Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2014 | Page 73

FASHION HEALTH & BEAUTY

Depression - help at hand
By Peter White

D

epression and stress-related
illnesses can often make an
individual feel isolated and not
knowing who to turn to for reassurance
and guidance.
But here on the Island help is at hand,
and last year alone more than 3,100
residents used the invaluable services of
the Primary Care Mental Health team,
whose headquarters are at the Gables,
Halberry Lane, Newport, adjacent to the
Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
Whether it’s depression, stress, anxiety,

low self esteem, health worries or trauma,
a dedicated 20-strong group of highly
trained professionals are on hand to put
patients back on the road to recovery.
Shelley Weir is interim Service Lead for
Primary Care Mental Health team on the
Island, and explained what can cause such
problems and the relatively easy procedure
to find help when it is most needed.
Shelley said: “Depression is a term
that is used to cover a lot of difficulties.
It’s not just about one thing; some
people might say they are depressed
when they are feeling anxious or
stressed. Sometimes people can be more

prone to depression through their life
experiences, and for some it can be a
reaction to life’s circumstances.
“It can come on quite quickly if you
have a major event or trauma, or it can
build up slowly. There is not one cause
for it, and it can be quite complex in its
development.
“Some people might not know they are
depressed, stressed or anxious; they just
lose pleasure in doing things; they lose
their confidence and stop doing things
they would normally do, and that makes
the situation worse. It becomes a vicious
circle.
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