Depression can strike at any time. It has no outward symptoms, so people experience difficulties at work and home because others expect them to 'snap out of it'. Symptoms vary in severity from person to person, from feeling a bit low to more severe feelings of self harm or even suicide. Below is just a selection of groups/organisations and websites than may be able to help with depression
LOCAL
Changes Mutual Help Group
Changes is a user led mutual support group for anybody suffering from mental distress living in and around Bristol. People can phone first or just turn up,
no referral is required. It is run on a voluntary basis by its members and works on the premise that the best people to talk to and tell you what has
helped is people who suffered from similar problems to yourself. It offers a structured and focused approach to management of mental health symptoms, at
the same time as providing a relaxed and supportive environment. The self help programme is supported by extensive literature produced by a larger
organisation the group is affiliated to in the Midlands. The group is also linked to the national organisation Depression Alliance.
Meeting: Please look at group web site for meeting details
Address: Changes, C/o Bristol Mind, 35 Old Market Street, Bristol, BS2 0EZ.
Telephone: Richard on 07989 584 524 Leave your name and number and someone will call you back.- This dedicated mobile is checked for messages every two or
three days - So please be patient.
E-Mail: changesbristol@hotmail.com
Website: www.changesbristol.co.uk
Manic Depression Fellowship
For people suffering from manic depression and those supporting them. A self help group with monthly meetings and social events. Meetings are group
discussions, but they also invite speakers and hold meetings for carers and video and "Topic" meetings. We organise social events, and provide a library,
a newsletter and an informal telephone line
Meeting: 7:30pm - 10pm on the first Monday of every month, second Monday if its a bank holiday
Telephone: 0845 340 540 daytime (local rate)
Email: groups@mdf.org.uk
National Website: www.mdf.org.uk/
Mothers for Mothers - Post-Natal Depression Support Group
Mothers for Mothers is a group of mothers, most of who have suffered depression or distress after the birth of one or more babies. They offer support,
advice, information and most of all a listening ear for any worries or concerns you may have. They offer a telephone helpline, open houses and supporters.
Address: "Mothers for Mothers", PO Box 1292, Bristol, BS99 2FP.
Telephone: 0117 975 6006 (Office hrs between 9:30am & 12:30pm Monday - Thursday, Crisisline between 2:30pm & 9:00pm Monday - Thursday)
Email: support@mothersformothers.co.uk
Website: www.mothersformothers.co.uk
The West of England Social Anxiety Support Group (SA West)
Provides support for sufferers and ex-sufferers of Social Anxiety Disorder
Meetings: Thursdays 7pm -9pm.
Address: Bristol Mind, 35 Old Market Street, Bristol, BS2 0EZ
Email: email@sawest.org.uk
National Website: www.social-anxiety.org.uk/frontpage.php
National Websites
Depression Alliance
Depression Alliance is the leading UK charity for people affected by depression.
Website: www.depressionalliance.org/
Depression Support Group Association
Since 1990, the Depression Support Group Association (DSGA) has been successfully helping people whose lives have been distorted by depression, insecurity,
loneliness, social phobia, low self-esteem and unsatisfying relationships, through it's groups, programmes and individual therapy.
Website: www.depressionalternatives.co.uk
The 'Meet a Mum Association'
The 'Meet a Mum Association' was created to try and help thousands of mothers who feel depressed and isolated when their babies are born.
Website: www.mama.co.uk/