Depression

Depression is a low mood that lasts for weeks or months and affects your daily life, rather than just feeling sad for a short while [1]. It can affect how you feel, think and cope from day to day, and it affects different people in different ways [1].

Support can include talking therapies, lifestyle changes such as being active, and, for some people, medicine [1]. In England you can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies. It is a good idea to see a GP if low mood lasts more than a couple of weeks or is affecting your life [1].

If you need urgent help with your mental health, you can call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or use 111 online [2]. You can also call the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, or Childline on 0800 1111 if you are under 19 [2]. If anyone’s life is at risk — for example through serious self-harm or an overdose — call 999 or go to A&E [2].