Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions which have a profoundly negative impact on the person’s ability to do the everyday tasks and activities that they want, and need to do.

People with anxiety often experience unpleasant physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, shaking and rapid breathing. Intrusive and negative thoughts can also be a problem. There are various types of anxiety conditions such as generalised anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, phobic disorder and panic disorder, amongst others. While each has its own signs and symptoms, they all include feelings of worry, fear or dread. Anxiety can interfere with our pleasure and enjoyment in everyday activities with family, friends and colleagues and so taking steps towards recovery is crucial.

Depression

Depression can include symptoms such as a low mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities. Sleep and appetite changes may occur, a lack of energy may be experienced and the person may have trouble concentrating. Feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts or behaviours may also be present. A diagnosis of a major depressive disorder is made when a number of these symptoms are present for at least two weeks. There are different types of depression, but each affects the person’s ability to sustain satisfying and enjoyable relationships and activities at home and work.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact us:

Visit our contact us page
You can email us at office@katemeadsassociates.com
or you can telephone us on 01264 326308

How can KMA help?

Assessments

If you are experiencing mild to severe anxiety and/or depression, an assessment from KMA will focus on how your symptoms are affecting your everyday activities, roles and routines, and preventing you from living your life as fully as you may wish to. This could include something specific such as returning to or remaining in the workplace, travelling on public transport or avoiding activities that you used to enjoy. However it could also be a more generalised decrease in your overall functional ability i.e. difficulty getting up in the morning as your symptoms seem to take over.

Our Occupational Therapist will have a detailed, but sensitive conversation with you. This will focus on both your strengths and the areas in which you are experiencing problems. To assist this process, they may utilise a variety of assessment tools depending on your needs.

As our focus at KMA is on helping you improve what you are able to do each day, our assessment will pay particular attention to your daily routine, including the roles you have i.e. as a parent or employee. This will enable us to understand the impact your symptoms are having on your life and work as well as identify realistic and achievable goals with you. Our aim is to increase your functional performance, improve the overall quality of your life and support you as you take steps towards your recovery.

Reports

Our Occupational Therapists will produce a detailed, yet accessible report of your assessment. This will provide a summary of the barriers that are getting in the way of you fulfilling your roles and routines as you wish to. It will also make a number of recommendations to help you in your recovery. We aim to get the report back to you within 10 working days of the assessment.

Therapies and treatment for depression and anxiety

Our therapists at KMA are highly trained and experienced – they are passionate about providing evidence-based interventions to improve your functional performance and aid with mental health recovery. Each treatment plan will be individual, underpinned by occupational therapy philosophy, taking a person-centred and strengths-based approach. Our ultimate aim is to help you achieve your goals and improve your functional performance.

Your Occupational Therapist will work with you to understand triggers, barriers and established strategies you currently use and work with you to learn and try out new techniques to help. By helping to control your symptoms, we will enable you to focus on resuming your roles and routines. These may include:

  • Anxiety management techniques

  • Behavioural activation

  • Personal goal setting

  • Relaxation

  • Mindfulness

  • Establishing a Wellness Recovery Plan

  • Self-soothing techniques

  • Crisis management

Do you or someone you know have difficulty…

  • Managing or performing day to day roles/responsibilities either at home, work or school?

  • Achieving a work/life balance?

  • Managing fatigue?

View our Anxiety and Depression Case Study