Depression involves persistent low mood, a loss of interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed, and a range of emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms that last for weeks, months, or longer. It can affect anyone, regardless of background, circumstance, or outward success. Depression is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness — it is a health condition that responds well to appropriate treatment.
Depression can present differently in different people, but common experiences include:
- Mood: persistent low mood, tearfulness, emptiness, hopelessness, or numbness
- Loss of interest: reduced enjoyment of activities, relationships, or things that once brought pleasure.
- Physical symptoms: fatigue, changes in sleep (too much or too little), changes in appetite or weight, aches and pains.
- Thinking: negative thoughts about yourself, the world, and the future; difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Behaviour: withdrawing from others, neglecting self-care, reduced activity, or difficulty carrying out everyday tasks.
In more severe episodes, depression can also involve thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you are experiencing such thoughts, please seek support promptly — speak to your GP, call the Samaritans on 116 123, or contact a mental health crisis service.
Depression rarely has a single cause. It is usually the result of a combination of factors, which may include:
- Life events such as loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, or work pressures
- Earlier experiences, including childhood adversity or attachment difficulties
- Biological factors, including genetics and neurochemistry
- Personality factors, such as a tendency towards self-criticism or perfectionism
- Physical health conditions or the effects of certain medications
Psychological therapy is one of the most effective treatments for depression. Depending on your needs, therapy may help you to:
- Understand the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that are keeping depression in place
- Gently increase activity and re-engage with things that bring meaning
- Challenge the negative thinking patterns that fuel low mood
- Explore earlier experiences that may be contributing to how you feel now
- Develop self-compassion and a kinder relationship with yourself
- Build skills and strategies to support long-term recovery and prevent relapse
Approaches with strong evidence for depression include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), and Behavioural Activation. Your therapist will discuss the most appropriate approach for you.
Depression can make it very hard to believe that things can get better. This is a symptom of the condition itself — not the truth. The vast majority of people with depression do recover, particularly with appropriate support.
