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The programme is for patients who require more personalised or intensive support than the National Digital Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme can provide.

I would like to refer my patient

An information sheet below outlines the considerations to make when choosing the most appropriate remission programme for your patient, details of eligibility criteria and how to make a referral. Please ensure patients meet all eligibility criteria and have no known medical exclusions.

Eligible patients are screened for suitability and once enrolled, are supported throughout the 12-month programme by local specialist diabetes dietitians to help them achieve remission.

The NHSGGC Remission Team will align them to a local specialist diabetes dietitian who will support them throughout their weight loss journey, helping them achieve remission. 

The dietitians from the NHSGGC Remission Team are happy to discuss and advise on individual cases.  
 
Contact Details

Roles and responsibilities of the GP Practice

Pre-Programme

  • Confirm eligibility, including up-to-date HbA1c and blood pressure
  • Review and advise on medication changes, where necessary, prior to starting the programme (patient to book this appointment). Please refer to Medication Adjustment and Guidance for advice
  • Prescribe a 3-month supply of fibre supplement, if clinically appropriate
  • Provide a blood glucose monitor and box of strips. Only for patients previously on hypoglycaemic medication

During the Programme

  • Liaise with dietitians regarding medical or medication-related queries, as required
  • Review and adjust medications if indicated (e.g. in response to changes in blood glucose or blood pressure)
  • Support patients in arranging HbA1c testing at approximately 3 and 6 months
  • Receive written updates on patient progress, including notification of withdrawal where applicable

Post-Programme

  • Support HbA1c testing at 12 months
  • Continue routine annual diabetes care
  • Receive a summary of patient progress and outcomes at 12 months

Ongoing Communication and Monitoring 

  • Raise any clinical concerns with the dietitian as appropriate
  • Patients are responsible for self-monitoring (blood glucose, blood pressure, weight) and for reporting concerns to the dietitian and/or GP practice
  • Dietitians will contact the GP where medication review is indicated; prescribing decisions remain the responsibility of the GP
  • GP practices will be kept informed of patient progress throughout the programme

Additional Information

  • Dietitians can provide weighing scales and blood pressure monitors if required
  • The programme will be evaluated in line with the Scottish Government framework, with quarterly reporting
What does the programme involve for my patient

Please explain to your patient that they will receive a programme information leaflet and a letter inviting them to book an appointment in the programme.

Following your patient booking an appointment with the NHSGGC Remission Team they will be screened to ensure they are suitable for the programme.

The referrer will also receive a notification on the outcome of the referral via letter.

If your patient is suitable, they will be fully supported by the NHSGGC Remission Team in preparation to commence the programme detailed below. 

Stage 1 – Total Diet Replacement (12 weeks)

  • All meals are replaced with nutritionally balanced soups and shakes (providing around 850 calories per day)

Stage 2 – Food Reintroduction (12 weeks)

  • Gradual return to everyday foods and support with healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

Stage 3 – Weight Maintenance (6 months)

  • Ongoing support to help with building sustainable lifestyle habits and maintaining weight loss.
Where does the programme take place

Patients have the option of a mixture of in person, video or telephone calls.

There are clinics located across the Board.

Medication adjustments and guidance

Please note the guidance is the same for both the national and local programmes.

Medication and Adjustments for the Type 2 Remission Programme

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The National Digital Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme is an NHS funded, 12 month, clinically proven, weight management programme supporting people with type 2 diabetes to achieve remission across Scotland.

To learn about the programme, please click on link below:

To find out more and check whether this programme might be right for you, please speak to your GP or diabetes care team.

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If you are eligible for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme, you will be invited to book an appointment with the team to learn more about the programme.

If suitable to start the programme, you will be supported by a Specialist Diabetes Dietitian for the 12-month programme.  The programme is designed to help you safely lose weight and build healthier lifestyle habits for the future.

The programme is free of charge for all patients.

What the programme involves

Stage 1 – Total Diet Replacement (12 weeks)

  • All meals are replaced with nutritionally balanced soups and shakes (providing around 850 calories per day)

Stage 2 – Food Reintroduction (12 weeks)

  • Gradual return to everyday foods and support with healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

Stage 3 – Weight Maintenance (6 months)

  • Ongoing support to help with building sustainable lifestyle habits and maintaining weight loss.
  • Your GP or diabetes care team will be involved and support any required medication changes.

Further Information

Are you suitable for this programme

You may be suitable if:

  • You are aged between 18 – 65 years old
  • You have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within the last 6 years
  • You are above a healthy weight, with a BMI between 27-45kg/m2 for individuals from white ethnic groups or 25-45kg/m2 for individuals from Black, Asian and other ethnic groups  
  • Your HbA1c (average blood glucose) is above
    • 48mmol/mol if you are not taking diabetes medication
    • 43mmol/mol if you are taking diabetes medication
  • You feel ready and motivated to make changes to your diet and lifestyle
  • You feel ready to commit to a 12-month programme, including attending regular appointments with the dietitian

Please note if you are on insulin, you are not suitable for the programme and other exclusion criteria may apply.

Where the programme takes place

Appointments are flexible and can be a mixture of in person, video or telephone calls.

How to refer yourself to the programme

If you would like to explore whether you are eligible for this programme:

Please speak to your GP or diabetes care team and they can arrange a referral if appropriate.

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Take control of your health and diabetes

Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to be a lifelong condition. Research shows that by losing 10 kilograms to 15 kilograms, many people can achieve diabetes remission and improve their long-term health.

While remission is a realistic goal for many adults with type 2 diabetes, not everyone will meet the eligibility criteria for the programmes offered.

What is diabetes remission?

Diabetes remission means your blood glucose (sugar) levels return to a non-diabetes range without needing diabetes medication.

Not everyone will achieve remission, but many people who take part experience huge improvements in their health, weight, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

Remission is not a cure. Diabetes can return, particularly if weight is regained. However, with the right support and ongoing lifestyle changes, many people can keep their diabetes well controlled for years.

For more information on type 2 diabetes remission watch the below video.

As part of your diabetes treatment plan, your GP can discuss the different programmes available to you.  Please click the options below to find out more about the programmes.

A Patient’s Story

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There are two Type 2 Diabetes Remission programmes available for your patients. The treatment intervention, duration and eligibility criteria are the same across both programmes.

NHSGGC Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme

The local programme is suited to individuals who require the option of face-to-face consultations, have limited digital literacy and would benefit from additional clinical support.

To find out more information about the NHSGGC Type 2 Diabetes Remission programme and if your patient meets the eligibility criteria please click below link:

National Digital Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme

The National digital programme is delivered by Counterweight health coaches and dietitians. Patients will have access to a digital application, health monitoring resources, personalised coaching and peer support.

To find out more information about the National Digital Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme and if your patient meets the eligibility criteria please click below.

If your patient does not meet the eligibility criteria or is not suitable for Type 2 Diabetes Programmes please consider a referral to the Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service.

More information how to refer can be found on the Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service Information for Staff webpage.

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Hexagon shapes showing icons representing primary care services

Primary Care is the front door to healthcare in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, providing essential, first‑contact services to more than 1.3 million people across the region.

From GPs and community pharmacies to dental and optometry services, Primary Care plays a vital role in prevention, early intervention, and supporting people to access the right care, in the right place.

Our Primary Care Strategy outlines how we will continue to strengthen these services, improve access, reduce inequalities, and work collaboratively with partners and communities.

Primary Care Strategy

These publications have been produced in line with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Accessible Information Guidelines. It is available in a range of formats and languages. Please contact us with your request. 

If you would like a copy in another spoken language, please call 0141 201 4874 using our telephone interpreting service.

Primary Care Services

Read more about what Primary Care services can do for you and how to access them.

Faces of Primary Care

These professionals are part of your Primary Care team. To help you feel confident in seeking the right help, we’ve highlighted some of our NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Primary Care roles.  

Click on each one below to learn more about their roles, how they can assist you, and how you can reach them. 

Remember, it’s also important to utilise the resources available to you when you have a health concern. Before contacting any healthcare professional, consider using online resources, as your symptoms might be manageable at home. Helpful tools include symptom finder on NHS Inform and the NHS 24 app.

Latest Primary Care News

Find out the latest news and updates around Primary Care services and the Primary Care Strategy.

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The Community Weight Management Service is part of the Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service (GCWMS).

The Weight Management hub triages patients to self-management, Community or Specialist services depending on health conditions and clinical need.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service currently does not prescribe weight loss injectable medications (such as GLP‑1 medications) and cannot provide a route to accessing these within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. If you’d like to learn more about what our Weight Management Service offers, you can download our Service Information Leaflet below.

What is Community Weight Management?

Community Weight Management offers a free 12-week membership to either Slimming World or Weight Watchers to help you lose weight in a safe, sustainable and realistic way.

This gives you access to a blend of in-person and online support which includes:

  • Weekly face to face or online sessions
  • A timetable of virtual sessions
  • Free access to an app offering food planners, activity and weight loss trackers
  • Online, quick, simple and healthy recipes
  • Equipment-free, easy workouts
  • 24/7 access to a social community

Patients who have used this service say it’s been life-changing, guiding them on a journey to learn new habits that make losing weight safe, simple, and sustainable.

What is Specialist Weight Management?

The Specialist Weight Management Service is delivered by a team of dieticians, psychologists and physiotherapists.

Psychological approaches and physical activity guidance are provided alongside dietary advice, tailored to your needs.

This approach will help you identify ways to overcome barriers to weight loss.

Weight loss medication and surgery may be considered as part of the programme where appropriate.

If you’d like to learn more about the Specialist Weight Management Service visit:

How do I access the service?

Health professional referral

You can access the service by speaking to your GP, Practice Nurse, or other Health Professional (dietitian, physiotherapist) about a referral to the service.

If you are a health professional looking to refer your patient:

Self-referral

You can self-refer to the service if you have a BMI over 25 (22.5 for patients with South Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern ethnicity) and are living with diabetes, heart disease, or have experienced a stroke. To get started, simply complete the self-referral form below and our staff will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

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Advice to patients

Injectable incretin treatments (also known as weight management medicines and by brand names such as Mounjaro® and Wegovy® ) help support weight loss in patients with high Body Mass Index (BMI). These treatments include a type called Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP1 for short.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is aware that some patients are accessing these treatments from private (non-NHS) suppliers and would like to provide some additional information which may be helpful to your care.

Use of these medicines works best for patients who are obese (BMI of over 30, or over 27 with a weight-related health condition) and will help a controlled loss of weight. There is no evidence to support use in people who are a healthy weight or for use as an aid for short term weight loss.

Prescription Only Medicines

These medications are prescription-only and must be prescribed by a registered healthcare professional. They should only be used by the person named on the prescription and under medical supervision.

Using someone else’s medication is unsafe and illegal.

When used correctly and for the right reasons, these treatments are safe. However, using them without proper medical oversight, especially in people with a healthy or low BMI, is associated with clinical risk, as the side effects and effectiveness in these groups are unknown.

Private Supplies of Weight Management Medication

If you choose to get weight management medication from a private provider, it’s important to make sure:

  • The provider is legally registered, and the medication is licensed.
  • You do not buy from unlicensed sources like beauty salons or social media.
  • You speak to a healthcare professional before starting treatment.

Private providers do not have access to your full medical history, so they must carry out a full risk assessment before prescribing. The safest way to make sure your medication is legal and safe is to have it dispensed by a registered pharmacy.

If you are using weight management medication from a private source, please tell your GP practice. It is the responsibility of the private provider to assess whether these are safe for you to use, your GP practice does not have capacity to double check this assessment. The practice will usually add these on to your medicines record. This helps keep your medical records up to date and ensures any other treatments you receive are safe and appropriate—especially if your weight changes or you’re prescribed other medications.

Counterfeit Medicines

There are also reports of counterfeit versions of these medicines. These are illegal and may not contain the correct ingredients or doses. Using counterfeit medicines can be dangerous, as there is no quality control or guarantee of safety.

There have been several recent reports of counterfeit weight loss pens being sold via social media and online. The growth in popularity of GPL-1 medicines such as semgaglutide or Mounjaro has led to a surge to a huge rise in scam websites or social media posts which offer them illegally without a prescription.

See more information from Trading Standards Scotland: Trading Standards Scotland Bulletin 10 September

Who Should Not Use These Medications?

These treatments are being considered for people with a BMI of 38 or higher with at least one obesity-related condition (as per Scottish Government Phase 1 rollout guidance). NHSGGC are working to establish pathways for patients who will meet this criteria.

They are not suitable for weight management for people with:

  • A history of pancreatitis
  • Severe kidney or liver disease
  • Frailty or advanced age
  • Severe mental health conditions
  • Diabetic eye disease which requires treatment.
  • T2 diabetes on insulin unless under the supervision of a diabetes specialist team.
  • T1 diabetes.

These medications should not be used during pregnancy, while trying to conceive, or when breastfeeding.

Using these medications without proper medical supervision can worsen existing health problems and lead to serious side effects.

Drug Interactions

Some medications can interact with weight management medicines, so it is important patients are aware of the risks. As private providers must carry out a full health assessment before prescribing, this will check for any risks or interactions with other medications. Some GP practices have reported that patients were not informed about important interactions, such as with contraception.

Contraception

  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
  • Women are advised to use a non-oral contraceptive (e.g. patch, implant, IUD) for 4 weeks after starting or increasing the dose.
  • Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for a few months after stopping.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

  • These medicines may affect how well oral HRT works.
  • Patches or vaginal products are preferred for oestrogen, as they bypass the stomach.
  • It’s unclear if progesterone in HRT is affected.

Other Medications

Because these medicines slow down how quickly the stomach empties, they can affect how other medicines are absorbed. This includes:

  • Warfarin (blood thinner)
  • Digoxin (used for heart conditions)

These medicines may need closer monitoring to ensure the dose remains safe. Please speak to your pharmacist for advice.

Side Effects

Like most medicines, weight loss medicines can cause side effects. The most common ones include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Headache

These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. If they don’t improve or get worse, patients should get medical advice, ideally from the healthcare professional who prescribed the medication.

Serious Side Effects

A rare but serious side effect is pancreatitis. If you experience severe stomach pain that spreads to your back and doesn’t go away, get urgent medical help.

Tips for Safe Use

To reduce side effects and support your health while on treatment:

  • Stay well hydrated
  • Eat small, regular meals
  • Include protein in each meal
  • Stay active to maintain muscle
  • Eat a varied diet to avoid nutrient deficiencies
Drug Safety Updates
Further information

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If you’re unwell and have a minor injury or illness, there are different options available for treatment and advice rather than going straight to A&E. These options could involve advice from home, or treatment which is often closer to you. This could also save you time, as waits at A&E can be long for conditions that aren’t life‑threatening.

A&E is there for serious or life‑threatening emergencies. If you think it may be an emergency, call 999 or go straight to A&E. If you’re unsure, you can get urgent advice at any time by calling NHS 24 on 111.

Below are some common conditions and the steps you can take

Injuries

Finger and hand injuries (cuts and suspected fractures)

Most finger injuries involving minor cuts can be treated at home by cleaning and dressing the wound.

If you have or suspect a broken finger bone, and there isn’t an open wound, treat at home by taping or bandaging the finger so it cannot move and attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

Seek A&E treatment if the injury is more serious – for example, if bones are displaced, bones are visible in a wound, or there is a deep wound with heavy bleeding.

Ankle, wrist and forearm injuries (sprains, strains and suspected fractures)

Most common ankle, wrist and forearm injuries can be managed at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation.

If you are unable to walk, or there is severe swelling or deformity, attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

Seek A&E treatment if the injury is more serious – for example, if bones are displaced, bones are visible in a wound, or there is a deep wound with heavy bleeding.

Lower back pain

Most back strains and sprains can be managed at home with pain relief and gentle movement, and may benefit from physiotherapy.

New severe back pain without injury, loss of power in the legs, or difficulty passing urine may be serious. You should seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Head injury

Minor bumps to the head or small wounds often do not require treatment and can be treated at home. Clean any wounds and apply ice to reduce swelling, if required.

For deeper scalp wounds, attend your nearest Minor Injuries Unit (MIU).

Seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 if you anyone has had a head injury and:

  • Lost consciousness
  • Are aged 65 or over
  • Have persistent headache or vomiting
  • Become confused or have a seizure
  • Are taking blood‑thinning medication.

Illnesses

Coughs, colds and sore throats (viral infections)

Most viral infections, such as coughs, colds and sore throats, can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol.

See a local pharmacist or your GP if symptoms are more severe, persistent or worsening.


If you can’t take fluids, have breathing difficulties, or are unable to get out of bed, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Stomach upset (diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting)

Most stomach upsets are viral and can be managed at home with rest and fluids.

See a local pharmacist or your GP if symptoms are more severe, persistent or worsening. You should contact your GP if you have other medical conditions such as HIV, diabetes, liver disease, Parkinson’s disease or if you have had a transplant.

If you are unable to keep fluids down, are vomiting blood, collapse, or have severe abdominal pain, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Urinary symptoms (possible urine infection / UTI)

Minor symptoms of a urine infection, such as stinging when passing urine, can usually be dealt with by your local pharmacy in the first instance or by contacting your GP.

If symptoms are more severe, or you develop high fever, shivering, confusion or mottled skin, seek urgent medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

Eye problems

Many common eye problems, such as sore, red or sticky eyes, mild eye infections, or minor vision problems, can be assessed by high‑street opticians, who can advise on treatment or refer you on if needed.

If there is sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, or an eye injury, seek medical advice from NHS 24 on 111 or call 999 in an emergency.

When to seek urgent help

  • Head injuries with loss of consciousness, confusion or vomiting
  • Badly deformed or visible bone injuries, heavily bleeding wounds
  • Severe pain, breathing difficulties, or being unable to keep fluids down
  • High fever, seizures, mottled skin. or becoming poorly responsive
  • Signs of a stroke (new face, arm, speech deficit). More information is available at Stroke | NHS inform

If you’re still unsure

If you’re not sure what to do, call NHS 24 on 111 for advice and help to get the right care for your needs.

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Mood changes are a necessary part of human functioning. It’s natural to feel anxious, worried, sad or low sometimes. But when mood changes become severe, persistent and interfere with normal life, we need to take notice. 

The persistent low mood of depression is deeper, longer and more unpleasant than the short periods of unhappiness we all have from time to time. Similarly, persistent anxiety is more than just feeling worried.  Many people experience symptoms of depression and anxiety at the same time. Significant depression or anxiety affects more than one in ten people during their life. 

More Information

Depression – Introduction

Depression is a very personal experience.  Symptoms can vary from person to person but usually include changes to your: 

  • Thoughts (for example feeling worthless or to blame, hopeless and incapable)
  • Mood (feeling persistently down, anxious, or numb)
  • Behaviour (for example losing interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities). 

You may also notice physical changes such as loss of appetite, tiredness, or aches and pains.

Depression can come on gradually so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong. 

Many people continue to cope with their symptoms without realising they are ill. It can take a friend or family member to suggest that something might be wrong. 

The most common symptoms of depression are:  

  • Little interest or pleasure in life
  • Feeling down, hopeless, numb or empty
  • Sleep disturbances. Difficulty falling or staying asleep. Sleeping too much
  • Tiredness and lack of energy
  • Appetite disturbances. Not eating enough, or overeating
  • Feeling bad about yourself. Feeling like a failure, believing that you have let other people down
  • Difficulty concentrating on things like reading or watching television
  • Moving or speaking much more slowly. Or becoming fidgety or restless
  • Thinking about death and dying. Thinking about harming yourself. Wondering if you would be better off dead.

People may find themselves worrying excessively over the smallest things, blaming themselves for everything that goes wrong, and feeling irritated by those around them.

Depression has been described as a “heavyweight” “a state where nothing tastes, smells or feels right” or “being in a world without colour or laughter”. 

Depression can cause bleak and distressing thoughts, including suicidal thinking and planning. With support and treatment, the negative feelings often pass.

If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is depression, the following questionnaire might help you decide whether you should get help PHQ9.

Anxiety – Introduction

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but for others, it can be an ongoing problem. A bit of anxiety can be helpful; for example, anxiety before an exam can keep you alert and improve performance.  Too much anxiety, however, affects focus and concentration. 

Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety are:

  • Feeling uneasy a lot of the time
  • Having difficulty sleeping, feeling tired
  • Poor concentration
  • Being irritable
  • Being extra alert
  • Feeling on edge, not being able to relax
  • Needing lots of reassurance from others
  • Tearfulness

When you’re anxious or stressed, your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These cause the physical symptoms of anxiety which include:

  • A pounding heartbeat
  • Breathing faster
  • Palpitations (an irregular heartbeat)
  • Feeling sick
  • Chest pains
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling faint
  • Needing the toilet
  • “Butterflies” in your stomach.

Anxiety symptoms can happen occasionally or regularly. They may start suddenly or come on gradually. They can be a nuisance or extremely disabling.  Specific anxiety disorders include:

  • Panic disorder (when you have panic attacks)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Generalised anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety
  • Specific phobias 
What helps

Regular exercise can be very effective in lifting mood and increasing energy levels. Exercise can help improve appetite and sleep. The research behind this shows that physical activity stimulates chemicals in the brain called endorphins, which can help you to feel better. Inactivity can cause a vicious circle: the less you do, the less you want to do.  It is also important to eat well. If you aren’t eating regular healthy meals, your body won’t have enough energy, leaving you lethargic and slow.  

Although you may not feel like it, keeping in touch with people can help you feel a bit more grounded and sometimes put things in perspective. Try a short phone call to a close friend or relative, or an email or text.

Try to avoid too much stress, including work-related stress. If you’re employed, you may be able to work shorter hours or work in a more flexible way, particularly if job pressures seem to trigger your symptoms.

Be kind to yourself! Depression and anxiety can make you feel inadequate or worthless. It’s hard to do nice things for yourself when you feel like that. As soon as you feel able, do something enjoyable for yourself or someone else. 

Depression and anxiety can make everyday tasks overwhelming. It can help to break things down into smaller, more manageable steps. Set yourself a goal each day, starting with something small and working up to bigger tasks that you may have been putting off.

When you feel ready, you may find it helpful to do something to help other people, as this may help overcome feelings of isolation, take your mind off your own problems and make you feel better about yourself. The Scottish Recovery Network encourages people to share their personal journeys to recovery. Reading and sharing stories of hope, optimism, and strength can help balance the negativity of depression and can help an individual feel more in control of their own life again.

Learning how to relax and be mindful can also be helpful in your recovery.

Overcoming depression and anxiety can take time but there is treatment available. Most people recover. Understanding yourself helps – learning to recognise your own ‘warning signs’ of how you react under stress, or when things become difficult, is an important part of staying well in the future.

Find out more

There are times in our lives when many of us will experience feelings of low mood and anxiety.

There is more information about the symptoms on MyApp: My Mental Health and NHS Inform.

The Scottish Association for Mental Health offer community-based services for people with mental health problems and has a role in policy development and campaigning on mental health issues.

Helping someone else

There is helpful information on the NHS Inform webpage on supporting someone with Depression if you’re worried about someone you care about or care for who is depressed.

If you’re caring for someone with a mental health difficulty these organisations can offer support:

Self Help Resources

Self-help guides are also available on MyApp: My Mental Health, NHS Inform and Get Self Help

Looking after someone with…Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety cause feelings of sadness, guilt, despair and hopelessness. Self- esteem and confidence can be badly shaken.

People with depression or anxiety may avoid their friends and relatives rather than ask for help or support. This is often when they need your help and support most.

How do you help someone who may not want your help, or feel they deserve help? You can help by just being there. Showing a real interest in them, not just their problems. Be prepared to listen, and to spend time with them. This can help counter the unpleasant, negative thoughts they will have about themselves.

Someone who is depressed may need a lot of encouragement to get help. You could find out about local support groups, relaxation classes, or self-help literature. You could offer to go with them to a group or doctor’s appointment.

Sometimes it can feel that the person you know and love has changed so much, you find it hard to recognise them. If you have serious concerns about their well-being or think they may be suicidal urgent help is needed. You can call their GP or go to accident and emergency.

Supporting a friend or relative who is depressed or anxious can be an opportunity to build a closer and more satisfying relationship. However, it can be hard work and frustrating. You might feel helpless or annoyed if the person won’t accept your help. Unless you pay attention to your own needs, it can make you feel unwell too. Finding a support group and talking to others in a similar situation might help.

Further information for carers is available on the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde carers site.

BSL – Depression & Anxiety

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.

NHSGG&C BSL A-Z: Mental Health – Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling that we can all get but sometimes it can become excessive and stop you from doing the things you want to. These feelings can become a problem when they cause distress or make us feel uncomfortable. There are various types of anxiety disorders depending on how often they occur or if they are triggered by certain things. Examples might be when the feelings of anxiety can occur all the time for no apparent reason with lots of worrying thoughts and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, feeling breathless, knot in your stomach, increased sweating. This is called Generalised Anxiety. Sometimes these symptoms can occur without warning for short periods of time for no apparent reason. These are called Panic attacks. Sometimes the feelings of aniety can be brought on by specific things such as a fear of heights or crowded places or spiders etc. These are described as Phobias.

Please note that this video is from a range of BSL videos published by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.

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