Helpful resources

Self help resources for patients

Resources which may benefit a patient suffering from mental distress, who does not yet want or require treatment:

  • Changing Minds relaxation tools and wellbeing resources in different languages which may be suggested to patients
  • Relaxation Exercises
  • The Foundation for Positive Mental Health skills training for positive mental health, derived from Olympic sports
  • Reading Well Books on Prescription was launched in 2013 with a list for common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, phobias and some eating disorders. The RCGP has worked with Reading Well Books on Prescription since it began and has been involved in reviewing book lists and books and providing advice.
  • The Responsibility without Blame Project provides a free and accessible e-learning for anyone interested in thinking about our ideas of responsibility and blame, and finding ways to work and relate more effectively with people with personality disorder or complex needs.

How to discuss mental health with your GP

Speeding up return to work

  • Fit for work – a free service for people who have been off work, or are at risk of being off work, for 4 weeks or more. People can self-refer, be referred by their employer or by their GP. It provides occupational health assessments and support aimed at enabling a safe and speedy return to work.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy resources (all free but some require registration)

Resources for carers

  • Carers, family and friends what you need to know
  • Carers Trust and specifically for mental health carers
  • Carers direct hotline 0300 123 1053
  • Quarriers support for carers in Scotland
  • NHS information page for carers
  • Wandsworth Carers’ Centre – We support Carers in their caring role, to have a life outside of caring and to have a voice. With offices in both Wandsworth and Balham, we are able to deliver our services to the Borough.
  • Places:
    • The Recovery Cafe
    • The Dragon Cafe – every Monday at: The Crypt of St George the Martyr Church, Borough High Street, SE1 1JA
  • Events:
  • Exercise:
    • BBC’s App Couch potato to 5 K
  • Blogs:
    • drawingforwellbeing.blogspot.com
      I specialise in ‘Drawing for Wellbeing’ Workshops as I have been diagnosed with a mental health condition ‘Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorder’. During my relapses I can become highly creative and draw and record every moment of my experiences of psychosis. Using the ‘Arts as Therapy’ helps me to cope with my illness and can help others with similar issues to have a platform for self-expression.
  • Online:
    • The Blurt Foundation – blurtitout.org – you can sign up to their newsletter to receive fortnightly personalised mindful emails to help you through your week. www.thriveldn.co.uk – a citywide movement to ensure all Londoners have an equal opportunity to good mental health, supported by the Mayor of London and London Health Board partners. Read more about what they do www.thriveldn.co.uk
  • Books: 
    • Books on Prescription
    • Reading Well Books on Prescription helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using self-help reading. The books are chosen by health experts and people living with the conditions covered. People can be recommended a title by a health professional, or they can visit their local library and take a book out for free. The scheme is available in 98% of English library authorities.
    • Living Life to the Full: Key life skills to change your life » Christopher Williams
    • An Introduction to Coping with Depression, 2nd Edition » Lee Brosan, Brenda Hogan
    • Overcoming Anxiety, 2nd Edition: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques » Helen Kennerley
    • Manage Your Mood: How to Use Behavioural Activation Techniques to Overcome Depression » David Veale, Rob Willson
    • The CBT Handbook: A comprehensive guide to using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to overcome depression, anxiety and anger » Pamela Myles, Roz Shafran
    • Overcoming Health Anxiety: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques »David Veale, Rob Willson
    • Mind Over Mood, Second Edition: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think » Dennis Greenberger, Christine A. Padesky
    • Overcoming Depression 3rd Edition: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques » Prof Paul Gilbert
    • The Sheldon Short Guide to Phobias and Panic » Professor Kevin Gournay
    • Overcoming Worry and Generalised Anxiety Disorder, 2nd Edition: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques » Mark Freeston, Kevin Meares
    • Break Free from OCD: Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with CBT » Fiona Challacombe, Victoria Bream Oldfield, Paul M. Salkovskis
    • Overcoming Panic, 2nd Edition: A self-help guide using cognitive behavioural techniques » Vijaya Manicavasagar, Derrick Silove
    • An Introduction to Coping with Anxiety, 2nd Edition » Brenda Hogan, Leonora Brosan
    • Overcoming Binge EATING by Christopher Fairburn – ‘for anyone who has a difficult relationship with food’
    • Banish Your Body Image Thief: A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Building Positive Body Image for Young People » Kate Collins-Donnelly
    • Tyranny » Lesley Fairfield
    • Can I Tell You About Eating Disorders?: A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals » Bryan Lask, Lucy Watson, Fiona Field

Charities

The following charities may be used by patients to learn more about their mental health condition, and read case studies of others who have suffered and been treated for them. They also provide a handy contact resource for questions outside of GP surgery hours.