This programme is based on a type of psychological treatment called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
CBT can help you manage your depression by changing the way you think (the cognitive part) and what you do (the behavioural part).
The four weekly booklets that make up this programme are designed for you to work through independently, at home.
As you go through each booklet, it will help you to better understand depression, how depression and PH can be connected, and how depression can become a problem.
It will then help you to develop useful strategies aimed at better managing your depression or low mood.
The programme is suitable for people affected by pulmonary hypertension who are experiencing depression or low mood. As well as people with a diagnosis, it is also suitable for their loved ones (family or friends) who may also be experiencing these difficulties.
This programme is not suitable for those with extremely severe depression, or people experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. In this instance, you must seek immediate support.
The workbooks are designed to be completed at a rate of one per week, meaning the programme should take four weeks to complete.
Working through them at this pace gives you optimum time to understand the different sections and practice the strategies, before moving onto the next booklet.
No. The programme is free for anyone affected by pulmonary hypertension. This includes people with a diagnosis, and those around them (such as family and friends) too.
As part of its development, the programme was tested in a study of people with PH. 87% of those who completed it as part of this study rated it as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.
You can find out more about the study here.
If symptoms of depression or low mood remain problematic after you have completed the workbooks, there are organisations that can help.
Please contact your GP, who will be able to talk to you about what’s available in your local area. You might also find the following tools and organisations helpful:
NHS self-help
Guided self-help, apps and online tools. Click here to access this dedicated section of the NHS website.
Samaritans
Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Their free helpline is available 24 hours a day by calling 116 123 and their website also contains helpful tools and resources.
Mind
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
*Please click here if you need urgent help for mental health*
