websites various self help leaflets Local Helplines
Directory, lots of sites/numbers leaflets On-Line Support
General Info LocalDirectory Useful Info drop-in drop-in 2
Rape Rape2 ChildAbuseMale Rape Mind 14y-25y counselling
Suicidal Thoughts? Coping after Suicide
Samaritans 08457 909090 CrisisLine 08000 28 8000 (5pm-8am)
Depression can be defined as persisting sadness which begins to affect our everyday living and work and relationships.
Anxiety is a natural response to things that threaten us, but when a person is getting anxious about things that an average person would not, then it is a problem and needs help.
There is certainly a place for use of medicines in both conditions, but getting the right kind of self-help and counselling is the most useful path to recovery.
DEPRESSION
We can all feel depressed sometimes.
Perhaps when a problem comes our way that depresses us, lowers our mood.
Perhaps, we can feel blue for a while, even if we have no particular new problems.
Perhaps, we just feel negative about certain things without actually being sad.
The question is, when does being depressed, miserable, negative, sad turn into Depressive Illness.
It is difficult to diagnose sometimes, for patients and also for doctors, and even for expert psychiatrists. We are increasingly using a Scoring test in General Practice.
I have been recommending Overcoming Depression for several years and patients bring back to me, underlining points for discussion. CBT help
depression more on depression
The truth of the matter is that if a happy person develops the disease of depression, whether for no particular reason or as a reaction to problems that come along in life, then that illness causes chemical imbalances in the brain which need to be re-balanced by taking AntiDepressant medications. Self-help is important, with books. Support from friends and family. Friends that are not afraid to support you to be motivated and push you when necessary! The problem with depressive illness is that lack of motivation is part of the problem, and one needs friends to motivate you. Being signed off sick for too long can make the problem worse, as you will lose self esteem from not working. Work and feeling useful is essential to recovery, as long as you don't feel too much pressure.
Antidepressant medication doesnt usually kick-in for 2-3weeks, and is usually continued for 4-6months, then gradually reduced.
Unfortunately, lots of us have a Negative Personality. This means that we have been trained from childhood to look on the negative side of things. This isn't so much depression, but just negativity. It is harder to deal with, and needs Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. CBT programs
There are unfortunately some people who expect us to 'sort it all out by referring them to a counsellor', with no effort on their side. They won't get better. Counselling is important, but self motivation and a true will to change and get better is vital. We will always be happy to help you to help yourself get better. Even if time seems short in surgery, we can see you more regularly, even every week, to ensure that you get back to being the positive person that you were.
Primary Care Therapies counselling service. IAPT
There will be a telephone interview first, in which they will make suggestions for computer-aided counselling, work in groups, and occasionally individual counselling. Please, they will have expected you to look at the Directory at the top of the page, to see if there is anything appropriate that may help you. It is expected that you make an effort to help yourself, or to have those close to you to help motivate you to get help.
You can also self refer by internet, or ring 0800 032 1411 or 020 3513 4044
There may be a waiting list of a few months.
Sutton Counselling is sometimes open to referrals also.
Some patients find that an individual private counsellor is well worth the investment.
ANXIETY
useful book: Overcoming Anxiety
Info More Info Covid
MISCELLANEOUS
Debt ObsessiveCompulsive OCD Panic Panic2
Anger Anger2
EatingDisorders PostTraumatic Stress Bipolar
ALCOHOL & drugs
local self referral Inspire 020 8773 9393
AA 0800 917 7650
Family Friends support 020 7403 0888
ParentLine 0808 800 2222
Drugs Anonymous 0300 999 1212
Drugs Advice 0300 123 6600