Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
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Brief Behavioural Activation

Text on image Brief Behavioural Activation

 

What is Brief Behavioural Activation?

Brief Behavioural Activation can help you when you are experiencing low mood, you may notice several changes. Everyone can experience symptoms of low mood at any time in their life. Feeling low can trap us in a cycle where we stop doing things that matter, get less out of life, and feel even worse as a result.

image with the text feel low get less out of life stop doing things that matter behavioural activation feel better do more of what matter get more out of life

How do I know if I need help with my low mood?

You may need support for your low mood if it starts affecting your day-to-day activities and negatively impacting your life. For example, have you noticed:

  • Headaches/ stomach aches
  • Feeling irritable or angry
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Changes in appetite
  • Not wanting to be around people
  • Feeling sad and down
  • Sleeping too much or not enough
  • Losing interest in things that you used to enjoy.

These feelings could be your bodies way of telling you that somethings not quite right and it’s time to get support from a trusted adult.

How can Brief Behavioural Activation help you?

Brief Behavioural Activation is designed to help you understand and break the cycle of low mood and to get more out of life by doing things that matter to you. The support is typically 8, one-hour sessions over an 8-week period. We will meet with you in a private space at your educational setting.

What age do I need to be to access Brief Behavioural Activation support?

Brief Behavioural Activation is recommended for 11+.

What do I need to bring to sessions?

Just bring yourself and your motivation to make changes!

What will we cover together during Brief Behavioural Activation sessions?
  • Learning about low mood
  • How Brief Behavioural Activation can help
  • Keeping track of your daily activities
  • Identifying your life values and things that matter to you
  • Gradually introducing valued activities
  • Problem solving
  • Staying well plan
How can I access support? (1)

If you wish to access support, please speak to your school or college’s Designated Mental Health Lead (DMHL) or another trusted staff member. The DMHL can then make a referral to our service or signpost you to appropriate support.

How can I request support from the MHST? (1)

Speak to the Designated Mental Health Lead (DMHL) at your school/college who can refer you to our service.
Or  download the information leaflet, fill in your details on the final page and hand this to a trusted member of staff who will pass this onto the DMHL..
The Mental Health Support Team is not an emergency service and is unable to provide urgent or crisis care. If a child or young person is in crisis, you should:

  • Call Freephone 0800 6444 101 (Single Point of Access (SPA) 24/7 Mental Health Helpline)
  • NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health service
  • If you/they are seriously ill or injured, dial 999 for the emergency services or attend A&E

To download a copy of this information as a leaflet please click here

 

 

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