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Clinical depression

Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.

Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.

Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They're wrong – it is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together".

The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.

Coronavirus advice

Get advice about coronavirus and looking after your mental wellbeing:

  • Every Mind Matters: how to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home
  • Mind: Coronavirus and your wellbeing

How to tell if you have depression

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.

The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.

Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.

When to see a doctor

It's important to seek help from a GP if you think you may be depressed.

Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it's best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.

What causes depression?

Sometimes there's a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or giving birth, can bring it on.

People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.

Read more about the causes of depression

Treating depression

Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicine. Your recommended treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression.

If you have mild depression, your doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own, while monitoring your progress. This is known as "watchful waiting". They may also suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise and self-help groups.

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are often used for mild depression that is not improving, or moderate depression. Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed.

For moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants is often recommended. If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a specialist mental health team for intensive specialist talking treatments and prescribed medicine.

Living with depression

Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, giving up smoking and eating healthily.

Reading a self-help book or joining a support group are also worthwhile. They can help you gain a better understanding about what causes you to feel depressed. Sharing your experiences with others in a similar situation can also be very supportive.

Social care and support guide

If you:

  • need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability
  • care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled – including family members

Our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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8,443 public posts

Clinical depression

I just feel empty, easily irritated, depressed, unmotivated, trouble sleeping, no patience and also far from reality. Everything is of no interest to me anymore 💔. I just keep pushing it
I just feel empty, easily irritated, depressed, unmotivated, trouble sleeping, no patience and also far from reality. Everything is of no interest to me anymore 💔. I just keep pushing it
kollyjay
in Mental Health Support

Situational depression

Is situational anxiety and depression the same as clinical depression I think they both stem from situations. What do other think?
Is situational anxiety and depression the same as clinical depression I think they both stem from situations. What do other think?
Tsmtam123
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Medication works for depression

I was diagnosed with clinical depression in November last year and I was on medication. I wanted To just share that while my initial thought was not to take medication but I now feel it was the right step. I am taking newcita 10 daily morning. It’s a SSR.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression in November last year and I was on medication. I wanted To just share that while my initial thought was not to take medication but I now feel it was the right step. I am taking newcita 10 daily morning. It’s a SSR.
DreamerAdam
in Anxiety and Depression Support
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Paroxetine withdrawal / Sertraline start.

Hi fellow sufferers, I have been suffering with clinical depression on and off for many years. Since 2000 I was prescribed Paroxetine. In fact mostly it worked for me, but being one who hates the idea of popping pills I've tried on occasions to reduce the dose.
Hi fellow sufferers, I have been suffering with clinical depression on and off for many years. Since 2000 I was prescribed Paroxetine. In fact mostly it worked for me, but being one who hates the idea of popping pills I've tried on occasions to reduce the dose.
robthespur
in Anxiety and Depression Support

How do I tell my doctor that I don't want to take medicines for my depression?

I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety. My doctor had prescribed me with zoloft but I am absolutely sure that I do not want to take medicines. I was to find a natural way of curing my depression (in combination with therapy). How do I tell my doctor?
I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety. My doctor had prescribed me with zoloft but I am absolutely sure that I do not want to take medicines. I was to find a natural way of curing my depression (in combination with therapy). How do I tell my doctor?
RugbyCoco
in Mental Health Support

Genuine Support

Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.” That makes more sense. I suffered emotional abuse all my life since 13 and on!
Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.” That makes more sense. I suffered emotional abuse all my life since 13 and on!
MentallyHoping
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Stuck

Lately I've found myself struggling a lot. Everyday I feel like I don't know what kind of day it will be. Most days I find myself on edge, thinking about the past, and being so lost in my head that I can't focus on the present. I've struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life but this feels different
Lately I've found myself struggling a lot. Everyday I feel like I don't know what kind of day it will be. Most days I find myself on edge, thinking about the past, and being so lost in my head that I can't focus on the present. I've struggled with anxiety and depression my whole life but this feels different
unspokenwords
in Anxiety and Depression Support

PTSD & Childhood trauma

Has anyone else dealt with PTSD from there childhood and are learning how to heal it? I have a lot of fears surrounding my childhood trauma that I know I should heal to live a happier life but I come across certain fears such as being a bad person or becoming like my parents who abused me and were violent
Has anyone else dealt with PTSD from there childhood and are learning how to heal it? I have a lot of fears surrounding my childhood trauma that I know I should heal to live a happier life but I come across certain fears such as being a bad person or becoming like my parents who abused me and were violent
Jeeper19
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Increasing from 10mg to 20mg

I have been taking 10mg for 3 weeks. It has been helping me with panic attacks and OCD a lot, but depression seemed worse. Wanted to sleep a lot. Tomorrow I am supposed to give 20 a go. I’m worried that libido side effects will start with the increase. Has anyone noticed a big increase in side effects
I have been taking 10mg for 3 weeks. It has been helping me with panic attacks and OCD a lot, but depression seemed worse. Wanted to sleep a lot. Tomorrow I am supposed to give 20 a go. I’m worried that libido side effects will start with the increase. Has anyone noticed a big increase in side effects
Leslie_pa
in OCD-UK

Increased Mirtazapine from 30 mg to 45.

I was initially prescribed Mirtazapine for insomnia and anxiety. At 30 mg I would go to sleep and seemed to help anxiety, but at 45 mg it seems to wake me up and I have been having anxiety around noon each day and then it fades in the evening. Does anyone take Mirtazapine at noon? That is when I feel
I was initially prescribed Mirtazapine for insomnia and anxiety. At 30 mg I would go to sleep and seemed to help anxiety, but at 45 mg it seems to wake me up and I have been having anxiety around noon each day and then it fades in the evening. Does anyone take Mirtazapine at noon? That is when I feel
Ldm247
in Anxiety and Depression Support

In need of positive reinforcement

Hi all, I’m so sorry I haven’t been on here lately. As I’m sure you can imagine I’ve been quite preoccupied trying to figure everything out post covid. A year ago I lost my job, and my career prospects seem more bleak than ever. I live in New York and things have been getting more difficult as I’ve
Hi all, I’m so sorry I haven’t been on here lately. As I’m sure you can imagine I’ve been quite preoccupied trying to figure everything out post covid. A year ago I lost my job, and my career prospects seem more bleak than ever. I live in New York and things have been getting more difficult as I’ve
Kevin87
in Mental Health Support

no longer numb - now back into feeling full-on grief; depressed; sad; alone; rejected; dejected... [edit] should have titled this REGRETS

i've been feeling numb since my uncle died 2 wks ago... which i thought might be an upgrade from the awful pain of grieving loss of my step dad 4 wks ago. i got a call from an old friend early yesterday morn. it definitely awoke some old feelings... of grief; of loss. i lost a good friend a yr
i've been feeling numb since my uncle died 2 wks ago... which i thought might be an upgrade from the awful pain of grieving loss of my step dad 4 wks ago. i got a call from an old friend early yesterday morn. it definitely awoke some old feelings... of grief; of loss. i lost a good friend a yr
13ga
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Neurofeedback for RLS?

A friend of mine who had some anxiety issues, among other things went to a psychotherapist who did Neuro feedback sessions. He did not want to take any psychotropic drugs to treat his problems. It consisted of mapping the brain's activity then correcting the imbalances with very tiny impulses of electricity
A friend of mine who had some anxiety issues, among other things went to a psychotherapist who did Neuro feedback sessions. He did not want to take any psychotropic drugs to treat his problems. It consisted of mapping the brain's activity then correcting the imbalances with very tiny impulses of electricity
Notlikinthis
in Restless Legs Syndrome

Mirtazapine and Bupropion combo?

Do these meds work well together? Does anyone have experience taking both simultaneously? Recently came off meds and am not doing well. Only one I’d consider using again is mirtazapine, but the sedation isn’t something I can live with. Does bupropion alleviate the sedation?
Do these meds work well together? Does anyone have experience taking both simultaneously? Recently came off meds and am not doing well. Only one I’d consider using again is mirtazapine, but the sedation isn’t something I can live with. Does bupropion alleviate the sedation?
jeff8
in Anxiety Support

Baby Steps

Just a little encouragement for anyone that may be struggling to believe that their is no way that they can ever recover, you can and you will! It may take time and the progression may be slower than you want but it can be done! Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself, don't fall victim to the
Just a little encouragement for anyone that may be struggling to believe that their is no way that they can ever recover, you can and you will! It may take time and the progression may be slower than you want but it can be done! Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself, don't fall victim to the
mdowning81
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Birthday Depression

The holidays and my birthday are the two times of year that I dread the most. I know it's because they remind me of how few people I have in my life, and how empty and useless I feel. Today is my birthday and I feel exhausted, drained from all the sadness, and like I just want to sleep for the next year
The holidays and my birthday are the two times of year that I dread the most. I know it's because they remind me of how few people I have in my life, and how empty and useless I feel. Today is my birthday and I feel exhausted, drained from all the sadness, and like I just want to sleep for the next year
Expo123
in Anxiety and Depression Support

What’s Wrong with Me

I am having a terrible time. It’s like all of my symptoms are dialed to 10. If something doesn’t go my way or the way I thought it would go, I get so mad. I cry and I want to scream and it’s a terrible feeling. I had to get rid of a bunch of my pajamas and sheets because they felt like sandpaper on my
I am having a terrible time. It’s like all of my symptoms are dialed to 10. If something doesn’t go my way or the way I thought it would go, I get so mad. I cry and I want to scream and it’s a terrible feeling. I had to get rid of a bunch of my pajamas and sheets because they felt like sandpaper on my
1BrightStar
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Can these medications change personality?

citalopram, vyvanse, wellbutrin, xanax Does anyone have experience or knowledge about medications changing personality and contributing to memory issues? My wife has been telling me how drastically out of character I have been for several months, and I don't seem to agree. Thanks!
citalopram, vyvanse, wellbutrin, xanax Does anyone have experience or knowledge about medications changing personality and contributing to memory issues? My wife has been telling me how drastically out of character I have been for several months, and I don't seem to agree. Thanks!
DrHypno
in Above & Beyond

Can these medications change personality?

citalopram, vyvanse, wellbutrin, xanax Does anyone have experience or knowledge about medications changing personality and contributing to memory issues? My wife has been telling me how drastically out of character I have been for several months, and I don't seem to agree. Thanks!
citalopram, vyvanse, wellbutrin, xanax Does anyone have experience or knowledge about medications changing personality and contributing to memory issues? My wife has been telling me how drastically out of character I have been for several months, and I don't seem to agree. Thanks!
DrHypno
in Mental Health Support

I did it, i made the first step towards i hopeful future after waiting too long.

I've had depression for a real long time, longer than i initially though, there is a whole black spot of missing memories in my head due to something called PTSD i apparently now have, but because of it i dont remember most of my teenage years. It turns out i was on anxiety and depression medication
I've had depression for a real long time, longer than i initially though, there is a whole black spot of missing memories in my head due to something called PTSD i apparently now have, but because of it i dont remember most of my teenage years. It turns out i was on anxiety and depression medication
PaladinNic
in Men's Health Forum
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