Depression
One in five people will be affected by Depression in our lifetime. Find out what Depression is, what helps improve it and how to get help. If you need urgent help, visit our crisis page.
About Depression
- What is Depression?
Depression affects mood and emotions, thoughts and the body. The majority of people with depression do recover with the right support and treatment. - Bipolar Disorder
People with Bipolar Disorder experience episodes of extreme mood swings from lows and depression to feeling elated, high, good about oneself, creative, expressive and reckless - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a form of depression which develops in the autumn and improves in the spring. It is thought to be caused by lack of light in winter. - Perinatal Depression
Perinatal Depression occurs before or after the birth of a baby. It is usually treated with counselling and antidepressants. Fathers can also get depressed after their child is born. - Personal Stories
Read the stories of others who have been affected by Depression. - Take a Self-Test (Link opens a different website)
The Patient Health Questionnaire has been created as a quick assessment of your mood and to check if you are showing any of the main signs for depression.
Treating Depression
- Treatment
Treatments include medication, talking treatments, changes in lifestyle, complimentary therapies, light and self-help. Different treatments help different people, trying a variety of approaches is best. - Antidepressants
There are over 30 types of antidepressants available in the UK. They may help reduce the severity of Depression symptoms - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT aims to help people work out why they feel as they do. The person is encouraged to try to look at how their problems are affecting them in five key areas of their life. - Complementary Therapies
There is limited evidence that some complementary therapies work including dietary supplements, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, relaxation therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive behaviour therapy - Complementary Therapies - Background Research
A look at the research evidence for complementary therapies - Physical Exercise
People who exercise feel better and are less likely to become Depressed. Exercise also has been found to improve Depression in people who are already feeling low. - Exercise - Background Research
An in-depth look at the research into exercise for Depression. - St John's Wort
St John's wort, or hypericum, is a herb which is used to treat problems such as anxiety, tension, insomnia and Depression. It can be bought over the counter and may be as effective as antidepressants. - St John's Wort - Background Research
Research into St John's Wort shows it may be effective in treating Depression, in particular mild Depression. - Food and Mood
You are what you eat! Some people find eating a healthy diet can change their mood in only a few short weeks.
Living with Depression
- A Good Night's Sleep
It is common to have sleep problems in Depression. However there are things you can do to improve your sleep. - Alcohol
Most people like a drink but too much can be bad for your mental health. - Employment
One in five of the workforce will experience Depression at some point in their lives. Whether you are in work, wanting to work or are currently too ill to work, you can improve your situation. For employers, you can help employees with Depression retain their job. - Coping with job loss
This page offers tips to help you look after your wellbeing at a difficult time
- Money
Money is a huge source of stress for a lot of people at the moment. Money problems are linked to Depression but there are places where you can get help. - Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
People with Depression may be covered under the DDA if they are discriminated against. - Christmas
Christmas is a difficult time of year to have Depression. Here are some hints and tips to help you cope with the festive period
Related Conditions
- Anxiety
Many people with Depression are also affected by anxiety. Your doctor can help and you can also help yourself.
Getting Help
- What to do in a Crisis
There is support out there. Call a helpline, contact a mental health crisis team, go to Accident and Emergency. - Depression Alliance Scotland Services
Details of our self-help support groups, publications, information services, campaigning work and more. - Dear Doctor
A doctor answers questions from DAS supporters. Read previous questions and ask a question. Note we cannot guarantee the doctor can answer all questions. - Bookshop
Here's our booklist about Depression with links to Amazon. DAS gets a small percentage of the sale price and it doesn't cost you any extra - Getting Help on Look OK...Feel Crap? (link opens a different website)
This section includes useful tips on speaking to your GP
Helping Someone
- Mental Health First Aid for Depression
How can I help and support someone with Depression? How can I approach them and is it OK to talk about Depression? These guidelines are designed to help members of the public to provide first aid to someone who may be experiencing Depression. - Caring for Carers - When a Friend or Family Member has Depression (Adobe PDF File)
This factsheet provides information to help you support someone with Depression without getting too stressed yourself. - Family and Friends on Look OK...Feel Crap? (link opens a different website)
Support for family and friends of young adults with Depression - but worth a read for everyone.
Specific Groups
Recovery
- Recovery
Recovery is an individual journey and everyone with Depression can recover. - Staying Well on Look OK...Feel Crap? (link opens a different website)
Once you've had Depression, there's always a worry that it will return. Here's some hints and tips on staying well.