Self-help 'can tackle depression'
Over one in four people will experience mental health issues over the cause of a year, with mixed anxiety and depression two of the most common condition.
However, these problems are often overlooked by members of the public, according to one healthcare expert.
Helen Robinson, information and communications officer at the support organsiation Journeys, said that depression is a problem which may affect most people throughout their lives, either personally or when a friend or family member suffers.
She pointed out that a common way of treating the problem is to take anti-depressants, but the expert told health insurance customers that this is often only a way to mask the underlying problems.
"Seeing anti-depressants as a 'solution' has been likened to putting a helmet on to protect your head from someone who is hitting you with a hammer. The helmet may help but what you really need to do is take the hammer off the person who is hitting you," she said.
Ms Robinson's comments came after a report published in the British Medical Journal found that there has been a rise in the number of people being prescibed antidepressnats in the last few years.
According to the specialist, the drug's effects often depend on the mood and hopes of the person taking them, however, adding that self-help is one way in which people can achieve a more positive state of mind.
She explained: "Self-help starts with accepting responsibility for your own health and wellbeing. It involves any activity that you can do either by yourself or for yourself that allows you to manage your depression, promote your mental health and improve your wellbeing."
Ms Robinson added that the key to any self-help routine is to make permanent lifestyle changes, such as learning new skills and seeing things in a different light.
The specialist told health insurance customers that only then can depression sufferers truly begin to escape the throes of the condition.
She concluded: "Engaging in self-help enables you to develop both your understanding and coping strategies, providing useful tools to help bring about your recovery and possibly prevent future relapses into depression."
Posted by Stephen Tate
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