Depression Awareness Week, taking place 20th – 26th April, is a chance to raise awareness and understanding of depression, and how you can help or access support.

There are times when we all feel sad, hopeless or fed up; it’s part of life. Depression is different. With depression these feelings don’t just go away. They can last for months, becoming so intense that carrying on with everyday life can feel impossible.

Depression can be hard to spot. There are many different symptoms, some emotional and some physical. If you think depression is affecting you, it might be time to talk to someone you can visit your GP for help, call the free 24 help line Mental Health Matters helpline on: 0800 107 0160 or for mobiles: 0300 330 5486 or refer yourself into free NHS Therapy and Counselling in Kent and Medway and get the help that is available to you.

Depression can affect anyone. You might feel guilty or frustrated that you can’t find the motivation to keep up with things, and it can be especially hard to spot the symptoms if you’ve been feeling the same way for a long time. Many people find they also experience anxiety alongside their symptoms, so nausea, breathlessness and headaches are all signs that it might be time to get help.

Depression is common, and you don’t have to struggle with it alone. Spotting the signs and getting help early can be vital, so talk to someone about it and visit your GP for help.

There is free NHS Counselling and Therapy available in Kent and Medway to find your local service please follow the link to the Live It Well Counselling and Therapy pages and look at the listings in your local area.

Depression Alliance is leading the awareness week, is asking people to get involved and support the campaign by posting a photo of themselves on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #StandUpAgainstDepression. Find out more about their work by following the link.