Depression

Whilst feelings of sadness, unhappiness or low mood are a normal and expected part of life, longer periods of sadness can be part of the experience of depression.  It can have a significant impact on people’s lives, effecting their relationships, how they manage in work and everyday functioning, and impacting on how they feel about themselves and life in general.

Symptoms of Depression in adults

People experience depression in different ways but there are common symptoms.  These include generally feeling low in mood, sad, tearful and/or unhappy, and losing interest in things that you used to enjoy and take part in, such as spending time with people or doing activities that you used to take part in.  People also experience physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, poor concentration, motivation or decision-making, not being able to sleep or sleeping more than usual, but still feeling very tired and lacking energy, and changes in your appetite so that you eat more or less than usual.  People also experience thoughts and feelings or being worthless, not liking themselves or feeling guilty or hopeless.  Sometimes people can also have thoughts of death or wanting to self harm.

These thoughts and experiences are distressing and upsetting and in turn can mean people feel worse and even more low in mood and sad.

If you are experiencing thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or end your life please seek support immediately from local support services:

  • Call 111

https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-mental-health-symptoms

  • Ask for an urgent GP appointment
  • Go to A&E or call 999
  • Call Samaritans on 116 123

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

The following webpages may be of help.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/what-can-i-do-to-help-myself-cope/

The St Giles Therapy Practice does not offer crisis intervention or support during mental health crises therefore please do not contact the clinic seeking support at these times.

The symptoms of depression in children often show themselves differently.