Support

The following information is for those of you who may want to know more about some of the options for local support with depression. In the first instance we would recommend talking to your GP about any concerns regarding your mental health and current or possible treatments. As you may well know, GPs have a key role in managing mental health problems. They can provide assessment and treatment for many common psychological problems and can offer referrals to other mental health practitioners or local mental health teams. GPs are the key route for accessing support and mental health care (including medication and/or psychological therapies) from the NHS. You can find out more about the range of treatments available from the NHS on their website.

However, do also consider other services such as talking therapies, counselling, or self-help resources, which have been designed to help people with a wide range of difficulties. The suggestions listed below can be used in combination with medical and/or psychological treatments provided by NHS health care professionals. We understand that what helps people is a very individual thing, so we are not recommending any particular approach. However, we hope this information gives you a range of options to explore so that you can find support which is helpful for you.

There are also several self-help books that can prove very useful. However, as mentioned above, which particular approach might help is a very individual thing so it’s best to have a quick look at them first before buying.

• Overcoming Depression (Gilbert, Paul Constable & Robinson).
  This self-help guide provides step-by-step strategies and simple
  techniques for people experiencing depression.
• Overcoming Mood Swings (Scott, Jan Constable & Robinson). This book offers insights and practical help for people who are disturbed by extremely high or low moods.
• Mind Over Mood (Greenberger, Dennis & Padesky, Christine Guilford Press). This text provides a practical workbook for people experiencing depression, panic attacks, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse and relationship problems.
• The Feeling Good Handbook (Burns, David Plume Book). A practical manual that helps those who are depressed understand how their thinking processes contribute to their depression and how, by changing their thinking, they can exert some control over their mood.
• Manage your Mind (Butler & Hope). This book sets out strategies for staying mentally healthy and dealing with anxiety and depression, stress, low self-confidence, relationships, time-management and more.