Beating the January blues

If you’re experiencing depression or bipolar disorder, Aware can help you to approach the new season with a spring in your step.

Aware Defeat Depression runs a free support group for people in the Coleraine area providing a vital support service. One in four people in Northern Ireland will experience depression or bipolar disorder at some stage in their life and Aware offers support and information to aid recovery.

The Coleraine group meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month in the Lodge Hotel at 7.30pm. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder is welcome, along with their family, friends and carers.

The free groups are led by trained facilitators and offer a warm welcome to everyone who attends. Sally, a busy single mum with a diagnosis of depression said her local support group helped her back on her feet and back to work:

“I began attending Support Group meetings on the advice of my GP.

“As a very busy working single parent, these meetings provided me with a vital outlet. I had time and space in which I could be honest about how I was feeling and I was listened to by people who truly understood my situation.”

For information or support call the helpline on 08451 20 29 61 or visit www.aware-ni.org