Battling depression
Text message system helps 1000
Over 1000 people across Lanarkshire have used a groundbreaking text messaging system that supports people with depression and anxiety.
With mental health in the news after Prince Harry spoke openly about confronting the death of his mother, health chiefs released details about the way they are helping.
And their Florence Simple Telehealth text messaging system – named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing – has been a success.
“In November 2014 we introduced Beating the Blues, a computerised cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT),” explained Diane Reilly of NHS Lanarkshire.
“CBT is a psychological therapy that works on the relationships between thoughts, behaviours and feelings. It teaches individuals how to recognise and tackle problems here and now, rather than in the past.
“Face-to-face CBT has been used for many years to treat depression, but the digital therapy has enabled a much larger patient group to access this clinically-proven treatment.
“Patients have been be able to access the treatment, which comes in the form of a computer-based, online course, from a range of different locations such as their own home or a local library, and at a time that suits them.”
And Florence, or Flo for short, has played its part in helping people deal with depression.
Diane continued: “Flo has been used laterally to support the programme by sending a series of texts to patients. It sends information like reminders when a certain aspect of the therapy has to be started and encouragement when a module of the therapy has been completed.
“Flo is also being used to send recaps about key learning points of the therapy to reiterate practical steps people can take to deal depression and/or anxiety throughout the day. For example, Flo might send someone a message like ‘Don’t forget to do something pleasurable during the week – even if it is an effort’”.
Diane added: “We’ve found the programme is suitable for patients who don’t like the idea of talking therapies or prefer the anonymity which a computerised treatment offers – and that Flo has been able to enhance the package of support by offering that personalised aspect.”
Morag Hearty, programme lead for telehealth in Lanarkshire, added: “As well as people living with depression, Flo is supporting many others with a variety of conditions feel safe, more confident in their everyday life as well as making sure people are independent where possible.”
Val de Souza, director of health and social care of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “Telehealth is a vital component of the transformation of health and care delivery. Telehealth can support people to feel safe and more confident in their everyday life. Importantly it promotes independence and our commitment to promote self management as much as possible.”
For more information on telehealth, email Tec.programme@ lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.