Depression and anxiety

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems in the UK. This page lists booklets that 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 and panic attacks - This looks at the causes of anxiety and panic disorders, their effects and how to reduce anxiety and panic to a manageable level. It also explains how to reassure and support friends and relatives with these problems.

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 - troubleshooter - 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 - This booklet is for anyone who wants to know how to deal with stress and how to relax. It explains when and how stress can be bad for you, and provides strategies for dealing with it.

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. It focuses on some of the anxieties that they are likely to encounter as student life begins, and suggests ways of coping.

Treatment and recovery

Making sense of 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 - This information explains what causes people to experience mental health problemsl and suggests what you can do to improve your mental wellbeing. It also tells you how to stay mentally well while caring for someone else.