What is Depression?

Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in things you usually like.

 

 

This feeling can range from low mood to a severe depressed feeling. This can impact you at home and in work. Depression can cause not only emotional and relationship issues but physical issues too. 

 

We can experience depression in our thoughts, feelings and body.

 

Experiencing low mood or depression for short periods of time is normal, particularly when you are experiencing a difficult and sad time.  This could be loss and grief when experiencing difficulties in a relationship, redundancy or a bereavement. 

 

Usually it is possible to manage these feelings and return to feeling like your usual self.  It becomes a problem when your life, relationships and work start to become affected. 

 

 

Ways to cope with Depression

 

• Don’t suffer in silence – talk to a friend or family member about how you are feeling

• Get outside if you can, go for a walk for at least 30 minutes

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine

• Keep to a routine of getting up and going to bed

•  Take hope- you have more power than you realise to overcome and manage depression 

 

Some more information on treatments found here, one of them being Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT):

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/clinical-depression/treatment/

 

 

Life can be challenging – you are not alone- get the support to start living your life.

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If you feel suicidal/at risk of hurting yourself, please seek immediate help by calling an ambulance/GP.