Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition which can be caused by multiple different contributing factors. For some people however, depression occurs for no clear reason. Depression is common in both women and men. Although, depression is more likely to be unrecognised in men.

It is more than just feeling sad or having a low mood for a short period. Depression can cause lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. Depression can interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Causes of depression may include

  • Stressful life events e.g. a bereavement, loss of a job, a break down in a relationship.
  • In women, pregnancy and menopause
  • Alcohol and drugs misuse
  • Loneliness
  • Genetics- meaning that this can be passed down from your family

Depression symptoms can vary from person to person, but they typically include both emotional and physical signs.

Depression symptoms may include

  • Persistent low mood or sadness
  • Feeling hopeless and helpless
  • Low self-esteem
  • Feeling tearful
  • Feeling irritable
  • Lacking motivation or having very little interest in doing things
  • Difficulty with making decisions
  • Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
  • Lack of appetite
  • Disturbance of sleep
  • Fatigue

Treatments for depression may include

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Talking therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
  • Anti-depressant medication (in moderate to severe cases)

Most people with depression can get better with time whilst accessing the right help, support and treatment.

A combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medication is often the most effective for treating depression.

Help Lines

Samaritans

116 123 

Shout 

If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK

0800 068 41 41
88247 (text)
pat@papyrus-uk.org
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides a helpline, online and WhatsApp chat, as well as information and support, for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.

SANEline

If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).

Nightline 

www.nightline.ac.uk

If you’re a student, you can look to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

NHS 111 – urgent mental health helpline

You can contact NHS 111 any time to access support for your health. To get urgent mental health support, call 111 and select option 2.

If you feel that you are unable to keep yourself safe, or if you feel you are at risk to yourself or others, then please contact 999 or visit your local Accident and Emergency (A&E)