The lived experience of self-help in mental health in Essex, Essex
Download (PDF 4.46 MB)Summary of report content
A research study focused on service users’ experiences with low mood and/or stress: how they take care of their mental health and how primary care mental health services support them in that. ‘Self-care’ refers to the range of actions that people think of and take in order to take care of their own mental health and lives. 3 deliberation-orientated focus groups held in different locations in Essex during January 2017 with 12 participants with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression.
Findings: views of self-care and the activities that constitute self-care in mental health are not static; they change and readjust depending on the evolving condition of the person and changes in functioning.
Recommendations for GPs interacting with people experiencing anxiety and/or depression:
• Do not just look for symptoms: explore your patient’s understanding of self-care.
• Use your skills of empathy, active listening and a non-judgemental stance towards them.
• Avoid making any assumptions.
• Work with the patient and not on the patient; create partnerships and share decision-making.
• Be familiar with the mental health care services offered in your locality; establish systems that will enable you to get updates about the range and availability of such services.