Stress and depression case study –

Mrs P is in her late 30's and works full time.

She initially called us as she has had a very stressful 18 months. Her husband was physically unwell and unable to work, and they have 2 young children. She felt under great strain and the stress started to ‘spill over’ into depression and anxiety which then began to impact on her job.

The first phone call consisted of letting her get everything ‘off her chest’ and her Personal Nurse Adviser suggested she go and see her GP – she hadn't seen him for some time.

Mrs P really needed information; we sent some resources which included a ‘Stress and Anxiety’ book, a ‘Depression & Low Mood’ self help guide and a booklet on ‘How to look after your mental health’.

Mrs P was already seeing a counsellor, so we discussed complementary therapies as a further way of reducing stress levels and giving her some vital ‘me time’.

Her Nurse also gave practical stress management advice, for example exercise, healthy eating, keeping a routine, mood diaries etc.

We then sourced an appropriate qualified complementary therapist who was local to her but importantly her Personal Nurse Adviser continued to support her by phone and had several long conversations that allowed her to air her feelings in a safe and constructive way.

We received a thank you card from Mrs P and in her most recent phone call Mrs P felt much more optimistic and positive about the future and very appreciative of the RED ARC service.

She said “I feel that you have saved my life and for that I will be eternally grateful.”



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