Everyone feels down at some time in their lives. Usually these moments pass. But if they don’t, there is a range of support for you. Depression Awareness Week, which runs until Saturday 3 May, was devised by the Depression Alliance to highlight the help which is available and to encourage people to share their problems and fears.

One in five of us are likely to have depression. It can make everyday things such as speaking to friends, eating a meal or even just getting out of bed feel almost impossible to manage. Some people have to take time off work. Others find it difficult and exhausting to do things they used to enjoy.

It may be triggered by difficulties at work, relationship problems, bereavement or the strain of looking after someone with long-term health problems. It can also just arrive out of the blue.

Not being able to ‘see’ depression like, say, a broken arm or a leg, can often make it difficult to explain what it is like. Many don’t want to talk about it to their family, friends or colleagues. They may hope it will go away by itself or feel that they just need to ‘toughen up’ and ’snap out of it’

As a general rule, if you have experienced four or more of the following symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for more than two weeks, then you should seek help:

• 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 - difficulties in getting off to sleep or waking up much earlier than usual
• Avoiding other people, sometimes even your close friends
• Finding it hard to function at work/college/school
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of sex drive and/or sexual problems
• Physical aches and pains
• Thinking about suicide and death
• Self-harm

The free Mental Health Matters helpline on 0800 107 0160 and for mobiles call 0300 330 5486 gives free confidential emotional advice and guidance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Talking to someone who is depressed

DO SAY

• You’re not alone in this.
• You are important to me.
• Do you want a hug?
• You are not going mad.
• When all this is over, I’ll still be here, and so will you.

DON’T SAY

• There’s always someone worse off than you are.
• No one ever said that life was fair.
• Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
• So, you’re depressed. Aren’t you always?

Live It Well also has information and advice to help you.

To find out more about NHS funded therapy and counselling that you can refer yourself into follow the link.

To find out about other therapy available follow the link.

To find out more about the Six Ways to Wellbeing Campaign which are six simple steps that can improve your wellbeing click on the link.