Talking therapies
There are lots of different types of talking therapies, all designed to help you feel better[5]. You may have heard talking therapies referred to as counselling.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a type of talking therapy, is one of the most common treatments for anxiety, depression and a range of other mental health problems[6]. It focuses on challenging negative thoughts and behaviours to help people manage situations in a more positive way[7]. The NHS website has more information on CBT.
As well as being referred by your GP, you can also refer yourself for counselling through the NHS website.
Medicine (antidepressants)
Antidepressants are a type of medication mainly used to treat clinical depression. They’re often prescribed alongside a talking therapy, like CBT. Antidepressants are also used to treat a range of other conditions, including:
generalised anxiety disorder
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
post-traumatic stress disorder
chronic pain[8].
Read more about different types of antidepressants, including common side effects and how they work, on the NHS website.
Published
April 2021
Next review
April 2024
Reviewed by
Gill Stone MRPharmS
References
1.
Overview - Clinical depression. nhs.uk. Published February 15, 2021. Accessed March 19, 2021.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/overview/2.
Treatment and support for anxiety. Accessed March 23, 2021.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/treatment/#TalkingTherapies3.
Self-help - Generalised anxiety disorder in adults. nhs.uk. Published February 10, 2021. Accessed March 24, 2021.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/self-help/4.
Self-care for anxiety. Accessed March 24, 2021.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/self-care/5.
Benefits of talking therapies. nhs.uk. Published February 4, 2021. Accessed March 23, 2021.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/benefits-of-talking-therapies/6.
What is CBT? Accessed March 23, 2021.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/about-cbt/7.
Overview - Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). nhs.uk. Published February 10, 2021. Accessed March 24, 2021.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/8.
Overview - Antidepressants. nhs.uk. Published February 5, 2021. Accessed March 24, 2021.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/medicines-and-psychiatry/antidepressants/overview/