WHAT IS DEPRESSION  If you are affected by depression you are not ‘just’ sad or upset.  You have an illness which means that intense feeling of persistent sadness, helplessness and hopelessness are accompanied by physical effects such as sleeplessness, a loss of energy or physical aches and pains.  Depression affects one in five of us at some point in our life.

Causes of depression Depression is commonly caused by a mixture of things rather than any one thing alone. Some people have experiences that lead to depression. These include family breakdown, abuse, neglect and bullying. Serious illness or the death or loss of a loved one can also cause depression. People are more ‘at risk’ of becoming depressed if they have no one to share their worries with, a lot of demands on them, and not enough support. Depression often ‘runs in families’ and someone with a close relative who is affected by depression has a higher risk of becoming depressed themselves. Girls and women are more likely than boys and men to become depressed.

Common symptoms of depression Tiredness and loss of energy Persistent sadness Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem Difficulty concentrating Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable or interesting Undue feelings of guilt or worthlessness Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness Sleeping problems

Common symptoms of depression Avoiding other people, even your close friends Finding it hard to function at work/college/school Loss of appetite Less of sex drive and/or sexual problems Physical aches and pains Thinking about suicide and death Self-harm

When to get help Sometimes people may not realise how depressed they are, especially if they have been feeling the same for a long time, if they have been trying to cope with their depression by keeping themselves busy, or if their depressive symptoms are more physical than emotional. As a general rule, if you have experienced four or more of these symptoms, for most of the day nearly every day, for over two weeks, then you should seek help.

What can help? Depression in children and young people is a common, treatable illness. If you think that you or someone you know may be depressed, it’s well worth asking for help. This means letting a caring adult know about the problem and getting professional help. Getting effective help probably means sharing worries with someone who can help and putting heads together to work out new solutions and discovering new ways of coping. Available at: (Accessed 23 March 2010)

Sources of help TVU Reading Student Counsellor Kim Parish Appointments can be booked by calling or texting or Your own GP NHS Direct Depression Alliance Saneline

Sources of help Calm (Daily: 5pm-3am) Helpline for young men who are depressed or suicidal Supportline Offers confidential, confidential support by telephone, and post on any issue MIND ‘ mindinfoline ‘ offers confidential help on a range of mental health issues. Also support on housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, counselling, befriending, advocacy and employment No Panic Support for sufferers of panic attacks, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorders, tranquilliser withdrawal