Treating anxiety and depression - www.slam.nhs.uk

What are the common signs of anxiety?

Feeling anxious is when you feel worried or scared. Here are some things you might notice:

• Your heart beats very fast.
• You breathe quickly.
• Your tummy feels funny.
• You sweat a lot, even if it's not hot.
• Your muscles feel tight.
• You feel shaky.

If you feel like this a lot, tell a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher. They can help you feel better. Playing calm music or taking slow, deep breaths can also help you relax.

What signs show someone might be sad for a long time?

When people feel very sad for many days, they might be depressed. Here are some things they might feel:

• They feel sad all the time.
• They have no energy.
• They don’t enjoy the things they used to like.
• They find it hard to focus or think clearly.
• They don’t feel like eating or they eat too much.
• They have trouble sleeping or they sleep a lot.
• They feel bad about themselves.
• They feel very worried or upset.

If you feel this way, you can talk to someone who can help, like a doctor or a friend. You can also try drawing your feelings, using apps to relax, or listening to calming music.

What can help with feeling worried in the UK?

There are things that can help if you feel worried or scared a lot. Here are some things you can try:

• Talking Therapy: This means talking to someone who is trained to help. They can listen and give advice.
• Medicine: A doctor might give you medicine to help you feel better.
• Exercise: Doing things like walking, running, or playing can help you feel happier.
• Breathing Exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths can help you feel calm. You can learn to do this.
• Apps and Websites: There are phone apps and websites that can teach you ways to feel less worried.

Talk to an adult you trust or a doctor if you feel worried a lot. They can help you find what works best for you.

Getting Help for Feeling Sad with the NHS

If you feel sad and need help, the NHS can help you. Here is how:

1. **Talk to Your Doctor:** Go to your doctor, also called a GP. They can talk to you about how you feel.

2. **Get a Plan:** Your doctor might give you a plan to feel better. This could be talking to someone, taking medicine, or both.

3. **Use Talking Therapies:** You can speak to someone who listens and helps. This is called talking therapy.

4. **Call for Help:** If you need to talk to someone quickly, there are phone lines you can call for help.

If you find reading hard, ask someone to help you. Using pictures or a drawing can also help you understand better.

Can I find help for anxiety and feeling sad online?

Yes, there are ways to get help on the internet. You can find information and tools that can help you feel better. It's important to talk to someone who can help, like a doctor or a counselor.

Here are some things you can use:

• Websites: Some websites give you tips and advice to manage your feelings.
• Apps: There are apps that can help you relax or remind you to do things that make you happy.
• Videos: You can watch videos of people talking about ways to feel better.

You are not alone, and help is out there for you.

Can changing daily habits help with feeling worried or sad?

Some people feel worried or sad. Changing some things you do every day might help you feel better. Here are some tips:

• Get enough sleep.
• Eat healthy food.
• Exercise, like walking or playing outside.
• Talk to someone you trust, like a friend or family member.
• Try deep breathing or relaxing music to calm down.

Remember, doing these things can help. It's also good to talk to a doctor or a helper if you need more support.

What is CBT?

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It helps people with their thoughts and feelings. It teaches new ways to think about things that make you upset or worried.

If you find this hard to read, you can ask someone to help you. You can also use a reading app to read it aloud to you.

How long do antidepressants take to start working?

Antidepressants are medicines that help with feeling sad or worried.

It can take a few weeks before you start to feel better after taking them.

Most people notice a change in about 2 to 4 weeks.

Here are some tips to help:

• Talk to your doctor about how you feel.
• Write down how you feel each day.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you remember to take your medicine.

Can I find support groups for feeling worried or sad in the UK?

Do you sometimes feel very worried or very sad?

If you do, there are groups in the UK that can help you. These are places where you can talk to other people who understand how you feel.

You can ask a grown-up or someone you trust to help you find one of these groups.

It might also be helpful to talk to a doctor or a counselor for more support.

What can I do if I need help right now?

Can kids and teens get help for feeling worried or sad?

Yes, kids and teens can get help if they feel worried or sad. There are people called doctors and therapists who can talk to them and help them feel better. Talking to someone can make feeling worried or sad easier to handle.

It is good to tell an adult if you feel this way. Adults like parents, teachers, or school counselors can help you find someone to talk to.

There are also things like drawing, playing, or writing that can help you feel better. It is important to know you are not alone, and there are people who want to help you.

What can I do if I feel worried or sad again after getting help?

Can you feel better from anxiety and depression without taking medicine?

Yes, you can try other ways to feel better. Here are some things that might help:

• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings.
• Try to do some exercise, like walking or playing a sport.
• Make sure you get enough sleep every night.
• Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
• Practice deep breathing or meditation to relax.
• Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal.
• Ask for help from a counselor or support group.

If you try these and still feel bad, talk to a doctor or counselor. They can help you find the best way to feel better.

Can taking medicine for feeling worried or sad cause problems?

Taking medicine to help with worry and sadness can sometimes cause problems. It is important to talk with a doctor to know about these problems. Doctors can help find the right medicine and make sure it is safe.

If you have worries about the medicine, ask the doctor or a nurse. They can explain things clearly and help you feel better. It’s also good to talk with family or friends for support.

Here are some tips to help:

• Write down any questions you have before you see the doctor.
• Take notes when the doctor is talking to help you remember.
• Use pictures or drawings if they help you understand better.

How can I help someone I love who is feeling sad or worried?

Here are ways to help someone you care about who feels sad or worried:

• Listen to them. Let them talk about how they feel.
• Be there for them. Spend time together.
• Encourage them to do things they enjoy. Play games or go for a walk.
• Talk to a doctor or counselor if they need extra help.

Remember, being kind and patient is important too.

What is feeling worried and sad?

Lots of people feel worried or sad sometimes. This is normal.

When someone feels worried or sad for a long time, it might be more serious.

Feeling very worried is called anxiety. Feeling very sad is called depression.

If you feel this way, talking to a grown-up you trust can help. They can help you find a doctor or someone to talk to.

There are also apps and videos that can help you feel better. These tools can teach you ways to relax and feel happy again.

Why do people feel anxious and sad?

There are different reasons why people might feel worried or sad. Here are some:

• Big changes in life, like moving to a new place or starting a new school.
• Feeling lonely or not having friends to talk to.
• Problems at home, like fighting or not getting along.
• Wanting to be perfect and worrying too much.
• Getting sick or not feeling well.

Tools that can help include:

• Talking to a trusted friend or adult.
• Drawing or writing about your feelings.
• Doing something fun or relaxing, like playing outside or listening to music.

What are common signs of feeling worried?

What are the common signs of feeling very sad?

Feeling very sad is called depression. Here are some signs:

• Feeling sad most of the time.
• Not wanting to do things you usually like.
• Feeling tired or having no energy.
• Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much.
• Find it hard to focus or make decisions.
• Changes in eating – eating too much or not enough.
• Feeling bad about yourself or blaming yourself a lot.

Remember, you can talk to a grown-up or a doctor if you feel this way. Writing in a diary or drawing can also help understand feelings.

How do doctors find out if you have anxiety?

How do doctors find out if someone is sad for a long time?

Doctors talk to the person and ask questions. They want to know how the person feels. They ask if the person feels sad most days, if they like doing fun things, and how they sleep and eat.

Doctors might also ask about changes at school, work, or home. It's important to share everything with the doctor.

Sometimes, doctors ask for some tests. These tests help them learn more about the person's health.

If you think you are feeling sad a lot, it is a good idea to tell a trusted adult. They can help you talk to a doctor.

Pictures, videos, and using a diary to write down feelings can help too.

What can help people feel better if they are sad or worried?

There are things that can help if someone feels very sad or worried. Here are some things that might help:

• Talking to a doctor or therapist: A doctor or therapist can listen and give advice.
• Medicine: A doctor might give medicine to help feel better.
• Exercise: Moving the body, like walking or playing, can help feel good.
• Talking to friends or family: Sharing feelings with someone who cares can be helpful.
• Relaxing: Doing things like deep breathing or listening to music can help calm down.

Each person is different, so it's important to find what works best for them. A doctor can help choose the right things to try. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a way to help people feel better by changing how they think and act.

It teaches people to notice and change unhelpful thoughts. This can help them feel less sad or worried.

CBT helps people solve problems by breaking them into smaller steps. This makes it easier to understand and handle problems.

CBT can be helpful for children and adults. It can be done by talking to a therapist or using online tools that guide you through activities.

Using pictures and simple words can make CBT easier to understand. An adult or a therapist can help explain each step.

Can medicine help with feeling worried or sad?

Medicine can help when you feel very worried or very sad. These feelings are called anxiety (worried) and depression (sad). Doctors can give you medicine to feel better.

Medicine is like a tool. It can help your brain feel calm and happy again.

Sometimes, talking to someone you trust, like a doctor or a friend, can also help. They can help you find more ways to feel better.

It's important to talk to a doctor before taking any medicine. They know what is best for you.

Other things that might help are:

• Doing things you enjoy
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating healthy food
• Going for a walk or moving your body

Remember, it's okay to ask for help.

Can changing how I live help me feel less worried or sad?

Can we make anxiety and depression go away?

Where can I find help for feeling worried or sad in the UK?

If you are feeling worried (anxious) or sad (depressed), there are places you can get help.

You can: - Talk to your doctor (GP). - Call a help line like Samaritans or Childline. - Visit a health center that helps with feelings. - Use online tools to help you feel better.

It is important to talk to someone if you feel worried or sad.

Do I have to wait for mental health help in the UK?

Sometimes, there might be a wait to get help for your feelings in the UK.

If you need help now, you can:

• Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher.
• Call a helpline. They can listen and help.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help!

What to Do in a Mental Health Emergency

If someone is very upset or not feeling well in their mind, it is called a mental health emergency. Here is what you can do:

• Stay calm and try to help them feel safe.
• Call for help. You can call a doctor, therapist, or emergency services for advice.
• Listen to them. Let them talk about how they feel.
• Stay with them if they need company, but make sure you are safe too.
• Use relaxing tools like breathing exercises to help them calm down.

Remember, it is important to get help from people who know what to do.

How can family and friends help someone with anxiety and depression?

Family and friends can help by being kind and listening. Here are some ways to help:

• Be there: Spend time with them. Let them know you care.
• Listen: Let them talk about their feelings. Listen without judging.
• Encourage: Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help from a doctor or therapist.
• Be patient: Understand that getting better takes time.
• Learn: Read books or look online to learn more about anxiety and depression.

If you want to help more, try these tools:

• Relaxation apps: Suggest using apps that help calm the mind.
• Support groups: Find local or online groups where they can meet others who understand.

What are the common signs of anxiety?

Feeling anxious is when you feel worried or scared. Here are some things you might notice:

• Your heart beats very fast.
• You breathe quickly.
• Your tummy feels funny.
• You sweat a lot, even if it's not hot.
• Your muscles feel tight.
• You feel shaky.

If you feel like this a lot, tell a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher. They can help you feel better. Playing calm music or taking slow, deep breaths can also help you relax.

What signs show someone might be sad for a long time?

When people feel very sad for many days, they might be depressed. Here are some things they might feel:

• They feel sad all the time.
• They have no energy.
• They don’t enjoy the things they used to like.
• They find it hard to focus or think clearly.
• They don’t feel like eating or they eat too much.
• They have trouble sleeping or they sleep a lot.
• They feel bad about themselves.
• They feel very worried or upset.

If you feel this way, you can talk to someone who can help, like a doctor or a friend. You can also try drawing your feelings, using apps to relax, or listening to calming music.

What can help with feeling worried in the UK?

There are things that can help if you feel worried or scared a lot. Here are some things you can try:

• Talking Therapy: This means talking to someone who is trained to help. They can listen and give advice.
• Medicine: A doctor might give you medicine to help you feel better.
• Exercise: Doing things like walking, running, or playing can help you feel happier.
• Breathing Exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths can help you feel calm. You can learn to do this.
• Apps and Websites: There are phone apps and websites that can teach you ways to feel less worried.

Talk to an adult you trust or a doctor if you feel worried a lot. They can help you find what works best for you.

Getting Help for Feeling Sad with the NHS

If you feel sad and need help, the NHS can help you. Here is how:

1. **Talk to Your Doctor:** Go to your doctor, also called a GP. They can talk to you about how you feel.

2. **Get a Plan:** Your doctor might give you a plan to feel better. This could be talking to someone, taking medicine, or both.

3. **Use Talking Therapies:** You can speak to someone who listens and helps. This is called talking therapy.

4. **Call for Help:** If you need to talk to someone quickly, there are phone lines you can call for help.

If you find reading hard, ask someone to help you. Using pictures or a drawing can also help you understand better.

Can I find help for anxiety and feeling sad online?

Yes, there are ways to get help on the internet. You can find information and tools that can help you feel better. It's important to talk to someone who can help, like a doctor or a counselor.

Here are some things you can use:

• Websites: Some websites give you tips and advice to manage your feelings.
• Apps: There are apps that can help you relax or remind you to do things that make you happy.
• Videos: You can watch videos of people talking about ways to feel better.

You are not alone, and help is out there for you.

Can changing daily habits help with feeling worried or sad?

Some people feel worried or sad. Changing some things you do every day might help you feel better. Here are some tips:

• Get enough sleep.
• Eat healthy food.
• Exercise, like walking or playing outside.
• Talk to someone you trust, like a friend or family member.
• Try deep breathing or relaxing music to calm down.

Remember, doing these things can help. It's also good to talk to a doctor or a helper if you need more support.

What is CBT?

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It helps people with their thoughts and feelings. It teaches new ways to think about things that make you upset or worried.

If you find this hard to read, you can ask someone to help you. You can also use a reading app to read it aloud to you.

How long do antidepressants take to start working?

Antidepressants are medicines that help with feeling sad or worried.

It can take a few weeks before you start to feel better after taking them.

Most people notice a change in about 2 to 4 weeks.

Here are some tips to help:

• Talk to your doctor about how you feel.
• Write down how you feel each day.
• Ask a friend or family member to help you remember to take your medicine.

Can I find support groups for feeling worried or sad in the UK?

Do you sometimes feel very worried or very sad?

If you do, there are groups in the UK that can help you. These are places where you can talk to other people who understand how you feel.

You can ask a grown-up or someone you trust to help you find one of these groups.

It might also be helpful to talk to a doctor or a counselor for more support.

What can I do if I need help right now?

Can kids and teens get help for feeling worried or sad?

Yes, kids and teens can get help if they feel worried or sad. There are people called doctors and therapists who can talk to them and help them feel better. Talking to someone can make feeling worried or sad easier to handle.

It is good to tell an adult if you feel this way. Adults like parents, teachers, or school counselors can help you find someone to talk to.

There are also things like drawing, playing, or writing that can help you feel better. It is important to know you are not alone, and there are people who want to help you.

What can I do if I feel worried or sad again after getting help?

Can you feel better from anxiety and depression without taking medicine?

Yes, you can try other ways to feel better. Here are some things that might help:

• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings.
• Try to do some exercise, like walking or playing a sport.
• Make sure you get enough sleep every night.
• Eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
• Practice deep breathing or meditation to relax.
• Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal.
• Ask for help from a counselor or support group.

If you try these and still feel bad, talk to a doctor or counselor. They can help you find the best way to feel better.

Can taking medicine for feeling worried or sad cause problems?

Taking medicine to help with worry and sadness can sometimes cause problems. It is important to talk with a doctor to know about these problems. Doctors can help find the right medicine and make sure it is safe.

If you have worries about the medicine, ask the doctor or a nurse. They can explain things clearly and help you feel better. It’s also good to talk with family or friends for support.

Here are some tips to help:

• Write down any questions you have before you see the doctor.
• Take notes when the doctor is talking to help you remember.
• Use pictures or drawings if they help you understand better.

How can I help someone I love who is feeling sad or worried?

Here are ways to help someone you care about who feels sad or worried:

• Listen to them. Let them talk about how they feel.
• Be there for them. Spend time together.
• Encourage them to do things they enjoy. Play games or go for a walk.
• Talk to a doctor or counselor if they need extra help.

Remember, being kind and patient is important too.

What is feeling worried and sad?

Lots of people feel worried or sad sometimes. This is normal.

When someone feels worried or sad for a long time, it might be more serious.

Feeling very worried is called anxiety. Feeling very sad is called depression.

If you feel this way, talking to a grown-up you trust can help. They can help you find a doctor or someone to talk to.

There are also apps and videos that can help you feel better. These tools can teach you ways to relax and feel happy again.

Why do people feel anxious and sad?

There are different reasons why people might feel worried or sad. Here are some:

• Big changes in life, like moving to a new place or starting a new school.
• Feeling lonely or not having friends to talk to.
• Problems at home, like fighting or not getting along.
• Wanting to be perfect and worrying too much.
• Getting sick or not feeling well.

Tools that can help include:

• Talking to a trusted friend or adult.
• Drawing or writing about your feelings.
• Doing something fun or relaxing, like playing outside or listening to music.

What are common signs of feeling worried?

What are the common signs of feeling very sad?

Feeling very sad is called depression. Here are some signs:

• Feeling sad most of the time.
• Not wanting to do things you usually like.
• Feeling tired or having no energy.
• Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much.
• Find it hard to focus or make decisions.
• Changes in eating – eating too much or not enough.
• Feeling bad about yourself or blaming yourself a lot.

Remember, you can talk to a grown-up or a doctor if you feel this way. Writing in a diary or drawing can also help understand feelings.

How do doctors find out if you have anxiety?

How do doctors find out if someone is sad for a long time?

Doctors talk to the person and ask questions. They want to know how the person feels. They ask if the person feels sad most days, if they like doing fun things, and how they sleep and eat.

Doctors might also ask about changes at school, work, or home. It's important to share everything with the doctor.

Sometimes, doctors ask for some tests. These tests help them learn more about the person's health.

If you think you are feeling sad a lot, it is a good idea to tell a trusted adult. They can help you talk to a doctor.

Pictures, videos, and using a diary to write down feelings can help too.

What can help people feel better if they are sad or worried?

There are things that can help if someone feels very sad or worried. Here are some things that might help:

• Talking to a doctor or therapist: A doctor or therapist can listen and give advice.
• Medicine: A doctor might give medicine to help feel better.
• Exercise: Moving the body, like walking or playing, can help feel good.
• Talking to friends or family: Sharing feelings with someone who cares can be helpful.
• Relaxing: Doing things like deep breathing or listening to music can help calm down.

Each person is different, so it's important to find what works best for them. A doctor can help choose the right things to try. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help.

What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a way to help people feel better by changing how they think and act.

It teaches people to notice and change unhelpful thoughts. This can help them feel less sad or worried.

CBT helps people solve problems by breaking them into smaller steps. This makes it easier to understand and handle problems.

CBT can be helpful for children and adults. It can be done by talking to a therapist or using online tools that guide you through activities.

Using pictures and simple words can make CBT easier to understand. An adult or a therapist can help explain each step.

Can medicine help with feeling worried or sad?

Medicine can help when you feel very worried or very sad. These feelings are called anxiety (worried) and depression (sad). Doctors can give you medicine to feel better.

Medicine is like a tool. It can help your brain feel calm and happy again.

Sometimes, talking to someone you trust, like a doctor or a friend, can also help. They can help you find more ways to feel better.

It's important to talk to a doctor before taking any medicine. They know what is best for you.

Other things that might help are:

• Doing things you enjoy
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating healthy food
• Going for a walk or moving your body

Remember, it's okay to ask for help.

Can changing how I live help me feel less worried or sad?

Can we make anxiety and depression go away?

Where can I find help for feeling worried or sad in the UK?

If you are feeling worried (anxious) or sad (depressed), there are places you can get help.

You can: - Talk to your doctor (GP). - Call a help line like Samaritans or Childline. - Visit a health center that helps with feelings. - Use online tools to help you feel better.

It is important to talk to someone if you feel worried or sad.

Do I have to wait for mental health help in the UK?

Sometimes, there might be a wait to get help for your feelings in the UK.

If you need help now, you can:

• Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher.
• Call a helpline. They can listen and help.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help!

What to Do in a Mental Health Emergency

If someone is very upset or not feeling well in their mind, it is called a mental health emergency. Here is what you can do:

• Stay calm and try to help them feel safe.
• Call for help. You can call a doctor, therapist, or emergency services for advice.
• Listen to them. Let them talk about how they feel.
• Stay with them if they need company, but make sure you are safe too.
• Use relaxing tools like breathing exercises to help them calm down.

Remember, it is important to get help from people who know what to do.

How can family and friends help someone with anxiety and depression?

Family and friends can help by being kind and listening. Here are some ways to help:

• Be there: Spend time with them. Let them know you care.
• Listen: Let them talk about their feelings. Listen without judging.
• Encourage: Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help from a doctor or therapist.
• Be patient: Understand that getting better takes time.
• Learn: Read books or look online to learn more about anxiety and depression.

If you want to help more, try these tools:

• Relaxation apps: Suggest using apps that help calm the mind.
• Support groups: Find local or online groups where they can meet others who understand.