Mental Health

There is strong evidence that therapies, such as those listed here, are beneficial to patients experiencing mild to moderate depression.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Behavioural Activation
• Counselling
• Interpersonal Therapy

They can help you:

• Change unhelpful thinking patterns
• Increase meaningful activity
• Improve coping skills
• Reduce the risk of relapse

Many people find the benefits last beyond the end of therapy.

Our local talking therapies service is a great place to start when seeking support for your mental health. You can self refer to their service and they will be in touch to book in an assessment with you to have a think about what might be most helpful for you

Please visit their website where you can find out more about what they do and complete their self referral form.

Regular physical activity is an effective treatment for depression. Research shows exercise can:

• Improve mood
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Increase energy

Structured exercise programmes can be as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression, with additional physical health benefits. Even small, regular increases in activity can help.

If you would like advice on improving your level of physical activity speak to your clinician or our health connections team.

Information on local opportunities to be more active is also available on our website.

Mood often improves with:

• Better sleep routine
• Reduced alcohol
• Regular daily structure
• Increased social contact
• Time outdoors

These approaches are low risk and often used alongside therapy or medication.

We offer a 6 week interactive programme called Habits For Health, which is designed to help you better manage long-term conditions and improve your physical and mental health.

We can also offer 1 to 1 support in lifestyle change.

For more information, please contact our Health Connections Team online or by calling 01373 468368.

Antidepressants may be recommended if:

• Depression is moderate to severe
• There is significant risk of self-harm
• Symptoms have not improved with therapy alone
• You have previously responded well to medication
• You prefer medication

Medication is sometimes used alongside talking therapy.

How effective are antidepressants?

Research shows antidepressants are more effective than placebo, particularly in more severe depression. However:

• For mild to moderate depression, the average benefit over placebo is small.
• Not everyone experiences improvement.
• Some people find them helpful; others do not.

Response varies between individuals.

The ‘Chemical Imbalance’ Explanation

Depression used to be described as being caused by a ‘chemical imbalance’. Current research suggests:

• Depression is unlikely to be due to a simple serotonin deficiency.
• It is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors.

Many experts now consider chemical imbalance to be an oversimplification of why people experience depression.

Possible side effects of antidepressants

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Sleep disturbance
• Increased anxiety (early on)
• Sexual problems
• Emotional blunting

A small number of people under 25 may experience increased suicidal thoughts when starting treatment. Seek urgent help if this happens.

Stopping antidepressants

Do not stop suddenly.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Dizziness
• “Brain zaps”
• Anxiety
• Flu-like symptoms
• Sleep problems

Medication should usually be reduced gradually with medical support.

For many people, talking therapy and exercise are effective first steps.

Medication can be helpful in some cases, particularly when symptoms are more severe.

Please book an appointment to discuss the options that are right for you.

• Mindline: You can give Mindline a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 138 1692 or 01823 276 892
• The Samaritans: Whatever you're going through, you can call The Samaritans any time, from any phone for free. Call 116 123

If you are in need of urgent medical support out of hours, please call 111 or 999 or go to your local A&E.

Other support is available on this page

Antidepressants change the way certain brain systems work over time. If the medication is reduced too quickly, the body may struggle to adjust.

This can lead to withdrawal symptoms (also called discontinuation symptoms).

Withdrawal is not an addiction. However, symptoms can sometimes be significant and, in some cases, long-lasting.

These may begin days after reducing the dose:

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• "Electric shock" sensations ("brain zaps")
• Anxiety or irritability
• Sleep disturbance
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Low mood

For some people symptoms are mild and settle within 1 to 2 weeks. For others, they may be more severe and last longer. The risk is higher if:

• You have taken antidepressants for a long time
• You have previously had withdrawal symptoms
• The medication is reduced quickly

You and your GP may consider reduction if:

• You have been well for at least 6 months after a first episode
• You have been well for longer after recurrent episodes
• You feel stable and supported
• Risks and benefits have been discussed

Some people with repeated or severe depression may benefit from longer-term treatment.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists advises that tapering should be:

In some cases, very small dose reductions (sometimes called ‘hyperbolic tapering’) may be helpful.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference.

If you are unsure, contact your GP.

The risk of relapse can be reduced by:

• Continuing or starting talking therapy
• Maintaining regular physical activity
• Keeping a consistent sleep routine
• Reducing alcohol
• Staying socially connected

Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Severe agitation or confusion
• Rapid mood changes
• Symptoms of mania (very little sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behaviour)

Contact your GP, NHS 111, or attend A&E in an emergency.

Mindline: You can give Mindline a call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 138 1692 or 01823 276 892

The Samaritans: Whatever you're going through, you can call The Samaritans any time, from any phone for FREE. Call 116 123

If you are in need of urgent medical support out of hours, please call 111 or 999 or go to your local A&E. 

Other support is available on this page.