What is Depression?
It is natural to not feel good mentally which can include feeling sad, unmotivated or low mood. Usually feelings like that are responses to times we might be finding difficult but, they tend to ease up and we son return to our normal self.
Depression is more than feeling down occasionally, it can feel like a constant state and tends to limit your ability to think positively. Depression can last for a long time and during that time you may feel that you are always down, you struggle to concentrate, pulling away from friends and family, sleep a lot or less. There are lots of different emotional and physical factors, with depression, that stop you from getting the best out of life.
Depression can get better, and it can be difficult to get motivated to make a change. However, small steps and going at your own pace is what can help you see improvements in your mood and give you motivation. It is important to manage your depression, not doing anything about it won’t change how you feel. Below we have listed some of our tips for managing your depression.
It is important to speak to your GP if you feel that you need more support.
- Speak to someone
If you think you have depression, it’s important to speak to someone such as a professional – they can give you the right advice and support you to make a change. - Routine
Having a routine is important, particularly when you are having a difficult time and feel low. Routine give you structure and can help you feel more secure and organised when things are difficult. Routines keeps you engaged and help you set goals which have a positive impact on how you feel. - Exercise
This can help you reduce stress, clear your mind and also give you a self-esteem boost. Simple movements during the day can help improve your mental wellbeing. Find what suits you and add it to your routine.
- Sleep
Sleep is extremely important, and depression can alter you sleep patterns causing you to feel tired and less resilient to difficult situations. There are a number of apps that can support you with sleep until you are in a good routine. - Increase your social interactions
You may have got to a point where you don’t socialise and you browse social media with no human interaction. Take small steps to reconnect with others but also make them aware you may struggle at times and it is something you are working on. - Keep a mood diary
Keeping a diary of times where you feel worse or better can help you pinpoint different parts of the day and identify ways to put changes in to place that can improve those moments. Slowly you will start to build a routine and those “low mood” moments may start to become less often.
Get Help
Here are some useful link to other organisations that can offer support specific to your needs.
Make a referral
This form will allow you to self-refer to Carers Link or refer someone else you think might benefit from our young carer services.
We are normally open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00 pm, but appointments (by phone or online) out with these hours can be arranged. Currently mail is not being picked up from the office on a regular basis so if possible please email or phone us. During evenings and weekends, if you or someone you know requires urgent social work support, please call 0800 811 505.
