Depression and anxiety
Depression and anxiety are the most common forms of mental distress in the UK. This page lists booklets which provide information and advice on topics related to anxiety and depression.
- Explaining anxiety and depression
- Behaviours linking to anxiety and depression
- Treatment and recovery
Explaining anxiety and depression
Anxiety - This looks at the causes of anxiety, its effects and how to reduce it to a manageable level as well as how to reassure and support friends and relatives with this problem.
Depression - This guide describes the symptoms of depression and the different kinds of treatment available. It suggests ways that people can help themselves, and what family and friends can do. It also provides sources of further advice and information.
Postnatal depression - This booklet explains the possible causes of postnatal depression, describes the signs to look out for, and gives suggestions about what can be done to help.
Seasonal affective disorder - This guide explains how seasonal changes in light levels affect behaviour and mood and what can be done about it.
Bipolar disorder (manic depression) - Describes the possible causes of bipolar disorder, what treatment and support is available and how friends and relatives can support someone with the diagnosis.
Behaviours relating to depression and anxiety
Self Harm - This page is for anyone who self-harms, their friends and family. It should give readers a greater understanding and knowledge of the condition and of what they can do to help overcome it.
Panic attacks - This booklet is aimed at anyone who wants to know more about what happens during an attack, what can trigger them and what you can do about them.
Panic attacks - trouble shooter - A brief guide about panic attacks and how they can be prevented.
Worry - This booklet is for anyone who feels that worrying is spoiling their lives. It explains the problem and how it may affect you. It also suggests ways you can tackle it.
Stress - Explains when and how stress can be bad for you, signs of stress, and strategies for coping with it and other sources of help.
Stress- troubleshooter - A booklet with the basic facts about stress and tips on how to deal with it.
Sleep problems - This booklet looks at the nature of sleep, the causes of insomnia and other sleep problems, and describes the self-help approaches and professional help available.
Sleep problems - troubleshooter - The basic facts about stress and tips on how to deal with them.
Exam stress - Provides advice on how best to prepare for exams, how to recognise if stress is getting out of hand and what to do if it is.
Stress of student life - This booklet is aimed at students and their families and focuses on some of the anxieties that can arise.
Treatment and recovery
Understanding talking treatments - This guide gives a brief guide to the different talking treatments that are available
Making sense of antidepressants - This guide provides general information about antidepressants, specific information about different types and details of individual antidepressants.
Making sense of sleeping pills and minor tranquilisers - Discusses why they may be prescribed, side effects, withdrawal and possible alternative treatments.
Mental wellbeing - How to improve your mental wellbeing, why some people may be more prone to mental distress and how to help someone in distress.
Relaxation - Some people can have difficulty relaxing and the booklet explores why and how to resolve them.