7 out of 10 people will suffer from mental illness or know someone who has…
Buy a gift of hope to help keep minds well.
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Blues buster
$25 will help pay for counselling to address depression for people in financial hardship.
Mental health problems affect more than 70 per cent of people at some point in their lives, according to the Wesley Report (May 2010). The most common mental health problem is depression. Wesley Mission believes early intervention is critical as repeated episodes of depression cause long-term damage. Our clients receive compassionate treatment in a nurturing and secure environment to recover from the isolation and hopelessness of feeling depressed, and return to living a fulfilled, connected life with family and friends. -
Help on the line
$40 helps pay for a crisis phone counselling session.
A crisis can happen to anyone at any time. When there is no one else to talk to, Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland are there for people in desperate need of help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It doesn't matter what has gone wrong, or how much pain or confusion the person is experiencing, trained volunteer counsellors will listen and offer non-judgemental support and advice. People call when they are alone, afraid or feel that life is not worth living. They call, too, to talk about their health problems, unemployment, past traumas or problems with alcohol, drugs or gambling. -
Easing anxiety
$50 will fund a one hour counselling session for someone in need who is living with anxiety.
Lauren, 32, lives with anxiety…
“I never leave the office before 8pm. I used to like the work and the constant pressure but now I’m just exhausted all the time. I’ve got no time for exercise or to see friends. All I do is work and sleep, and I don’t even sleep very well. It’s hard trying to keep up a front at the office. Things like presentations used to be easy for me but now I feel really anxious and have even thrown up a few times. I don’t know what to do.”
Anxiety attacks can be debilitating. Anxiety can disrupt everyday life at home, at work or when socialising with friends and family. According to the recently published Wesley Report (May 2010), three in 10 people suffer from anxiety, which is the second most common mental illness. Women are more likely to feel they suffer from anxiety than men, and this has increased to more than a third (36 per cent) of all sufferers. Getting help allows sufferers to reconnect and live fulfilled, productive lives.
More than a bed
$80 per day for accommodation, food and support for a homeless person with mental illness.
Sophie, 35, suffers from schizophrenia…
“I’ve been evicted from many places because I was chanting loudly at night. No one could tolerate my behaviour. Then Wesley Mission gave me a place to stay. I was still chanting loudly in the middle of the night, disturbing other people. My caseworker told me that I was disturbing my neighbours and eventually I stopped. I’ve now been in this unit for eight months. That a great achievement for me!”
Some people with mental illness can find it difficult to live close to other people. As a result, maintaining long-term accommodation can be difficult. Having stable accommodation, counselling, education goals and hobbies are measures to fight against mental illness. They help sufferers regain a sense of peace and respite from their condition, and thus prevent episodes from reoccurring.
Care for carers
$100 will provide for two hours of respite care for a carer.
Ken, 65, cares for his wife who has Alzheimer’s…
“Since my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, the only time I get to myself is when I go to the shops or the doctor. On the rare occasions when I still play golf I can’t relax because I’m worried all the time that something will happen to Jean. My whole life revolves around caring for her but she doesn’t even seem to know me sometimes. It’s heartbreaking. I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up, and that scares me too.”
Respite care gives a carer the chance to take a break. Caring for someone can be really hard work. Whether it’s for a few hours each week or full time, carers need time off to take care of household errands or simply recharge their batteries with friends or other activities.
Family workshop
$300 for a suicide prevention workshop for a whole family.
Zoe, 16, lives with depression…
“I don’t understand what’s happening to me. I’ve felt miserable for about six months now and I feel different around my friends. I’m not really interested anymore in what they are doing and saying. I thought about going to see the school counsellor, but I don’t want anyone to see me sitting outside her office. Mum and dad know I’m not happy but they’re so busy with work anyway, and sometimes I think it would be easier if I wasn’t around.”
Zoe is one of many young people at risk of suicide. Most cases of suicide can be prevented and the family has a crucial role to play. These workshops allow families to gain insight into why young people want to take their own lives and learn to identify warning signals. They will also learn how to engage teenagers who are having suicidal thoughts.
Finding a unique gift idea is easy with Wesley Gifts. You can give your loved ones a charity gift for their birthday, wedding or for any special occasion that keeps on giving. Wesley Gifts has many unique ethical gift ideas. Choose a gift now.
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