Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the UK. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. Although depression is common, it is serious and it deserves proper support.

On this page, we explain what depression is, what symptoms to look for, and how you can find help when you need it.

What is depression?

Depression is a mental health condition that affects how you feel, think and behave. It goes beyond feeling sad or having a bad day. When someone experiences depression, low mood and other symptoms persist and affect daily life.

Depression can make it hard to do everyday things. Work, relationships and looking after yourself can all feel difficult. Some people describe it as feeling empty, hopeless or disconnected from the world around them.

Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is not something you can simply snap out of. It is a recognised health condition with a range of effective treatments available.

Types of depression

Depression can take several different forms. The most common types include:

• Major depressive disorder: persistent low mood and symptoms that significantly affect daily life
• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): a milder but longer-lasting form of depression
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often emerging in autumn and winter
• Postnatal depression: depression that affects some people after giving birth

A doctor or mental health professional can help identify which type of depression you may be experiencing and what support is right for you.

Symptoms of depression

Depression affects people differently. Symptoms can be emotional, physical and behavioural. They often develop gradually, which means they can be easy to overlook at first.

Common symptoms of depression include:

• Persistent low mood or feelings of sadness
• Feeling hopeless, empty or worthless
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Fatigue and low energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleeping too much or not enough
• Feeling irritable, restless or anxious
• Physical symptoms with no clear cause, such as headaches or pain
• Withdrawing from friends, family and social activities
• Thoughts of death, harming yourself, and/or suicide

You do not need to experience every symptom to have depression. If several of these feelings have lasted for more than two weeks, it is worth speaking to a professional.

What causes depression?

Depression does not have a single cause. A combination of factors often plays a role. These can include:

• Life events such as bereavement, relationship breakdown, job loss or trauma
• Genetics: having a close family member with depression can increase the risk
• Biological factors such as changes in brain chemistry or hormones
• Long-term physical health conditions
• Social isolation or loneliness
• Financial difficulties or housing insecurity
• Discrimination, including racism, homophobia, transphobia or ableism

Sometimes there is no obvious trigger. Depression can develop even when life appears to be going well from the outside. That does not make it any less real or valid.

How do doctors diagnose depression?

There is no single test for depression. Your GP will usually ask about your symptoms, how long you have experienced them and how they affect your daily life. They may ask you to complete a short questionnaire.

Being open and honest with your doctor helps them to give you the right support. You can bring notes about how you have been feeling if that makes it easier.

How is depression treated?

Depression is treatable and many people make a full recovery with the right support. The most common treatments include:

• Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling or psychotherapy
• Antidepressant medication, which a GP or psychiatrist can prescribe
• A combination of therapy and medication
• Lifestyle support around sleep, exercise, nutrition and social connection
• Peer support groups and community mental health services

Treatment takes time. It may also take some trial and adjustment to find the right approach for you. Try to be patient with the process and with yourself.

Supporting yourself with depression

While professional treatment is important, there are also things you can do to support your own wellbeing. These are not substitutes for professional help, but they can make a difference alongside treatment.

• Stay connected: try to maintain contact with people you trust, even when it feels hard
• Move your body: gentle exercise such as walking can help to lift mood over time
• Maintain a routine: structure and consistency can provide a sense of stability
• Limit alcohol: alcohol is a depressant and can worsen symptoms
• Be kind to yourself: recovery is not linear and small steps still count

When should you seek help?

You should speak to your GP or a mental health professional if:

• You have experienced low mood or other symptoms for two weeks or more
• Your symptoms are affecting your work, relationships or daily life
• You are struggling to cope or feel like things are getting worse
• You are using alcohol or other substances to manage how you feel

If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out for support now. You do not have to be in crisis to ask for help.

If you are in crisis or feel you cannot keep yourself safe, please:

• Visit one of our crisis services (if we have a service near you)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• Crisis text line: text SHOUT to 85258
• Emergency services: 999 or go to your nearest A&E

Find mental health support near you

If you think you may be experiencing depression, you can find out more about our mental health services. Please do not wait until things reach a crisis point before reaching out. Early support makes a real difference.

You can start by speaking to your GP, or search for local mental health services and support groups using Hub of Hope.