BEATING the blues has become a whole lot easier with the creation of a new pick-me-up service offered by the local health board.

To coincide with World Mental Health Day last week, NHS Borders launched its very own StressBusters team.

As well as a dedicated new website the service will also see a team of experts pass on tips on how to beat depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.

And most of them were out in force on the launch day to pass on tips, leaflets and a few chocolates to shoppers in Galashiels.

Mike Henderson from the StressBusters team told the Border Telegraph: “Depression and similar mental health problems are hidden illnesses and they remain the poor relation when it comes to publicity and people openly looking for help.

“People today are more comfortable telling you they suffer from cancer than that they have depression. Hopefully we can do something about that.

“The new website provides free and easy access to a lot of important information about where to get help.” It is estimated that around one in five of us will suffer from depression at some point in our lives.

Other mental health issues such as panic attacks and anxiety, sleep problems, self-harm, bereavement and even anger affect just as many.

StressBuster Liz Dawtry was amongst the experts in Galashiels. She said: “It has been interesting - the amount of people we have spoken with this morning who have a family member or close friend with depression or anxiety.

“We hope these people will seek the help that is available.” Goody bags were handed out to shoppers in Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso and Peebles throughout Friday’s World Mental Health Day.

As well as several information booklets, pointers for finding help and a CD of relaxation techniques, each bag contained invitations to a series of StressBuster classes and information evenings.

Assistant psychologist Jane McLachlan helps take the classes at libraries across the region, which in the past have attracted up to 20 people. She said: “People often tell us that going to their GP isn’t enough and the classes do help.

“The techniques we apply can be used by anyone who is suffering from depression, anxiety or stress. Often people come with a friend and they almost always come back for further classes.” An information evening on overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is being held at Galashiels Library on Thursday, October 23 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

Stress management classes have already started at Kelso Library on Tuesday evenings from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and continue until October 28. And in November the hour-long sessions will be held at Peebles Library every Thursday between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Sinead Murray, NHS Borders clinical associate in Applied Psychology added: “The idea behind StressBusters is to ensure that everyone has access to information on staying mentally healthy.

“We feel that everyone should be able to talk about their mental health just as they talk about their physical health, without having to worry about the stigma that continues to surround these issues.” The new Borders StressBusters website can be found at www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/staying-healthy/stress-busters.

For further information on classes, information evenings and other events contact stressbusters@borders.scot.nhs.uk.