There are a number of places where you can go to get further help, as follows:
General practitioners (GP): this is a good place to start. Your GP can help you to find the right type of help. This may include medication, or a referral to another agency for other forms of treatment such as ‘talking treatments’. GP surgeries will also hold a range of leaflets and information about local services.
Community mental health centres: in most cases, you will require a referral from the GP in order to be eligible for treatment. Professionals such as psychologists and counsellors within these centres will be able to offer a range of treatments as described above. Most mental health centres will carry out an initial assessment. This involves a discussion in which you and the worker identify what your needs are, and possible steps for managing depression. This process will enable both of you to decide which service and type of help is most suitable.
Local mental health associations or voluntary organisations: some of these operate telephone helplines, others you may visit personally, usually without a formal referral. You can find out about these organisations from local directories of services, your local library, or telephone directory. Availability of these services varies across areas.
Self-help groups: details of these groups can be found in telephone directories and from local advice and information centres. Some addresses are also given at the end of this site.
Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CAB): details of your nearest CAB can be found by looking in a local telephone directory. Advisers will be able to tell you more about local services and how to access them. In some cases, they may be able to provide some basic information, or even make initial contacts with other agencies on your behalf.
Community Health Councils (CHC): local CHCs will have information on local services. Their contact numbers will be in your local telephone directory.
