Talking Therapies in Wigan offers free NHS therapy for adults aged 16 and over with common mental health problems like anxiety, depression, panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Spending time worrying about your future, or no longer enjoying life as much as you used to can often feel like part of a physical illness. It does not have to be. Whether your illness is diabetes, COPD, chronic pain, heart disease, cancer or you have poor health, or supporting someone who does, you can learn how to manage your feelings.
We can help you to better understand the impact that your physical and mental health can have on each other, and develop skills to better manage your mood and anxiety. Contact our service to have an assessment with one of our therapists. They will explore your current difficulties and symptoms to decide on the best therapy option to help you. We offer a wide range of easy-to-access, flexible therapy options to suit your lifestyle
People experiencing physical illnesses are even more likely to experience depression and/or anxiety so it is important to be on the lookout for these signs.
Sometimes people think that these symptoms are part of their illness and just something they have to put up with. However, they may be signs of depression or anxiety.
Signs that you may be depressed or anxious can include:
• Negative or gloomy thoughts
• Changed eating or sleeping patterns
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Finding it hard to relax
• Loss of energy
• ‘Brain fog’
• Worrying all the time
• Drinking more alcohol or caffeine
• Feeling like you’d rather not be around other people
• More irritable and snappy than usual
• Feeling that you will never be able to manage your physical difficulties
• Not wanting to take your medication
• Feeling that your physical illness means you’ll never be able to enjoy
life again
If you spot some of these and they last for more than two weeks, Talking Therapies can help
How does our service work?
With our easy-to-access, flexible therapy options to suit your lifestyle, you’ll have a choice of either:
Option 1 – Online Guided Self-Help through our SilverCloud system
• Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Can be done at a time and place that suits you
• You will get weekly online support from your therapist
• You will have access to the system for a year after you’ve been discharged from the service
• Some people find it more effective than one to one therapy
Option 2 – Skills for Wellbeing Course
• A six-week course that will help you develop skills to manage your mood and anxiety
• The sessions are informal and relaxed, and you don’t have to talk about your problems
• Courses are available by video call
• You will have a choice of times you can attend
• New courses begin regularly, so you won’t have to wait more than a few weeks to join
When you have your first assessment appointment with a member of our team, you will have plenty of time to talk through the two options in more detail to help you decide which one is right for you.
Most people find that Online Guided Self-Help or a Wellbeing Course is all they need to feel better, but if you still need extra help after completing these, we will then offer you, one-to-one therapy with one of our specialist therapists.
How do I access the service?
It’s simple! If you’re registered with a Wigan GP and think we can help, call us today on 01942 764449 or self-refer online at https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/wigan-talking-therapies
Please note, we are a non-urgent service. If you need urgent help, please make an emergency appointment to see your GP or contact the Wigan 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 051 3253 (freephone).
