The latest data for England shows prescriptions for antidepressants and drugs to tackle diabetes have gone up but it also shows that doctors are giving out fewer antibiotics, according to a Health and Social Care Information Centre report.
Figures show that more than one billion prescriptions were issued by doctors and other health staff in 2015 – more than double compared to a decade ago, the BBC reported. A for the ninth year in a row, diabetes drugs cost the most to the NHS – at £2.6m per day. Antidepressants were also high on the list costing the NHS £780,000 per day.
Vicki Nash, at the mental health charity Mind, said prescriptions issued for depression have been on a persistent and upward trend for many years.
She told the BBC: “It may be that more people are coming forward and seeking help, or that doctors are getting better at spotting the symptoms of mental health problems, but these are unlikely to be the only reasons.
“It is vital we better understand exactly how many people are taking antidepressants, for how long and whether they are receiving other treatment alongside medication, as recommended in NICE guidance.”
The charity said that while cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling were becoming more widely available, talking therapies were still not available to everyone who needed them.
And this where clinical hypnotherapy can play a valuable role with the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) representing more than 1,800 qualified therapists across the UK.
Today, says the NCH, about one in seven people are suffering from stress or anxiety at any one time in the UK. Many of these can end up having antidepressants prescribed by doctors.
“And while some people manage, more and more people are showing signs of over-anxiety, which leads to stress, which can make a significant impact on the quality of life and wellbeing.”
Not using pills but the power of the subconscious mind, the hypnotherapist can – after assessing the root of the depressing anxiety and stress – employ a variety of techniques to give the client confidence and let them be more relaxed in situations that have previously been challenging.
Says the NCH: “Hypnotherapy unlocks the potential you have to break free of negative thought patterns, and to react more positively and more confidently to situations in your life that may have previously made you anxious.”
To find a qualified and fully-trained NCH therapist near you, simply can type your postcode into the NCH directory.
The hypnotherapist will discuss the amount of sessions needed but it may be around six sessions – a better option than taking antidepressant tablets.