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09/10/2009
Computer Therapy To 'Beat The Blues'
As the dreary days of winter arrive, the NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has launched a new treatment for people with mild or moderate depression.
'Beating the Blues' is a computer-based cognitive behaviour therapy programme designed to be used by people with depression to treat their condition.
Over £1million has been invested in the programme which will benefit up to 50,000 people across Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch this week - at Finaghy Health Centre in Belfast - the Minister said: "Depression is the most common mental illness and can affect anyone at any stage of their lives.
"The introduction of 'Beating the Blues' is a welcome development in offering a further treatment for mild or moderate depression.
"It offers GPs an alternative to prescribing anti-depressants and people with depression will now have the choice of using this proven self help tool," he said.
Patients who avail of the programme can work through a series of eight sessions on a computer at home, in a library or wherever they feel most comfortable.
The programme is confidential and secure, and following each session, a report is sent to their GP so that progress can be monitored and appropriate action taken as required.
(BMcC/GK)
'Beating the Blues' is a computer-based cognitive behaviour therapy programme designed to be used by people with depression to treat their condition.
Over £1million has been invested in the programme which will benefit up to 50,000 people across Northern Ireland.
Speaking at the launch this week - at Finaghy Health Centre in Belfast - the Minister said: "Depression is the most common mental illness and can affect anyone at any stage of their lives.
"The introduction of 'Beating the Blues' is a welcome development in offering a further treatment for mild or moderate depression.
"It offers GPs an alternative to prescribing anti-depressants and people with depression will now have the choice of using this proven self help tool," he said.
Patients who avail of the programme can work through a series of eight sessions on a computer at home, in a library or wherever they feel most comfortable.
The programme is confidential and secure, and following each session, a report is sent to their GP so that progress can be monitored and appropriate action taken as required.
(BMcC/GK)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
