Thousands of people end up in hospital through depression. Now many of them can benefit from supplementary holistic care. *********** An innovative scheme in Newcastle is helping to take the stress out of mental health problems. Senior nurse Janet Clarke uses aromatherapy to help in-patients at Hadrian Clinic, at the city's General Hospital, with a variety of issues from stress to depression. Based in a room on the top floor at the clinic, Janet sees patients for weekly one-hour sessions where they are treated with the holistic therapy. And although the room is, by Janet's own admission, "clinical" she has done her best to make the whole experience a relaxing one. She said: "With the resources we have, the room is typically clinical and we can't have candles. But I use bubble lights and music to try and create an effect. "It's important we make it as relaxing as possible." Treatment may involve the use of various methods from a simple hand or foot massage to a full body treatment using essential oils. In-patients are referred from the nurse or doctor on the ward and a course usually lasts six weeks. Patients are actively involved in treatment planning and the choice of oils with Janet also teaching them how to treat themselves at home. In massages the oils are mixed with carrier oils before being administered on to the skin. And each one has different benefits. "We carry out an assessment with each patient, taking into account their lifestyle and what they expect from the service. "Some of the oils, like lavender and chamomile, are very versatile and can be used for various issues. Frankincense is a good oil to help with bereavement, while neroli is good for people with low moods. "The oils absorb into the blood stream and the aroma of them helps. It can help lift people's moods if needed but also stimulate people. One of the results of depression is lethargy and the oils act as a stimulant to counter that," says Janet. The aromatherapy scheme was launched as a pilot project at the General in 2002. A similar service is available at St George Hospital, in Morpeth and Ward 21 at North Tyneside. After training at North Tyneside College followed by a course at Northumbria University, Janet began offering the service on a regular basis. And she said the fact a qualified nurse is doing the treatment is beneficial. Janet said: "I understand the specific needs of the individual patient. A lot of mental ill health is underlined with stress and anxiety and aromatherapy is ideal to help them cope with it." Page 2: Taking time out for a treat | 
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