Explore depression by scrolling through the page or simply select an option from the drop down if you wish to jump to the relevant section of the page:
Need urgent help?
If you feel your life, or someone else’s life is at risk, phone 999 or go to your local Emergency Department.
What is depression?
It is normal to feel low or fed up from time to time. If a low mood doesn’t go away it can be a sign of depression. Signs and symptoms of depression vary. Everyone’s experience will be different. If any of the signs or symptoms listed below last more than a few week then seek advice. See our self-help advice section below.
People describe a range of symptoms that are associated with depression, these include:
Feeling sad or irritable and angry
A sense of loss
Tearful
No longer enjoying the things that used to make you happy
Guilty and a sense that you are worthless, unlovable
Lack of confidence and self esteem
Feeling hopeless about the future
Thoughts of suicide and self-harm
Feeling very tired/lacking energy
These feelings can lead to changes in the way we behave, such as
Not getting out of bed
Avoiding social contact
Not eating or comfort eating
Becoming restless and agitated or struggling to move
Increase use of alcohol, cigarettes, drugs
Poor concentration and memory
Self-help advice to manage depression
Find out more about depression and how it can be managed. See our self-help resources below.
Learn new skills to manage depression. See our self-help courses below.
You may find it helpful to get involved in activities going on in your local area. Find out what’s going on in your area by visiting our in your area page.
There are simple things we can all do to help look after our mental health. For example some people find being active really helpful in managing their depression. Visit our looking after yourself section for more information and advice.
You don’t need to experience these feelings alone. Talk to someone you trust or see our ‘helplines’ section below. And if you or someone you know need urgent help – go to our urgent help page immediately.
If you need further help managing depression
If the information, advice, resources and courses on this page have not been helpful and/or you think you need more help, there are many free support services available.
If you live in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area, and are aged over 18, you can make an appointment with a Psychological Health Practitioner (PHP) or GP by contacting your local GP surgery. PHPs are NHS mental health practitioners who provide a free service for people experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems.
If you are under 18 or worried about someone aged under 18 and need advice/self-referral to local mental health and wellbeing services in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area, contact SPACE-Wellbeing.
Or alternatively contact another approved helpline. Some services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Last updated: 25.09.2023
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Helplines providing information and advice if you are feeling depressed
See below for helplines relevant to depression. To see our full list of helplines, visit our helplines page.
C.A.L.L. Mental Health Listening Line
Community Advice & Listening Line
Provides a confidential mental health listening and emotional support line which is open 24/7. CALL can also signpost to support in local communities and a range of online information.
Childline – for children and young people under 19
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you.
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.
Call on 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill. Support can be accessed online here by making an account.
Support available 24/7. BSL available Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 8am-1pm. Welsh speaker available on request, appointment will be scheduled.
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