News Release, 30 March 2001
A new CD-Rom, from leading mental health charity the Mental Health Foundation, is the first designed for anybody who is experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression.
Every year one in ten people experience depression and one in ten experience anxiety. Work-related stress is estimated to be the second biggest occupational health problem in the UK, and nearly three in ten employees will have a mental health problem in any one year. The CD-Rom, Restoring the Balance, goes on sale to the public during Mental Health Action Week (16-22 April 2001), and includes a number of interactive self-help exercises including how to judge your mood, practising positive thinking and distraction techniques. Many of the exercises are introduced by Bobby, a cartoon rabbit, who when giving guidance on controlled breathing to help relaxation, for example, encourages the user to breathe in time with him.
The easy-to-use CD-Rom has been designed with simplicity in mind, with simple engaging graphics that will not add to anybody's stress levels. Based on tried and tested cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, the program has been successfully field-tested in GPs' surgeries with patients experiencing anxiety and depression.
"We hear a lot about information overload and the stresses of working in offices with PCs," said Ruth Lesirge, chief executive, Mental Health Foundation. "What we want to do is to make everybody's computer a positive force for mental wellbeing - and Restoring the Balance will do just that for many people; giving access to support just when they need it."
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For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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