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Background
There is growing evidence that people who suffer from mild to moderate psychological problems, particularly depression and anxiety, respond well to treatments involving self care and self management. This approach promotes personal responsibility for one's own health and well being and is particularly evident when self-help is supported by short-term interventions from a trained practitioner.
These interventions are part of a tiered or stepped care approach and covers step two in the following diagram:-
In the Doing Well by People with Depression Programme (Doing Well), this support was provided by a Guided Self-help Worker but these interventions may be delivered by anyone who is adequately trained and supervised. Doing Well kick-started an initiative that has invested time in the development of evidence-based treatment options for people with mild to moderate depression, offering choice in how their treatment is managed. A key component of these treatment options was access to a trained, dedicated person with whom the patient could set goals, devise a plan for recovery and discuss progress against that plan.
Data collected from the Health Board areas involved in the programme show that patients like the service and are achieving real and sustainable improvements in their mental well-being.
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