Depression
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24
What is Depression?
Sometimes we can feel off for a day or two, a little grumpy and maybe a tad lazy. Depression is more than just feeling 'off' or sad for a day or two. It is a mental health condition that can make someone feel low, empty, hopeless, irritable or numb for a long period of time. It can take away the enjoyment for things people really enjoy doing, making them appear withdrawn. It can affect thoughts, feelings, energy, sleep, appetite, confidence, and everyday life.
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Symptoms of Depression
Depression will present in different ways for different people. Symptoms of depression are usually considered to last two weeks or more.
Feeling sad, low or upset most or all of the time
Being grumpy, irritable or easily annoyed
Feeling numb or 'empty'
Losing interest in the things you used to like doing
Feeling tired or exhausted most of the time
Not eating normally, either eating more or eating less
Finding it hard to concentrate or focus
Pulling away from people, being withdrawn
Low confidence or feeling worthless
Feeling guilty or like you are a burden on other people
Feeling slow or lazy
Having feelings of hurting yourself or ending your life.
If you are in crisis and in need of urgent help, considering hurting yourself or ending your life please call 111, text SHOUT 85258, call Papyrus HopeLine 0800 068 4141, or call the Samaritans 0330 094 5717
Depression - Helping Yourself
Stay Connected
Depression can make you want to shut yourself away, but keeping in touch with friends, family and trusted people can help you feel less alone and gives you someone to talk to.
Routine
Try to get up in the morning at roughly the same time, get dressed, and keep some structure in your day. The NHS says routine can help with sleep, eating and keeping life from feeling too chaotic.
Exercise
This does not have to be intense. A short walk, stretching, football in the park, dancing in your room or the going to the gym can all help relieve the thoughts and feelings depression brings. Being physically active is proven to lift your mood, reduce with stress and help with sleep.
Eat regular meals
This fits in with routine. Although depression may cause you to lose your appetite or eat more, eating regular meals will help your body and mind feel regular and steady.
Protect your sleep
Sleep and mood directly affect each other. Keeping a regular sleep pattern and giving yourself time to wind down can help you feel a bit more in control.
Avoid alcohol and drugs
Drugs and alcohol can often be used as a quick escape, they will both make your depression worse and will not solve the underlying issues that are causing it. The quick fix is only making it work.
Getting Help for Depression
Seeing you GP -
If depression is something you think you are dealing with, it is important to speak with your GP. This can feel scary, but they will help with gaining further support and taking the next step.
If you are under 18
Your GP will refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or Children and Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS). If you are in school or college, they can refer you to CAMHS or be able to support you internally through counselling. Speak to a teacher to find out more.
If you are over 18
Your GP can refer you to an adult mental health service, or you can often self refer to NHS taking therapies.
If you're a student, your college or university may be able to support you with counselling.
If you are working, check your workplace has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). These services are there to help you stay well and supported at work. Speak to your HR department to find out more.
Again, if you are suffering with sever symptoms, thinking of hurting yourself or committing suicide, click here to get urgent help.
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