Abstract
This study aimed to help depressed psychiatric patients develop support networks. A nine‐week programme was designed to develop participants' skills in communication, improve their feelings of self‐esteem and self‐worth, reduce their feelings of depression and develop supportive relationships. This developmental programme was implemented and evaluated by an occupational therapist and a social worker. The ten participants completed two questionnaires and a diary pre and post programme to evaluate changes in levels of depression, anxiety and social behaviour. There were statistically significant changes in the depression (p < .01) and anxiety (p < .05) levels, as measured on the Beck Depression Inventory and Spielberges Self Evaluation Questionnaire. Although there were no statistically significant changes in social behaviour, there were positive trends. Whilst these results were encouraging, there was no control group with which to compare the figures. Findings are discussed and several recommendations made for future programmes.
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