Anxiety News

Could a prescription of surfing help with depression?

A new trial is exploring if prescriptions of surfing, gardening and dance classes can reduce anxiety and depression in people aged 11 to 18. NHS mental health trusts in 10 parts of England will use a range of sports, arts and outdoor activities with 600 young people to see if it can stop conditions worsening while the sufferers are on waiting lists for care. This kind of support is known as ‘social prescribing’, allowing health professionals to refer patients to a range of community groups and organisations. But while social prescribing programmes are being rolled out around the world, a recent review has found scant evidence of their effectiveness. Madeleine Finlay speaks to Prof Susan Smith about the ideas behind social prescribing, its potential benefits for those with complex issues, and why more studies are urgently needed Continue reading…

Could a prescription of surfing help with depression? Read More »

Young people to be prescribed surfing and dancing by NHS to help anxiety

Study to assess if ‘social prescribing’ such as surfing or rollerskating can stop conditions worsening while on waiting listsYoung people will take part in surfing, rollerskating and gardening to see whether sport, the arts and outdoor activities can make them less anxious and depressed.NHS mental health trusts will use the activities to help 600 young people on their waiting lists for care as part of a study into whether “social prescribing” helps improve mental wellbeing. Continue reading…

Young people to be prescribed surfing and dancing by NHS to help anxiety Read More »

Why is hoarding on the rise? We ask an expert

With anxiety, loneliness and the cost of living crisis driving an urge to accumulate, when does clutter become a cause for concern?Hoarding behaviours are on the rise, with some councils even setting up specialist teams to deal with the issue. But why? And what should you do if you’re worried? I asked Jo Cooke, director of Hoarding Disorders UK and a professional declutterer.What’s the difference between hoarding, collecting, or having a cluttered space?It’s about the emotion. Someone who hoards feels genuine distress at the thought of discarding their items. We say they find meaning in the mess; it’s a security blanket. That’s different from a collector who’d proudly swap one vintage car for another, or chronic disorganisation. Generally, if you offer to tidy up someone’s cluttered house they’ll say: “Yes, please!” Whereas someone with hoarding behaviours will say no, because they don’t like the thought of their things being touched. They are emotionally attached. Continue reading…

Why is hoarding on the rise? We ask an expert Read More »