Depression

We all feel low or down at times, but if your negative emotions last a long time or feel very severe, you may have depression.

Depression is a mood disorder where you feel very down all the time.

Depression can happen as a reaction to something like abuse, bullying or family breakdown, but it can also run in families.

Depression often develops alongside anxiety.

It's not the same as manic depression, which is another term for bipolar disorder.

Depression is one of the most common types of mental illness. Although it's hard to feel optimistic when you're depressed, there is lots of support available to help you feel better.

The symptoms of depression.

Depression affects different people in different ways. Symptoms can include:

not wanting to do things that you previously enjoyed
avoiding friends or social situations
sleeping more or less than normal
eating more or less than normal
feeling irritable, upset, miserable or lonely
being self-critical
feeling hopeless
maybe wanting to self-harm
feeling tired and not having any energy

Just because you experience one or more of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you’re definitely affected by depression. It’s important to talk to your GP to get a full diagnosis.

What to do about depression

Depression can affect anyone, and you deserve help to feel better. Talk to someone you like and trust, like a teacher, relative, counsellor or friend.

You should also see your GP. They may offer to refer you to a psychologist or a psychiatrist who can help you.