Calm's guide to
depression

What does depression feel like?

Depression feels different for everybody who experiences it, but it can be categorised by prolonged periods of feeling low. Not everyone who has depression has every symptom, and the severity of those symptoms can vary from person to person, as well as from day to day.

So how do you know if you’re dealing with depression? A doctor or health care professional can diagnose you with depression, but lots of people don’t realise they are experiencing a mental health issue. That’s partly because depression can be experienced in a whole host of ways - some of which you might just consider ‘normal’. If you are experiencing depression you might feel some, or none, of the following:

• Feeling low regularly and for long periods of time
• Finding it difficult to enjoy life
• Struggling to motivate yourself
• Having low confidence or self esteem
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Being irritable or angry more often
• Finding it tough to find a way forward
• Experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
• Not wanting to be around friends and family or social situations

And it’s not all in your head, depression can also have physical symptoms. You might experience some of the following:

• Lack of energy
• Low sex drive
• Unexplained aches and pains
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Increased smoking, drinking or taking drugs
• Moving or speaking slower than usual
• Difficulty sleeping or disturbed sleep

There is a perception that people who are depressed stay in bed all day, but that’s not the case. Many people who experience depression function normally from day to day and can be very successful in their lives and careers. For example, you might be going about your normal life, but inside feel very low – this is sometimes referred to as high functioning depression.

You can find more about the symptoms of depression here. If you think you are experiencing depression your GP can help.

WHY DO PEOPLE GET DEPRESSED?

There’s no single reason people experience depression. Depression is a result of a combination of different things, including your genes, your background and life circumstances, as well as psychological factors. Depression can be triggered by your personal situation, a recent or old trauma, or any stressful situation, but it can also be triggered for no obvious reason at all.

If this all feels a bit overwhelming, remember there are loads of ways to deal with the symptoms associated with depression. You won't feel this way forever. Millions of people deal with depression every single day in the UK – if you’re struggling with depression, talk to the CALM helpline.The professional helpline staff talk to people about depression and the symptoms of depression everyday and will be able to give you support and practical help to move forward. You can talk to the CALM helpline from 5pm- midnight here.

DEALING WITH DEPRESSION

Distractions are useful in getting a break from feelings that can be overwhelming so watch that film, go for that run or belt out that favourite song. It is important to face up to your feelings and allow some space for them, though. So why not pick up the phone, reach out to a friend or seek professional support to help you understand and challenge your thoughts.

Here’s some practical tips from our helpline that might help:

• Challenge negative thought patterns. Try and change “I can’t do this because” to “I can do this because”
• Talk it out with family/ friends or a helpline (CALM)
• List what you like about yourself
• Do something nice for someone else
• Exercise & keep active, particularly outdoors. A 15 minute walk can be enough to make a difference to how you’re feeling
• Reconnect to nature – ideally go outside, but even looking at the trees and changing seasons outside your window can have an impact
• Get creative. Doodle, draw, paint, cook, bake, knit, or write a song/story/poem
• Make a list at the end of every day of three things that have gone well, or that you are grateful for
• Remember, for it is true, this too will pass.

TALKING ABOUT DEPRESSION

It can be difficult to talk about depression with your friends, family or a medical professional. Here’s some ways you can start a conversation around how you’re feeling: