Self-help boost for people with depression

A NEW service which enables people with low mood or depression to access self help materials is being rolled out across Scotland.

Following a successful three-year pilot project, NHS 24 is extending its specialist support service, NHS Living Life Guided Self Help, to the whole of Scotland.

With support from the Scottish Government, a free, confidential service, based on a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach, is available to anyone suffering low mood, mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety.

Help is at hand

Through Guided Self Help (GSH), individuals learn to change their way of thinking, helping them react more positively to situations, whilst boosting self-esteem and confidence.

NHS 24 Medical Director, Dr George Crooks said: "With around 300,000 patients seeking help from their GP for depressive symptoms annually in Scotland, this service is an empowering and practical way for patients to get information, access resources and learn coping skills with a self-help coach.

"Being able to access this type of support in the privacy of your own home at a time that suits you brings real benefits to the people of Scotland."

Margaret Finnerty, NHS Living Life Team Leader explained: "It gives people, and particularly those living in remote and rural areas or those who have difficulty in travelling for a face-to-face appointment, equal access to therapeutic care. We also offer the service in the evenings, which allows access outside of normal working hours for many people."

Living Life is part of a range of person centred services provided by NHS 24 to improve access to mental health services to the people of Scotland. Living Life Guided Self Help is a key component of NHS 24's mental health strategic framework, which is being spearheaded by consultant psychiatrist Dr Stella Clark.

The service is available to anyone over the age of 16 and can be accessed either by GP referral or by phoning the number directly on 0800 328 9655.

The service is available Monday to Friday 1pm - 9pm. Callers are asked to provide some details and then arrangements are made to receive an assessment appointment to discuss the service and how help can be provided.