13.1 Introduction
Welcome to the final module.
This module will focus on how to get help for depression. The UK and the NHS take depression very seriously, and there are a number of resources that are available to those who need support. Whoever believes that they might be experiencing depression should speak with their GP, of course, but there are a number of other contacts and resources that are available. These are both public and private resources, so it is important that you realise that you will certainly find the right resources for you.
The Big White Wall is an online community that has been created for people who are feeling low, anxious, or troubled. It is safe, and it is guided by a team of professionals in the mental health field. Since this is an online resource, the Big White Wall is available 24 hours a day. It is also anonymous, so that people who use this resource can express themselves openly and freely. Thanks to the NHS, The Big White Wall is available in many UK areas for free, and is also available through universities and many employers. Those who are serving, veterans, or their families also can use the Big White Wall for free.
Depression UK - depressionuk.org
Depression UK is another option for those who are looking for a self-help option for their depression. This organisation is run by a team of volunteers, and it focuses on helping those who are experiencing or who are at risk of depression. They encourage recovery, self-help, and personal growth. The organisation also helps members by enabling them to share problems and thoughts with others, as those with depression know what other people with the condition are going through.
To join Depression UK, there is an annual fee of £10, which includes quarterly newsletters, membership to the organisation's 'Pen and Phone-Friend' service, and the site's private discussion forum. The fee also includes access to leaflets on depression, allow members to attend meetings, and encourages contact with others on the site.
Elefriends - elefriends.org.uk
Elefriends is another option for those who are over the age of 18 and seeking help for depression. This, too, is an online support community where one can be themselves. The focus of Elefriends is to welcome those who are struggling and provide them a safe place to share, listen to others, and to be heard. It does not matter if one is having a day where they feel great, or if they are having a day where one feels low, Elefriends is safe. Sharing experiences and ideals is a powerful and valuable tool for those who have depression, and Elefriends is a website that can help in both good times and bad.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - nice.org.uk
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, or NICE, is a resource for physicians, counsellors, and those who have depression. Though this is not necessarily a support site, it is a website that is a wonderful resource for those who have depression. When looking at this website, you will have access to the latest depression studies, opinions from experts, and a search feature that allows one to search the site for the resources they need.
Samaritans - samaritans.org
The Samaritans is an organisation that is focused on helping fewer people succumb to suicide. To do this, they work with individuals who are experiencing crisis or distress in their lives, the exact things that might lead to suicide. The Samaritans work to support those who are feeling depressed and suicidal, and the organisation offers many resources to those who are going through these feelings.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - thecalmzone.net.gridhosted.co.uk
The Campaign Against Living Miserably, or CALM, is a UK-based charity that works to prevent suicide among males throughout the nation. CALM offers support to any man in the UK who is feeling low or in crisis, and offers both a telephone helpline and website.
DepressionAlliance - depressionalliance.org
DepressionAlliance is an organisation that has been made to build a community for those who are living with depression. The organisation also offers to support the wellbeing of those who have depression, and offers information and literature about the condition.
DepressionAlliance also focuses on teaching those with depression about the positives that they can pull from their experience, and equips them with knowledge, skills, resources, and symptoms to make the most out of their condition. As of 2016, DepressionAlliance has partnered with Mind.
Mind - mind.org.uk
Mind is an organisation that offers support and advice for those who are experiencing mental health problems, including depression. Mind campaigns to improve the services available for those with mental health conditions, and to raise awareness and to promote the understanding of these conditions.
Mind offers an informational telephone service that offers confidential advice for those who call. There is also a legal advice service through Mind, which offers information on UK laws that might have a mental health connection. Mind also offers a number of publications and articles on its website. There is also a local Mind network throughout England and Wales, which offers mental health services to those who need them. There are more than 7,000 volunteers who work with Mind, and more than 350,000 people use Mind services.
Counselling Directory - counselling-directory.org.uk
For those who are seeking a counsellor to help with their depression, the Counselling Directory is an excellent resource. You can find a professional counsellor or psychotherapist in your local area, simply by entering your postcode. There is information about depression on the site, and there are articles and facts available to help those who have depression.
FACT
Most depression - over 90% - is treated on an outpatient basis. Only in cases of severe or treatment- resistant depression do some people require a stay in hospital.
Source: webmd.com
YoungMinds - youngminds.org.uk
For those looking for depression support who are younger, YoungMinds is another resource for help. YoungMinds is a leading UK charity that is committed to helping children and young people who are experiencing mental health issues. The organisation campaigns, sponsors research, and works to influence legal policies that could affect those with mental health problems.
In addition to offering resources for children and young people, YoungMinds also has a section on its website for parents who are seeking information about their child's mental illness. There is a helpline available, and information from real people who describe their own experience with depression.
Action on Depression - actionondepression.org
Action on Depression is a Scottish resource that promotes the self-management of depression, recovery, and the support of one's peers. The website also lists a number of local resources for those with depression from Aberdeen to West Lothian. This website also has information about courses that can help those with depression, such as 'Living Life to the Full.' There are also other resources listed on the website including emergency numbers for those who are in crisis.
The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association - sada.org.uk
For those who have seasonal affective disorder, SADA is an excellent resource. It is the only organisation in the UK that is dedicated to SAD, and it offers information and support to those who have the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder. There is a lot of information about SAD available on the website, and contacts that one can use to find help and support for their condition.
Activity
Estimated Time: 10 minutes
One of the most important things that you can do if you are battling depression is to have your contact information and health history available. For this activity, take about 10 minutes and write down all of your information. Include your name, address, emergency contact information, allergies, and any other health information that you deem necessary. Then, make sure to put this in a safe place that you have easy access to in the case of an emergency.
Activity
Estimated time: 10 minutes
Now that you know about the various resources for help that are available in the UK, you know where to go and which organisation to contact should you require it. You can also serve as a resource to those who might be looking for the same thing. Imagine that you are speaking with various people who are seeking out help for their depression. Which organisation would you suggest for:
The single mum who does not want to leave her children at home whilst she receives treatment.
The 12-year-old boy who is starting to feel the symptoms of depression.
The man you work with who will not admit to his depression, but you are reading the signs of depression.
Module Summary
For people who have depression, having resources that they can count on is extremely important, and in the UK, there are many options. If you are dealing with depression, your first step should be to contact your GP, but if there are circumstances where you are uncomfortable with that, these other resources can also serve to offer support, guidance, information, and help.
This final module was totally focused on providing resources from around the UK that those with depression can count on. There are online resources, such as the Big White Wall, which are ideal for those who are simply looking for someone to talk and listen. There are also resources such as Action on Depression, which are good for those who are in crisis and require assistance immediately. You also should have learned about the resources in the UK that are available to men who are suffering from depression, and resources for those who are children or younger individuals. Finally, you have learned that you can use these resources to find a counsellor or psychotherapist in your area, simply by entering your postcode.
Depression is an extremely common illness in the UK, and there are a number of resources available, as has been shown by this module. For anyone who is experiencing depression, reach out to your GP to begin creating a treatment plan. For those who are in crisis, please call 111, the UK NHS helpline, and speak to a professional. If it is an emergency situation, please call 999.
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