Depression

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended three main treatments for depression; these are guided self help, psychological therapy, and medication.

Low intensity options

• Groups and workshops where you can learn strategies for managing feelings of low mood and depression.
• Guided self help, where a  psychological wellbeing practitioner will guide you 1 to 1 through a self-help booklet on low mood and depression.
• Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) Silvercloud is a specially designed online programme for those suffering from low mood based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. You can work through the online sessions from home on your own computer via the internet.
• Books on prescription. Some people find that reading about depression can help. There are many books based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These books can help you understand more about your psychological problems and learn ways of overcoming them by changing your thinking and behaviour. To find out more about recommended books click here.

Psychological Therapy

Different types of Therapies are available for people with low mood and depression. These include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy involves looking at the way in which your thinking and behaviour may affect your mood. Treatment can be offered in one-to-one sessions or in a group.

• Interpersonal Therapy is a time-limited and structured approach to the treatment of depression. Its central idea is that psychological symptoms, such as depressed mood, can be understood as a response to current difficulties in relationships and can affect the quality of those relationships. By addressing interpersonal situations, improvements to both relationships and depressive mood can be made.

• Counselling may be offered within our service or by one of our partner organisations in Camden (if you have a Camden GP), or we may direct you to low cost organisations in your local community.

• Behavioural Couples Therapy is for people who have a regular partner and where the relationship may be linked to the depression, or where involving the partner may be of potential therapeutic benefit.

• Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy helps you understand the connection between your depression symptoms and what is happening in your relationships by looking at patterns that can be traced back to your childhood.

If you would like to know more about guided self help or psychological therapy, you can refer yourself to our service. Alternatively, you may wish to speak to your GP about  a referral to our service.

If you would like to read more about how you can help yourself please click here

Useful self-help strategies for managing low mood and depression include:

Exercise: regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, will help you combat low mood and improve motivation. It also encourages your brain to release the chemical serotonin, which can improve your mood. Aim to do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. Moderate exercise should make you feel slightly out of breath and tired. Going for a brisk walk is a good example.

Relaxation: as well as getting regular exercise, learning how to relax is important. You may find relaxation and breathing exercises helpful, or you may prefer activities such as yoga or pilates to help you unwind.

Diet: changing your diet may help ease your symptoms. Eating too little or too much may affect your energy levels and eating healthily is as important for your mental health as it is for your physical health. If you are tired and run down, you are less likely to be able to manage your depressive symptoms.

Smoking and drinking: Although it can be tempting to smoke or drink to make you feel better, in the long run it will make things worse. Drink alcohol in moderation and, if you smoke, try to give up. The NHS and your GP provide free support to people who would like to stop smoking.

Understanding your depression: some people find that reading about depression can help. There are many books based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These books can help you understand more about your psychological problems and learn ways of overcoming them by changing your thinking and behaviour. To find out more about recommended books click here.

The ‘good thinking’ website is also a very useful resource: Good thinking

Most info taken from:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression/Pages/Introduction.aspx