Roughly two thirds of people suffering from a mental illness do not seek medical help

Roughly two thirds of people suffering from a mental illness do not seek medical help," says Dr Amanda Baker, a HMRI researcher from the University of Newcastle.

"The increasing incidence of depression is a major health problem and Mental Health Week is an opportunity to highlight the range of services and new treatment options available to these people still suffering."

Dr Baker says researchers at the Centre for Mental Health Studies are currently evaluating Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, a rapid, targeted, drug-free treatment option for people who are suffering from depression and a coexisting drug and alcohol problem.

"With initial results from the pilot study showing that one in four people with depression also met the criteria for an alcohol/other drug (AOD) use disorder, it's vital that we continue research into developing and providing treatment options to best help people."

"For example, our research has already shown that someone with severe depression combined with an alcohol problem may benefit from therapy delivered by a psychologist or from computer-assisted therapy, with brief check-ins with a therapist," says Dr Baker.