Aid is at Hand for Depression and Anxiety

A NEW project has been launched to help people suffering from depression and anxiety in West Lothian.

The initiative has received funding from the National Programme for Health and Wellbeing’s Doing Well by People with Depression programme and is supported by the West Lothian Community Health Care Partnership.

James McCallum, GP lead of the West Lothian Anxiety and Depression Redesign Project, said:

“Research shows that these problems are among the most frequently presented to general practitioners, and local GPs were reporting that they would like to be able to provide alternatives to prescribing medication, such as psychological interventions.

“As well as difficulty accessing psychological interventions, a lack of information for GPs about local services, and a lack of clarity of roles was at times leading to inappropriate referrals.”

Clinical psychologist, Dr Neil Millar added: “We have been able to empower patients by giving them information about their symptoms and self help strategies, and by supporting them to use self-help books.

“People are learning techniques and skills which help manage and reduce their symptoms.”

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