A Guide to Self-help Resources for Depression and Anxiety: A Practitioners' Resource: Doing Well by People with Depression

Guidance Notes

General Guidance

The use of these materials in mild to moderate depression has to be tailored to every individual as part of their care package. The materials recommended or used should complement individual clinical skills and build on what is covered in treatment sessions.

The materials referenced are not an exhaustive list of what is available from websites, publishers, health centres and so on. However, all materials in this publication have been judged appropriate for inclusion by the working group.

As new materials become available they will require to be reviewed for inclusion in this resource against the criteria at Appendix A.

Written materials are produced in English and clients would need to be able to read written English.

Health practitioners should familiarise themselves with all materials prior to suggesting them for use by a client.

Level 1

General information about common mental health problems

Who is it for?

This material is useful for people who would like more information about psychological difficulties associated with depression and/or anxiety.

What is it?

The main focus of the materials at this level is to provide information to citizens about mental ill-health problems.

How is it delivered?

The leaflets are suitable to be made freely available in public locations, e.g. community centres, public libraries, GP surgeries, pharmacies, health centres and colleges.

Best practice

It is recommended that this material be distributed as widely as possible. A routine check of the material is suggested every six months or so to ensure that any phone numbers/contact details listed are still valid.

Warnings and considerations

The material is presented in English and therefore excludes non-English speakers.

Level 2

Specific information and signposting options for common mental health problems

Who is it for?

This material is useful for people who are experiencing a range of psychological difficulties associated with depression and/or anxiety. It is suitable for people to use alone and will be most effective if people are motivated enough to work through the material.

What is it?

This material provides advice on coping with psychological problems, and includes some sign-posting to additional supports and services.

How is it delivered?

As with Level 1 material, it could be made freely available in public places.

Best practice

It is recommended that this material be distributed as widely as possible. A routine check of the material is suggested every six months or so to ensure that any phone numbers/contact details listed are still valid.

Warnings and considerations

The material is presented in English and therefore excludes non-English speakers.

Level 3

Self-directed self-help options for specific problems

Who is it for?

The material is useful for people who are experiencing psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, stress or problems with sleeping. Individuals require to have sufficient literary skills to be able to use these materials and understand information displayed in various forms/charts. It is suitable for people to use alone and works best with people who are motivated enough to work at change themselves. When using the material, the user plans and implements change to their behaviour/routine and records progress though observation of that change.

What is it?

This materials at this level provide a self directed structured plan ( i.e. does not require another person when using). It is reflective. The user records progress through observation of changes. When using the material, the user plans and implements changes to their behaviour/routine.

The materials at this level provide a structured, self-directed learning plan ( i.e. does not require another person when using). It includes workbooks, tapes, books, book prescriptions schemes and websites.

How is it delivered?

It is envisaged that people are directed to this material by a worker in the caring profession. The different types of written materials can be either freely available via GP surgeries, health centres, community resource centres etc. or given out by various grades of primary care staff, area social work teams, psychologists, guidance teachers, local housing workers and relevant voluntary and charity organisations.

Best practice

A member of primary care staff would make an assessment of the user's ability to understand the nature of these materials and the potential demands made of them in terms of time and personal reflection. The content of the materials would be explained to the client prior to use.

Warnings and considerations

When people are depressed they can have problems concentrating and processing information. Some people may not be happy using these materials. This should be assessed by the primary care worker. The materials should not be seen [by the practitioner] as a 'quick fix' or a solution to all of the individual's difficulties. Explanation of the type and purpose of the materials by a primary care member of staff will greatly enhance the potential benefits of these materials.

Some individuals may be so clinically depressed that they will be unable to use these materials.