Summary

Firstly, we want to thank you for taking the brave steps towards learning to manage your depression.

Depression by its very nature can stop people from reaching out for help, keeping them stuck in a loop of low mood, negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviours. We also want to thank you for how hard you worked throughout the series.

It is important to remember that you did not ask for, or deserve, depression or PH.

We know people with PH are more likely to experience challenges in their life than people without a long-term health condition. We hope you have learnt a range of techniques, including the importance of being kind and compassionate to yourself.

You will be contacted soon via email to complete a series of questionnaires. You will be contacted again one month later to complete the questionnaires again. Following this, you will be sent a final questionnaire to provide your feedback about taking part in this study and the self-help materials.

We want to thank you for how hard you have worked throughout these booklets, and we hope you have found them helpful. We wish you all the best as you continue your journey on managing depression.

Additional resources

If you feel that you need additional information or support, please contact your GP or the PHA UK for advice. We have also included a list of other helpful resources:

Overcoming Worry & Anxiety

(a self-help programme for people with PH) www.bit.ly/OvercomingWorryAndAnxiety

NHS self-help www.bit.ly/NHSSelfHelp

PHA UK www.phauk.org

Depression UK www.depressionuk.org

Samaritans www.samaritans.org

Mind www.mind.org.uk

Thoughts of self-harm and suicide can also be common signs of depression. If you start to experience any of these symptoms, please speak to a healthcare professional

The current study has been designed by researchers working in the UK and it has received ethical approval from an academic institution in the UK (Cardiff University). Participants should be aware and act in accordance with information and governance associated with their country. If you have any questions, please contact your healthcare professional.