If you’re feeling depressed or anxious the Supporting Minds project might be able to help
A service offering brief psychological treatment for depression and anxiety disorders has been launched by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.
‘Supporting Minds’ provides a range of talking therapies for people living in the Blackpool area.
Members of the public who are feeling low and tearful, depressed, panicky, anxious or stressed can refer themselves to the service. Anyone who is worrying excessively, having trouble sleeping, feeling distressed and having repetitive thoughts can also self-refer.
Therapies offered include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, guided self-help, Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR) and a stress control group.
Treatments are offered in a range of community settings across Blackpool and Cleveleys.
The ‘talking treatments’ are designed to help people to deal with distress that is interfering with their day-to-day lives. Treatments involve self-help and they provide people with the tools they need to get back to enjoying life and engaging in work or daily activities.
The treatments take place over a set number of regular sessions, usually weekly appointments, and participants need to be able to attend regularly to benefit from the treatment.
When a person begins treatment and when the sessions come to an end, the Supporting Minds team will inform the person’s GP. Participants will receive copies of any letters sent to their GP.
Supporting Minds is not able to provide reports for compensation, legal or benefits claims, or to prescribe medication. The service does not offer 24-hour or weekend access, crisis or urgent treatment, treatment for alcohol or drug problems, or treatment for severe and enduring mental illness.
If you would like help from Supporting Minds please call the service Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, on: 01253 955 700.