Feeling low?

You can now easily learn skills to help you overcome feelings of low mood by accessing our online course. This type of therapy puts you in control. You can work at a pace that is comfortable for you. You will be assisted through this therapy by one of our trained clinical helpers.

Beating the Blues – for people who are feeling low

What is Beating the Blues™?

Beating the Blues is an interactive computer programme based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) designed to provide effective, practical treatment for depression and anxiety.

It is available online or in clinics over a series of eight sessions.

Is Beating the Blues for me?

You may benefit if…

• If you’re feeling low and you want to learn practical skills to help with your problems but do not want to through your problems with a therpiast.

You may not benefit if…

• You do not feel comfortable using a computer.
• You frequently think about harming yourself or taking your own life.  If you feel this way, your GP is a good person to discuss this with and they can help you find a service that meets your needs.

How does Beating the Blues™ work?

• The programme helps you understand the links between how you think, feel, and behave.
• You will be encouraged to challenge unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving that keep problems going.
• You will learn skills to cope with everyday problems affecting you now and in the future

What will happen in the sessions?

• You will complete the 1 hour long sessions alone, guided by a friendly voice on the programme.  Your clinical helper will be available to support you in person or by phone.
• You will be asked questions and can type your answers in the boxes on the screen.
• You will be shown video clips and examples of how other people have answered questions and worked through problems.
• Everything you write is for your own reference, so don’t worry about your spelling and grammar – all we ask is that you understand what you’ve written.
• Handouts and session summaries will be printed automatically for you.
• You will be asked to complete tasks in between sessions.
• Your clinical helper will monitor your progress, but your account is password protected and your information is otherwise confidential.

How can I access Beating the Blues™?

If you’re happy to complete Beating the Blues outside of a clinic you can do it online anywhere you want.

Alternatively if you’d rather complete the programme in clinics you can do so from 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday at locations citywide.

Could depression be a problem for you?

There are many different ways in which depression can show itself. As well As low mood and not enjoying things the way you used to, there can be problems with sleeping, concentrating, appetite or generally feeling bad about yourself.

This short questionnaire will help assess whether low mood or depression is a problem for you at this time. This only provides part of the picture and does not replace the assessment by a healthcare professional.

For more information or to register for Beating the Blues™, please fill out an online referral form or call 0191 229 2941. Please note that you will have to complete the online questionnaire before you can submit your referral form.