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An online mental heath checker has
been launched by NHS Direct.
It is in response to rising numbers
of people seeking help for depression and anxiety.
A total of
37,500 people telephoned complaining of stress and mental health
problems in the first six months of the year, according to the government’s
health advice and information agency.
That is 5,000 more than the previous
12 months.
The
checker
allows people to seek help without having to speak to a doctor or
nurse, and asks if they are feeling “low, depressed, anxious,
panicky, stressed out or under pressure”.
Spokeswoman Jacqui Jedrzejewski
said: “The aim is to get people on the right track so that
they can get ongoing support.”
Depending
on answers people will be advised to call 999, visit a GP or speak
to an NHS Direct nurse.
