Depression, feeling down

Everyone feels bad sometimes.

This can be because of things happening in your life. Or it might be happening for a reason you are not aware of, or even for no reason at all.

When a person is unhappy all or most of the time, they may be depressed.

Depression can be very serious, but it is well understood and there is lots of support available.

Why am I unhappy?

If you're unhappy and not sure why, what's going on?

It could be:

• Lack of sleep, changes to sleeping patterns
• Irregular eating and crash dieting
• Hormonal changes, particularly before your period (PMT)
• Seasonal changes, dark weather in winter (SAD)
• Illness, injury, long-term stress (physical or mental)
• Relationship problems
• Alcohol, drugs, addictions
• Chemical changes in the brain

All of these things can make unhappiness worse, and increase your chances of suffering depression.

Find out more: Alcohol and Safer Drinking, Drugs, Eating Disorders

Depression

Depression is a serious health problem that commonly appears for the first time in people aged 15-19. About 1 in 10 young people has symptoms of depression. Both boys and girls get depression, but boys may find it harder to ask for help.

Being depressed is very dangerous for young people. It's linked to dangerous behaviour, alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, self-harming and suicide.

Symptoms of depression include:

• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Poor concentration and memory
• Sadness
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Feeling irritable, restless, agitated
• Feeling hopeless and pessimistic
• Lack of motivation
• No desire to see others
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

The good news is that depression can be treated and that most people who get help recover fairly quickly. Your GP, or a counsellor, Youth Worker or Adviser can help.

If you're not ready to talk to any of them, some people find it easier to start with a helpline.

Key Link: The Samaritans

Getting Treatment

Depression is a well understood problem, and lots of treatments are available. Treatments you may be offered include:

• Regular exercise
• Counselling
• Medication
• Lifestyle changes

Depression very seldom has one cause, so usually several treatments are suggested.

Feeling hopeless is a normal part of depression, and you may feel that nothing can help. But it is important to try the treatments, and to take help offered.

Treatment usually needs to be referred by your Doctor, so start by going to your GP (Didcot).

Key Link: Not feeling well?

Share your stories

We're looking for your stories. What are your tips for staying fit and healthy? How did you get along when you accessed different kinds of health service? Have you helped deliver health services, raise awareness or educate your peers?

Whatever health stories you have, we'd love to hear them, so email and let us know

Links

These websites will help you find health advice and services:

• NHS Direct
  Health advice and information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Young Minds
  Information for young people about mental health and emotional well-being
• Moodgym
  Online brain training to help you fight stress and unhappines

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