All of us feel unhappy sometimes when life is difficult, this is a normal reaction. If we are feeling low, having sleeping problems and have changes in appetite that last for several weeks or months, and when we can’t enjoy life as we did, or we stop doing things we used to do, then we might be suffering from depression.
The best way to help yourself recover from depression is to get active again, and to get back to doing things that feel pleasurable. Even making small changes can make a big difference, and this website has lots of ideas and resources to help you.
Self Help Guides
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A series of guides on a range of topics including depression are available from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
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Depression self-help guide produced by NHS Inform
- Let’s get moving
- Workbooks for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners produced by University of Exeter
Self Help Books
The Books on Prescription scheme offers self-management books that are highly recommended by reputable practitioners and organisations. Many of the books are self-help versions of evidence-based treatments. They offer a way of helping you to help yourself to take control of your life.
You can borrow the books from your local library, free of charge.
For details of local libraries visit your local council/authority website.
If you use a book from the scheme, and it doesn’t help,you should ask your GP for further advice.