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Bibliotherapy
What is bibliotherapy?
It is the use of books to treat emotional problems.
Self-help books aim to provide psychological therapy for people experiencing mild to moderate emotional and psychological difficulties.
They are a useful start to managing our own problems.
The books provide a means of support before getting help from a doctor, counsellor or mental health professional.
Does the Library have any books like this?
Yes. All the books on this list can be found in the University Library. They have all been recommended by the University's Counselling & Support Service. You can find these books - and many others on the same topics - by searching the Library catalogue.
Is there anyone I can talk to?
Yes. The University's Counselling & Student Support Service is available to all Heriot-Watt students. It is based in the Student Support & Accommodation Service.
Is there anything else I can look at?
Yes. The websites listed below have all been recommended by the University's Counselling & Support Service.
Anxiety
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Contains factsheets and downloadable booklets on a wide range of anxiety issues, including social anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and stress.
Bereavement
www.crusescotland.org.uk
Bereavement support website with helpful material and resources as well as a dedicated helpline number.
Depression
www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
Breathing Space offer advice, information and a confidential telephone helpline to anyone who is struggling with depression.
www.dascot.org
Depression Alliance Scotland’s site contains information, access to support groups and an email and telephone helpline. There is also advice for helping friends or family who may be depressed.
Drugs and Alcohol
www.crew2000.org.uk
www.knowthescore.info
Information and resources concerning drug use and its effects.
www.alcoholconcern.org.uk
Advice and support with concerns about your own or someone else’s drinking.
Eating Disorders
www.b-eat.co.uk
Eating Disorders Association website providing information, guidance and support. The site has details of their telephone, email and text helplines as well as links to other sources of advice and help.
Self-Help and Information
www.livinglifetothefull.com
Free online “life skills” course that uses a variety of interactive exercises to help you explore and deal with difficult issues. The course includes sections on topics such as practical problem solving, techniques for controlling anxiety and changing unhelpful thoughts. You can work through these independently at your own pace.
www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk
Comprehensive self-help and information site with suggestions and advice on a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, shyness and social phobias as well as issues such as debt and relationships. Contains printable worksheets to allow you to work through and find solutions to common problems.
www.shapeofmind.scot.nhs.uk
Similar to Moodjuice, this interactive site provides useful techniques and coping strategies to deal with problems like anxiety, low mood, stress and self-harm.
General Mental Health and Wellbeing
www.edspace.org.uk
Health In Mind’s information site with links to many local services and sources of help and advice. Edspace also have a helpline should you be looking for specific information that you are having difficulty locating elsewhere.
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation’s website contains free and downloadable podcasts on subjects such as stress, overcoming anxiety and relaxation techniques.
www.mind.org.uk
Extensive online resource with information on a wide range of mental health matters.
www.rcpsych.ac.uk
The Royal College of Psychiatrists site contains readable, user friendly and accurate information about mental health problems.