A SOUTHAMPTON charity is supporting a new review that says people should be made more aware of other options for treating depression (July 2022).
Options Wellbeing Trust, part of the not-for-profit enterprise Social Care in Action (SCiA), says it would urge people to consider therapy/counselling to help tackle the issue.
Wendy Lee, Head of Health and Wellbeing at the charity based in Shirley, explains: “It’s recently been revealed that a major review has found no clear evidence that low serotonin levels are responsible for depression.
“The new research suggests that the belief that depression has a biochemical cause is not grounded in evidence, calling into question the widespread use of antidepressants.”
Prescriptions for antidepressants have risen dramatically since the 1990s, with one in six adults and two percent of teenagers in England now being prescribed them.
Wendy added: “There are many side-effects of antidepressants, including withdrawal effects, yet prescriptions for the medications continue to rise. While we don’t want to tell people not to take medication if they feel it works for them, the new review says people should be made aware of other options for treating depression, which is something we’re backing.
“Around one in four women and one in 10 men will experience a period of depression sometime in their lives. Depression is a wide-ranging illness varying in its intensity with many different symptoms and causes.
“Symptoms can include constant feelings of sadness, irritability, numbness or tension, dissociation, a decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies, a loss of energy and feeling tired, despite a lack of activity, a change in appetite or sleeping patterns, restlessness, a decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt or thoughts of suicide or death.
“We would absolutely recommend talking to someone to help deal with issues such as depression. We believe that everyone has the ability to change and that by providing a safe and comfortable environment, where a counsellor will listen and not judge, people can explore and work through issues, concerns and feelings safely and we are able to provide these services to anyone seeking support.”
Anyone who would like to book a free, 20-minute introductory call or find out about the other services on offer, should visit www.optionswellbeing.co.uk or call 023 8063 0219.
The Options Wellbeing Trust hub is based at 147, Shirley Road, Southampton, SO15 3FH. People can book a free, initial 20-minute introductory call where a counsellor will work out how best to support the individual.
Options Wellbeing Trust is a long-established registered charity with more than 50 years’ experience in offering a range of professional and affordable therapeutic support, counselling, training and development services to people across Southampton, Hampshire and Dorset.
It is proud to assist people in communities at a grassroots level, making a difference to their lives.
The charity supports people and helps them explore ways of recognising what is negatively impacting on their lives and finding ways of addressing and improving their wellbeing.
It delivers workshops and one-to-one help on a number of life issues including anxiety, stress management, depression, bereavement, trauma, relationships and educational awareness groups on a range of topics including addictions, such as gambling, drinking, and gaming.
For further details, please visit www.optionswellbeing.co.uk.
