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Depression

Commonly known as: depressed, fed up, down, sad

Depression

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:

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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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Self-help resources to help manage depression

If you feel you want to do something about your mood you may find it useful to try one of our free self-help resources.

Type Title Related to… Provider
Websites Websites

Young Person’s Mental Health Toolkit – Low Mood

Children's Mental Wellbeing, Depression, Low Mood, Stress, Students' Mental Health, Young Person's Mental Health mind
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Depression and Low mood – NHS Self-help Guide

Depression, Low Mood mind
Reading Reading

Postnatal Depression- NHS Self-help Guide

Depression, Low Mood, Pregnancy mind
Reading Reading

Depression – NHS Easy Read Guide

Depression, Low Mood mind
Reading Reading

Prisoner Depression and Low Mood – NHS Self-help Guide

Depression, Low Mood mind
Reading Reading

Reading Well – Free Books for Mental Health from your Local Library

Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Bereavement, Low Mood, Mindfulness, Self-Care, Self-Esteem, Self-Harm, Sleep, Social Anxiety, Stress mind
Web App Web App

Samaritans Self-Help App

Depression, Low Mood, Mindfulness, Self-Harm, Students' Mental Health, Suicide, Young Person's Mental Health mind
Service Service

Heads Above The Waves – a not-for-profit organisation that promotes positive ways of dealing with depression and self-harm in young people

Depression, Self-Harm, Students' Mental Health, Young Person's Mental Health mind
Websites Websites

NHS 111 Wales – Depression

Depression mind
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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.

CALL Mental Health Listening Line Logo

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.

Visit the CALL website ➝

Shout

Text Shout to 85258 – Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text servicefree on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.

It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Shout is powered by a team of volunteers, who are at the heart of the service. We take people from crisis to calm every single day.

Visit the Shout website ➝
Childline Logo

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.

Visit the Childline website ➝
Showing 3 out of 7 results View all
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