RESIDENTS in Teignbridge are being reminded by mental health experts what help and support is available for stress, anxiety and depression.

Following this year’s National Stress Awareness Day, today, Devon Partnership Trust, which runs mental health services in the county, has highlighted the work of the Devon Depression and Anxiety Service.

Its newly-launched online self-referral form and improved website offers practical information, interactive tools and films of individual stories of how the services has helped them cope.

Anne Richards, general manager for the service, explained: ‘We know that around one in four people will experience some form of depression or anxiety during their lifetime and we also know that some people find it hard to take the first step in seeking help and support for themselves or a loved on.

‘We all expect to catch a cold once in a while but when it comes to the way we feel emotionally it can be hard to recognise or admit we’re not feeling 100 per cent.

‘Our service is a free, confidential NHS service for people aged over 19.

‘We offer a range of different types of treatments and therapies which are known to work for people experiencing problems with low mood, depression, anxiety or stress.

‘One of the best things about the service is that people can refer themselves, via the online referral form on the website, or by contacting one of our teams by phone or email without needing to go to their GP.’

Online self-referral in available from www. devonpartnershiptrust.nhs.uk/DAS.385.o.html.

The south and west Devon team is available on 01626 203500.