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Depression
Everyone feels down sometimes. But if you’ve been feeling low for a while or your feelings stop you enjoying life, it's important to get some help.
What is depression?
Lots of people feel low sometimes, but when someone’s depressed those feelings can carry on for months or even longer.
Depression is a mood disorder that makes someone feel down all the time and stops them from being able to enjoy their life. Depression can have a big effect on you, but you’re not alone. There are lots of ways to get support, cope and start to feel better.
Anyone can get depressed. And whatever’s happening, we’re here to support you.
Why do people feel depressed?
Lots of things can lead to someone getting depressed. And sometimes you might not know the cause.
Someone might feel depressed after going through bullying, abuse or the death of someone close to them. It might be different things adding up, or someone might get depressed after being stressed for a long time.
There’s no right or wrong reason to feel depressed, and it’s always okay to get support if you do.
Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression affects people in different ways, and some people might experience some signs but not others.
Only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose someone with depression, but if you’re worried then it’s important to get help. Signs of depression can be:
- not enjoying things that you used to
- tiredness or low energy, even when you have rested
- having problems sleeping
- feeling worthless, hopeless or guilty all the time
- changes in how much you’re eating
- feeling sad, hopeless or anxious most of the time
- aches or pains that have no obvious cause
- self-harming or having suicidal thoughts
- not wanting to see people or go out.
Get more information on the symptoms of depression on the NHS website and from YoungMinds.
4 ways to feel better:
- express how you feel in a journal
- get tips to boost your confidence and self-esteem
- try a new activity, or get ideas from the coping kit
- talk to an adult you trust
Getting help with depression
Talking about how you feel can be scary sometimes, but it’s the best way to get help with depression. And there are lots of ways to get support:
Talk to a doctor
Your GP can talk to you about getting a diagnosis, and help refer you to get extra support. You might feel anxious about visiting your doctor, but they’re there to help.
If you phone to make an appointment, you can also ask about their confidentiality, and whether you would need a parent or carer to go with you. They’ll also tell you if you’ll talk to the doctor over the phone or in person.
Before your appointment, use DocReady to make a checklist of how you’ve been feeling, so you don’t forget anything when you talk to your GP. It can also help to write down any questions you might have.
What your doctor might do or say can depend on what’s happening, but they can talk to you about how they can support you in the future. Sometimes it can take time before you’re able to get a referral for extra support, so it’s important to ask what will happen next.
Share how you're feeling
Telling someone you trust can help you to feel less alone, and give you confidence to get more support when you feel ready.
Opening up about how you’re feeling can be hard, but there are things that can make it easier:
- write down how you’re feeling in a letter
- talk to a Childline counsellor first to see how it feels
- plan a good time to talk when you won’t be disturbed
Self-harm and feeling suicidal
Some people who are depressed feel suicidal or want to self-harm. If you’re feeling that way, it’s important to get help.
There are lots of ways to get support if you’re thinking about hurting yourself:
- tell an adult you trust
- talk to a Childline counsellor by calling 0800 1111
- call 999 and ask for an ambulance
- go to your local A&E and explain what’s happening
If you’re worried about feeling overwhelmed in the future, it can help to make a plan of where you can get support and how to cope.
Coping with low moods
Whether you’re depressed or feeling low, there are lots of things you can do to cope:
- Keep talking
Whatever’s happening, keep talking to the people trust about it. Remember that you can always talk to Childline. - Express yourself
Let your feelings out through writing, art or however you feel comfortable. Or you can use the Calm Zone to get ideas. - Make a bedtime routine
Try to go to bed at the same time each night, and take some time before bed to relax and stop doing anything. And try our tips to help you get to sleep. - Eat healthily and keep active
Gentle exercise and eating healthily can help to improve your mood and feel better over time. - Do something positive
Try and do one small thing each day. You could do something to express yourself, feel good or help someone else. We’ve got lots of ideas to get you started.
Things guys don't talk about
It can be tough to talk about how you’re feeling. But you’re not alone and we can help you get through it.
Olly Alexander from Years & Years talks about opening up
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