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Faye Prior | 2014-05-05 08:56:04
Pro-active self management is important for any long term condition, and especially so for depression as a lot can be done to control it, and prevent recurrence.
In an interesting study, researchers from the Netherlands interviewed those who had recovered from depression to find out what these pro-active strategies actually are.
They found around 50 strategies used by people, which they grouped in to 8 different themes:
- Proactive attitude towards depression and treatment
- Daily life strategies and rules
- Explanation of disease to others
- Remaining socially engaged
- Engaging in activities
- Structured attention to oneself
- Contact with fellow sufferers
- Uncategorised
The most popular strategies were engaging in activities, having a proactive attitude towards depression, daily life strategies, and structured attention to oneself.
Although this highlights the strategies of just one group of people, it’s striking to see that these are many of strategies encouraged throughout all long term conditions in the one precious life project.
These insights from the people themselves helps practitioners to understand how those with depression are actively managing their condition, and gives us practical ideas of how to help others use self-management, in all conditions.
Faye Prior (Researcher)
Source
Van Grieken, R., Kirkenier, A, Koeter, M., Nabitz, U. & Schene, A. (2013). Patients’ perspective on self-management in the recovery from depression. Health Expectations, doi: 10.1111/hex.12112.
Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/studiobeeldruis/2797033109