If you don’t feel like yourself at the moment, ask your GP how we can help

‘If you don’t feel like yourself at the moment, ask your GP how we can help’ is the simple message at the heart of a new campaign launched today by the Primary Care Psychology Service, in Ashton, Leigh and Wigan.

Spectators at tonight’s Wigan Warriors versus Catalans Dragon play-offs will be encouraged not to bottle up, hide from, lock away or shut out their feelings in a series of adverts set to be premiered in and around the DW Stadium.

“If you or someone else has noticed a change in your mood and behaviours; alterations in your sleep patterns, or believe that you are drinking or using other stimulants more frequently than usual, it could be that these are the early signs of a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety,” says Jane Kenny, Service Manager at the Primary Care Psychology Service.

“Accessing one of our services does not mean that you have a significant mental health problem. We help thousands of people through the more difficult times in their life through a variety of Cognitive Behavioural therapies. Our rates of recovery are consistently higher than the national average and the best in the North West.”

Patients have a choice of local clinics or surgeries, and the service offers daytime and evening appointments to make accessing help as convenient as possible.

A range of therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapies are available that last from four weeks to one year. These are provided by professionals from various backgrounds including graduate mental health workers, CBT therapists and clinical psychologists.

“If you feel you need help from our service, which is provided by 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, please speak to your GP,” says Jane. “He or she can help decide if our service is right for you and support you through our ‘opt-in’ referral system.”

For further details on accessing Primary Care Psychology Service, in Ashton, Leigh and Wigan visit www.5boroughspartnership.nhs.uk/iapt