1. Discuss sources of practical help to tackle life difficulties, such as help with childcare, respite care or day centres
2. Provide, or advise patients to obtain, self-help books readily available in bookshops or online
3. Refer patients to self-help websites such as MoodGym (moodgym.anu.edu.au) or Beating the Blues (thewellnessshop.co.uk)
4. Advise patients to take up or increase exercise, or refer them to exercise on prescription programmes
5. Arrange for them to be seen in two to four weeks for active monitoring and start antidepressants if they don’t respond to the above
Professor Tony Kendrick is professor of primary care at the University of Southampton
