Coping with depression

The NHS definition of depression is a low mood that lasts for weeks or months and affects your daily life.

Symptoms of depression include feeling unhappy or hopeless, low self-esteem and finding no pleasure in things you usually enjoy.

What can cause or trigger depression?

Many things can cause depression such as stressful events, personality, family history and giving birth.

What is the treatment for depression?

Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicines.

It's important to seek help from a 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 recovery.

You have more power over depression than you may think. These tips may help you feel happier, healthier, and more hopeful.

Acceptance

Many people instinctively try to avoid thinking about and processing negative emotions. However, acceptance enables you to allow these negative thoughts to exist without necessarily trying to do anything about them. Simply let the negative thoughts be, moving on to more positive thoughts instead.

You are coping

If you are reading this, you are still here which means you are coping. However you can also develop your skills. Coping skills help you tolerate, minimize, and deal with stressful situations in life. Managing your stress well can help you feel better physically and psychologically and it can impact your ability to perform your best.

Celebrate success

It’s important to think positively in general and positively about yourself. After all you are what you think of yourself.
 

One way to celebrate success is to write down all the things you have achieved however large or small. This is a great reminder that you are somebody and are here to have a great impact on the world.

Treat yourself

Treating yourself is important as it can lift your spirit and energy. Do things that make you happy and consciously make an effort to enjoy those moments.