What is depression? 

We all experience feelings of low mood time to time. Depression is when you feel low for a very long time, and this affects your day to day life. Anyone can get depression, or become depressed. About 1 in 10 people have it. 

It is important to remember it is not your fault if you experience depression. People do not choose to feel low.

Depression is not:

  • Something you can “snap out of”
  • A sign of weakness
  • Something everyone experiences
  • Something that will last forever

Depression does not have one main cause. Factors such as past experiences, diet, drug/alcohol use, brain chemicals, genetics can all increase the risk of someone developing depression. 

  • Feeling low, irritable or anxious
  • Having less energy
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy 
  • Poor concentration 
  • Feeling guilty or worthless
  • Tiring easily
  • Poor sleep patterns
  • Eating more, or less than usual
  • Fearing or thinking the worst will happen 
  • Muscle aches/ headaches 

Many of these overlap with symptoms of anxiety, it is not uncommon to experience both anxiety and depression together. Make a note of your own to help recognise when you are feeling low.

  • Talk to someone you trust
  • Focus on your breathing
  • Distract yourself with something comforting 
  • Listen to music, or go for a walk or run
  • Make a note of the positive thoughts you have 
  • Eat healthily

  • CBT helps you understand the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It helps you to overcome your low mood by challenging negative thoughts and beliefs. 
  • Behavioural Activation focuses on encouraging people to approach activities that they are avoiding. This helps refocus on future goals. 
  • Medication can also help; speak to your GP if you think this could help you. 
  • Your Mindworks Surrey worker can talk through these options with you.