Depression is a common mental health problem. At least 1in 6 people experience depression at some time. It can affect anyone of any age including children. In the most severe form depression can be extremely distressing. It can prevent us from enjoying life or and can affect our ability to do everyday things. Depression is not something you can just ‘snap out of’ and you may need help.
In its mildest form is can be seen as low mood. Sadness in an emotion all humans feel, and it can be fairly common to feel low after major life events or distressing situations. Periods of low mood can sometimes seem to come out of the blue and for no obvious reason, but it does not always mean something is wrong.
A person with low mood may feel tired, lacking confidence, frustrated, angry and worried but this can be improved by making small changes you that will usually help improve your mood.
The difference between low mood and depression is with low mood symptoms will often pass after a couple of days or weeks. While depression is a long-lasting low mood disorder and the persistent feelings of sadness or sometimes numbness can be quite severe and lasts for weeks or months at a time.
Depression can affect person in many different ways, but some symptoms are:
There is no one cause for depression but is likely a number of difficult circumstances. Life can be difficult at times and loss and loneliness, relationship problems, difficult circumstances, childhood experiences may all play an important part in depression.
Sometimes it helps to do the things you enjoy first and to challenge negative thoughts by getting a more balanced view of life. For some it is important to understand why you might be feeling the way you are and to learn how negative thoughts and behaviours can keep you feeling depressed. It might be that you want to speak to your GP about how you are feeling and explore your options.
Move Mood is a great free app designed to help you manage the behaviours associated with low mood and depression.
Think Ninja is an app designed specifically for 10-18 year olds which has loads of ideas and skills to manage low mood, stress and anxiety.
The Charlie Waller Trust has a huge range of free resources which can be read, watched, listened to or downloaded
Youth Trust House
114 Pyle Street
Newport PO30 1XA
