Where to go for help

Further Sources of Help for Depression

SELF HELP GROUPS:

Depression Alliance
35 Westminster Bridge Rd,
London SE1 7JB. 
National network of self-help groups, information

Fellowship of Depressives Anonymous
36 Chestnut Avenue,
Beverley,
East Yorkshire HU17 9QU. 
Tel: 0870 774 4320

Aware Defeat Depression Ltd
Depression Information Centre,
22 Great James Street,
Derry BT48 7DA.
Tel: 02871 260602. 
(Information and support groups)

Association for Post Natal Illness
25 Jerdan Place,
London SW6 1BE. 
Tel: 020 7386 0868 (Mon to Fri 10 am-5 pm). 
Network of volunteers to support sufferers in UK. 

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) Association
PO Box 989,
Steyning BN44 3HS.
Tel: 01903 814942
(advice, information and support).


TELEPHONE SUPPORT

Samaritans 
Tel: 0345 909090 
(Support for those feeling lonely, despairing or suicidal)

CALM (for young men) 
Tel: 0800 58 58 58

Saneline 
Tel: 0345 678 000
(Information for sufferers, carers or friends.)


HELP FOR PRACTICAL PROBLEMS

Citizens Advice Bureau - their telephone number will be in your telephone directory.

Provide a wide range of free and confidential advice and help on issues like, for example, social security benefits, housing, money problems, family and personal matters. They are likely to know of other local agencies that may be able to help in dealing with problems that may be contributing to your depression.


SUGGESTED READING

Managing Anxiety and depression: A Self Help Guide
by N Holdsworth and R Paxton. Mental Health Foundation 1999 (short, cheap, very easy to read self help booklet)

Managing your mind: the mental fitness guide
by Gillian Butler and Tony Hope. Oxford University Press, 1996 (self-help for depression, relationships, health and work)

So Young, So Sad, So Listen
by Graham P and Hughes C. Gaskell Press 1995. £5. (Book about childhood depression)

Coping with Postnatal Depression
by Fiona Marshall, Sheldon Press
The Feeling Good Handbook: Using The New Mood Therapy in Everyday Life by David Burns. Plume Book, 1990 (detailed information on how to balance your thinking)


AUDIOTAPES

Coping with Depression, Coping with Sleep Problems, Feeling Good
(self-esteem/assertiveness), Coping with Pain available from Talking Life, PO Box 1, Wirral L47 7DD. Tel: 0151 632 0662. Fax: 0151 632 1206. (Information and self help)


CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES

Leisure Centres run different kinds of exercise classes, which may help. Adult classes in yoga, meditation, relaxation and assertiveness are commonly held in local schools or in Colleges of Further Education, during the day and evening. These are not specifically for people with problems, but may help you relax and cope with stresses that may be contributing to your depression. Ask your doctor, nurse or counsellor if they think any of these are appropriate for you.

Reprinted with permission from The World Health Organisation Division of Mental Health & Substance Misuse, material from Mental Disorders in Primary Care; a WHO Educational; Package (1998)