'DON'T suffer in silence'.

That is the message to Dorset residents who are being reminded of the importance of seeking help and support if they feel down or depressed.

With January known to be one of the most challenging times of the year for our mental health, Dorset HealthCare is urging people to focus on keeping busy and doing things to improve their mood.

Professional lead for psychology and psychological therapies Meherzin Das said:"“Many people struggle with depression all year round, but for some it can intensify at this time of year. January can be a time of stress and worry which can trigger symptoms.

"Christmas debt, returning to work and dealing with the aftermath of family arguments can all be contributing factors, causing negative thoughts and feelings.

"Add to this the typical decrease in leisure activities and spending less time with friends and it isn’t surprising that people can find themselves in a position of having more time to think about their worries, and not being able to do the things that would normally improve their mood."

Dorset HealthCare says it receives more than 12,000 referrals a year for psychological therapies to help people suffering with anxiety or depression.

They are supported either through its confidential Steps2Wellbeing service or through our Community Mental Health Teams.

Dr Rachael Tanner, clinical psychology lead for Dorset HealthCare in North Dorset, said: "Reducing our activity levels is a big contributing factor in depression. When we stop doing things we enjoy, we miss out on positive experiences and pleasant feelings.

"By setting small, manageable tasks such as going for a five-minute walk, reading, or simply carrying out a hobby for a short period of time means we are less likely to feel overwhelmed.

"This leaves us feeling more hopeful and motivated, reducing the symptoms of depression."

For anyone struggling with the effects of depression, Dorset HealthCare says there is a range of help available locally.

NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) has a dedicated section on depression and its background on its website at nhs.uk while Depression UK provides support at depressionuk.org and advice and Blurt provides the same but in the form of email alerts at blurtitout.org

Support groups can be a safe, supportive environment to help reduce isolation. For more information visit dorsetmind.uk/services

For further details of courses run by NHS professionals with lived experience of mental health problems visit dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/services/recovery

You can also call the Samaritans on 116 123, or use their text service via 07725 909090.