Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects how you feel, think and behave.

We all experience feelings of low mood from time to time. Depression is when you feel low for a very long time, and this affects your day-to-day life. Anyone can get depression, or become depressed. About 1 in 10 people have it.

It is important to remember it is not your fault if you experience depression. People do not choose to feel low.

Support is available if you or someone you know are having a mental health crisis or emergency, no matter what you’re going through.

Find out where to get urgent help for mental health

What causes depression?

Depression does not have one main cause. These are a few examples of what can increase the risk of someone developing depression:

past experiences
diet
drug/alcohol use
brain chemicals
genetics

Physical symptoms

Having less energy and tiring easily
Having poorer concentration
Poor sleep patterns
Eating more, or less than usual
Muscle aches/ headaches

Many of these overlap with symptoms of anxiety, it is not uncommon to experience both anxiety and depression together. Make a note of your symptoms to help recognise when you are feeling low.

Psychological symptoms

Feeling low, irritable or anxious
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Feeling guilty or worthless
Fearing or thinking the worst will happen
Feeling a sense of numbness
Negative thoughts

Many of these overlap with symptoms of anxiety, it is not uncommon to experience both anxiety and depression together.

Treatments

CBT helps you understand the links between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. It helps you to overcome your low mood by challenging negative thoughts and beliefs.
Behavioural Activation focuses on encouraging people to approach activities that they are avoiding. This helps refocus on future goals.
Medication can also help; speak to your GP if you think this could help you.

How to look after yourself

Below are some useful ways you can you to help look after yourself or others:

Talk to someone you trust

Sharing how you feel with someone you trust can help you feel less alone and supported. Talking things through can ease pressure and help put things into perspective.

Breathing exercises are an effective way to calm yourself

Slow, steady breathing helps calm your body and mind by reducing physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Distract yourself with something comforting

Doing something familiar or comforting can help shift your focus away from difficult thoughts and give your mind a break.

Make a note of positive thoughts you have

Writing down positive thoughts or moments can help remind you of things that bring comfort, strength, or hope during harder times.

Try to eat healthy food when you can

Eating regularly and choosing nourishing foods can support your energy levels and overall wellbeing, even in small ways.

Listen to your favourite music

Music can lift your mood, help you relax, or provide a sense of connection and comfort when you need it.

Exercise is really helpful in creating endorphins

Exercise can help reduce anxiety

Physical activity releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress or low mood.

Try a grounding technique

Grounding techniques can help bring your focus back to the present moment when your thoughts feel overwhelming.

Language

Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects how you feel, think and behave.

What causes depression?

How to look after yourself

Talk to someone you trust

Talk to someone you trust

Breathing exercises are an effective way to calm yourself

Breathing exercises are an effective way to calm yourself

Distract yourself with something comforting

Distract yourself with something comforting

Make a note of positive thoughts you have

Make a note of positive thoughts you have

Try to eat healthy food when you can

Try to eat healthy food when you can

Listen to your favourite music

Listen to your favourite music

Exercise is really helpful in creating endorphins

Exercise can help reduce anxiety

Try a grounding technique

Try a grounding technique

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Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition that affects how you feel, think and behave.

What causes depression?

How to look after yourself

Talk to someone you trust

Talk to someone you trust

Breathing exercises are an effective way to calm yourself

Breathing exercises are an effective way to calm yourself

Distract yourself with something comforting

Distract yourself with something comforting

Make a note of positive thoughts you have

Make a note of positive thoughts you have

Try to eat healthy food when you can

Try to eat healthy food when you can

Listen to your favourite music

Listen to your favourite music

Exercise is really helpful in creating endorphins

Exercise can help reduce anxiety

Try a grounding technique

Try a grounding technique

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