Self-help for mild depression
Some evidence – there is enough evidence to indicate that this can be a helpful treatment option.
Self-help can be guided or unguided. Guided self-help includes support from a professional and involves working through exercises and activities to help you to understand your feelings and problems and can be similar to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Self-help will also explain what other choices and resources are available to you. Sometimes self-help might include materials for your parents or carers, or for you to use with their help.
Unguided self-help involves either little or no professional support. Both types aim to give you helpful instructions on how you can improve your coping skills and manage your difficulties.
Self-help can also include:
- contact with voluntary organisations
- reading or learning about depression
- helplines such as Childline or Kooth
- mentoring
- peer support groups
- sleep and relaxation techniques
- talking to family and friends
There is some evidence that guided self-help may be helpful for mild depression.
Treatments outlined on these webpages may not be available in every local area. It’s important that you discuss with your GP or mental health professional the treatment options available to you. You can also search for services near you on our Youth Wellbeing Directory and find out more about referral processes here.