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Beating the Blues

Beating the Blues® is an effective treatment for people feeling stressed, depressed, anxious or just down in the dumps. Based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the course is made up of 8 online sessions which last approximately an hour and help you to understand the link between how you think and how this influences your feelings and behaviours. The program teaches strategies to help you cope better in the short term and workable skills for life so that you can face the future with confidence.

Important Information about using Beating the Blues®

Staff and students can now access Beating the Blues® without first needing to visit the Service and see a counsellor. Once your personal account has been activated you can enjoy using the program independently.

In deciding whether to use Beating the Blues®, it is important to note:

  • Beating the Blues® is only suitable for mild-to-moderate levels of depression or anxiety. If you are suffering from severe emotional distress (anxiety, depression or other), are in crisis, experiencing suicidal thoughts or do not feel safe, you should contact your GP/Doctor in the first instance.
  • Counselling may be helpful if you decide not to use Beating the Blues® or if you start the program and then decide it's not for you.

How do I Start?

  • Please email beatingtheblues@cardiff.ac.uk and tell us that you wish to access the program.
  • Please also confirm:
    1. The email account you would like to register with.
    2. Whether you are a student or a member of staff.
    3. Whether you would like subtitles throughout the program.

 

 

The Symptoms

The symptoms of anxiety and depression vary from person to person. Often symptoms occur with thoughts or images of being out of control, overwhelmed, embarrassed, in danger or unable to cope. If your symptoms are overwhelming or you are having severe difficulties with/without suicidal thoughts, please talk to your doctor TODAY.

Feeling Anxious
  • Different words are used to describe these symptoms like anxiety, stress, nerves, wound up and panic. When some people get anxious they get headaches, pounding heart, tense muscles, breathlessness or physical symptoms. Others feel generally wound up, agitated or irritable.
Feeling Depressed
  • When you are depressed you may feel sad, gloomy and lonely. You may experience feelings of irritability and guilt.
  • Also you could find that you have difficulties concentrating or making decisions. Often when you are depressed you will have a negative view of yourself, and see the future as very bleak. A result of these feelings is that you may withdraw from friends, have problems sleeping and lose interest in activities and things that you usually enjoy.