Bennetts End Surgery
Gatecroft, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 9LY
Telephone: 01442 263 511
We're open
We hold the Purple Star Award. We are an Armed Forces veteran friendly accredited GP Practice. New patients - please visit our 'Register with the Practice' page and you can be registered online as quickly as within 2 working days. You no longer have to call the surgery at 8am for an appointment. Our patient triage form is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Visit the Appointments page to find out more.
Mental Health
General measures to reduce stress
- Timetable more valued enjoyable activities
- Better work-life or school-life balance
- Take up a relaxing hobby
- Gratitude diary
- Relaxation including mindfulness or meditation – Smiling Mind app
- Health Behaviours
- Regular exercise
- Good sleep: HEAL – Health, Environment, Attitude, Lifestyle
- Well-balanced diet
- Reduce smoking/vaping, alcohol and drugs
- Good digital hygiene
Overview of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns, so we can feel better. It invites people to notice the connection between:
- How we think about ourselves, the world and other people.
- How these thoughts are connected to our behaviours and feelings.
- How external factors or stressors can influence this.
CBT focusses on ‘here and now’ problems and difficulties. For more information, click here.
DistrACT App
The app offers total privacy and can be used offline to:
- find out about self-harm and suicidal thoughts
- discover self-help techniques and safer alternatives to self-harms
- explore the ‘chill-zone’ with links to resources that can make you feel better, such as films, books and online videos
- access details about available services and support – all in one place
- know what do do in a crisis or emergency
Users can feel safe and secure because no sign-up is required, and the app does not collect any personal data.
Self-help resources
Every Mind Matters: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
Mental Health Foundation: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
North Thames West NHS Trust: web.ntw.nhs.uk/selfhelp/
Anna Freud: www.annafreud.org
Books
Mind over mood: Change how you feel by changing the way you think by Dennis Greenberger and Christine Padesky (2015). Cognitive behaviour workbook aimed at older teens and adults.
Stuff that sucks by Ben Sedley (2015). For younger children who wish to develop their ability to cope with strong feelings and distress.
Breaking free from OCD: A CBT guide for young people and their families by Jo Derisley, Isobel Heyman, Sarah Robinson and Cynthia Turner (2008).
Anxiety relief for Teens: Essential CBT skills and mindfulness practices to overcome anxiety and stress by Regine Galanti (2020).
Additional support available for children and young people
The Sandbox
Online mental health digital advice and guidance for people aged 10 – 25 years.
Website: sandbox.mindler.co.uk
The Mix
Free confidential multi-channel service that aims to find young people the best help (under 25 year olds)
Website: www.themix.org.uk
Telephone (helpline for 11 – 25 year olds): 0808 808 4994 (4 – 11pm, Monday to Friday)
Face-to-face Counselling options in Hertfordshire
Signpost (10 – 25 years old)
Website: oneymca.org/signpost-home-page/
Telephone: 01923 239495
Mind Hertfordshire Network
Website: www.hertsmindnetwork.org
