Lifestyle and support resources

It is important to bear in mind that antidepressant medications are most effective when used alongside other non-pharmaceutical interventions such as:

• Peer support: a good starting point is Mind’s Side by Side, a supportive online community where people can share their mental health experiences
• Guided self-help: the Reading Well scheme offers Books on Prescription through most local libraries, including in electronic form; resources are also available from Overcoming and Moodgym
• Exercise: can boost mood but needs to be enjoyable to be effective and sustainable. Exercising at home using videos from YouTube or Fitness Blender will be preferred by some, while others prefer to be outdoors; people can do the Couch to 5K programme on their own, while walking groups such as those run by the Ramblers add a social aspect.
  • Projects like Green Gyms where people undertake practical and purposeful physical activities like planting trees and community gardening are a good fit for those who want to get out and meet people
• Eating well: some people find they eat for comfort and gain weight while others lose their appetite. The British Nutrition Foundation has a blog on the link between diet and depression. Useful advice is also available from MIND at mind.org.uk
• Sleeping well: can be another challenge but is important. Consider the whole day (e.g. exposure to daylight in the morning) and not just bedtime routine. Signpost to: thesleepcharity.org.uk
• Practising kindness: both inwardly and outwardly, whether by engaging in hobbies, seeing friends, volunteering or helping others, practising kindness can act as a distraction and foster a positive mindset
• Understanding the condition: can help to break down taboos and empower a depression sufferer to find the energy to navigate their way through their illness and its management.