Depression
Depression is more than feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days. It is a common mental disorder that causes people to experience low mood, loss of interest, pleasure or motivation, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or reduced appetite, low energy and poor concentration. About 1 in 5 people will experience depression at some point in their lives.
There are several types of depression such as mild or major, bi-polar disorder, post-natal depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
When to seek help immediately
If you start to feel like your life isn’t worth living or you want to harm yourself, get help straight away.
Either see your GP or call NHS 111. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 for 24-hour confidential, non-judgemental emotional support.
Selfcare and more information
What causes depression?
Depression can happen suddenly as a result of physical illness, experiences dating back to childhood, unemployment, bereavement, family problems or other life-changing events.
Sometimes there may be no clear reason for your depression but, whatever the cause, identifying what may affect how you feel and the things that are likely to trigger depression are important first steps.
The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery.
How are you feeling?
Common signs and symptoms of depression include:
- Tiredness and loss of energy
- Sadness that doesn’t go away
- Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
- Finding it hard to function at work/college/school
- Loss of appetite
- Avoidance of people or activities – even close friends
- Loss of sex drive and/or sexual problems
- Physical aches and pains
- Thinking about suicide and death
- Self-harm
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleeping problems
- Not being able to enjoy things which are usually pleasurable or interesting
- Feeling anxious all the time
Living with depression is difficult for those who suffer from it and for their family, friends and colleagues. It can be difficult to know if you are depressed and what you can do about it.
You can take the NHS mood self assessment to see if you may be suffering with depression.
When to see someone about my depression
It’s important to seek help from a specialist or your GP if you think you may be depressed.
Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it’s best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to feeling like yourself again.
Please visit our Supporting my mental health page for links on how to be referred to your local team, and self- help resources that are available to you. You can also make an appointment with your GP if you would prefer.
Managing my condition
Please visit our Supporting my mental health page for advice on managing your depression. You can follow the links below for more information on contacting and being seen by your local service.
Self Help
It is possible to treat mild depression by utilising self care. Please see the linked self help guide on ideas of how you can take care of yourself if you feel depressed.
If you feel overwhelmed or want support then please find links to local services below or visit your GP.
Videos about my depression
Depression
rcpsych | Published 27 January 2015
Waiting for a specialist opinion
If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found using the links below.
How long will I wait?
If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended your information will be sent to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.