What is depression?
Depression, or depressive disorder, is a persistent period of low mood and loss of interest in things. It is a serious mental health condition that can be accompanied by both psychological and physical experiences.
Depression can affect your mood, social life, and work life. It can be caused by a range of factors, including life-changing events. The good news is that it is manageable, and there is plenty of support available.
Table of contents
- The signs of depression
- How do you know if you have depression?
- What can cause depression?
- How is depression managed?
- Looking for support with depression?
The signs of depression
Although there are some common signs of depression, they do vary from person to person. Signs can be psychological, and physical, and interfere with daily activities. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities you would usually enjoy.
Common signs of depression include:
Psychological signs
- Continuous low mood
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling irritable
- A lack of motivation
- Avoidance of social situations
- A lack of enjoyment in activities you would once enjoy
- Feelings of anxiety
- Thoughts of harming yourself
Physical signs
- Lack of energy
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Disturbed sleep
- Loss of libido
- Unexplained aches
How do you know if you have depression?
Recognising a period of depression can be challenging, as the experience can often vary from person to person.
There are some common signs that may indicate depression. If you notice the below signs persistently for more than a few weeks, it's an indication that you may be going through a period of depression.
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest
- Sleep issues
- Fatigue
It’s important to remember that these experiences could indicate another mental or physical health condition. Therefore, you should seek professional support to ensure you receive the correct support.
Have a look at our resource on how to tell if you have depression.
Depression severity levels
There are different levels of severity associated with depression. It’s important to understand that everyone experiences it differently, and the intensity can impact your ability to function day-to-day.
- Mild depression: You may experience some signs of depression, but they don’t stop you from carrying out everyday tasks.
- Moderate depression: Signs become more noticeable, and it can become harder to manage daily activities.
- Severe depression: This is when signs become hard to cope with. Everyday tasks may feel impossible, and you might isolate yourself from loved ones.
Any level of depression can be treated with the right support. Mild depression can be prevented from getting worse through early intervention treatments. If you are experiencing moderate to severe depression, you should seek help as soon as possible.
If you are unsure about how much your low mood is affecting you, you may be able to find some further clarity through one of our depression self tests.
What it's like to live with depression
Living with depression can feel scary, lonely, and like carrying a weight that never lifts.
It can affect every aspect of your daily life, not just your feelings. You may find yourself feeling incredibly tired and unmotivated, and you may also struggle to understand why you don't want to do the things you usually enjoy doing. Tasks like work and education can feel increasingly demanding, and it's likely to lead to fatigue.
During a period of depression, you may feel disconnected from relationships, and not want to be as involved with social or family interactions. Those suffering from depression may also develop feelings of guilt, anxiety about how they are perceived, and a loss of self-esteem
Even though living with depression can be hard, it’s important to remember that help is available. If you are experiencing persistent low mood, make sure you seek the support you need.
How to explain depression to family and friends
Talking about depression with loved ones might feel like a difficult step, but it’s often an important one toward getting the support you need:
- Be honest about your feelings: Let them know how you’re feeling and how it impacts your daily life. Use examples to explain how you might struggle with simple tasks or social interactions.
- Explain that it’s not a personal choice: Make sure they understand that depression isn’t about being lazy or weak. It’s a medical condition. Just like any other illness, it requires support.
- Talk about the physical side of depression: Explain how depression can affect your energy levels, sleep patterns, and concentration. This helps them see that the effects go beyond just emotional struggles.
- Share how they can help: Let them know how they can support you. This could include checking in on you regularly, giving you space when needed, or simply listening without judgment.
What can cause depression
Various factors can lead to depression. There is no one cause, and sometimes causes may not be apparent. Anything from work troubles to relationship problems to excessive substance use can affect mood.
Psychological factors that contribute to periods of depression may include:
- life changes
- stressful events
- bereavement
- medical conditions
- trauma
Biological factors may include:
- family history
- chemical imbalances
Social factors may include:
- lack of social contact
- a loss of a relationship, friend, or someone close
How is depression managed
Depression may feel hard to overcome at first, but it is manageable. There are several positive approaches, depending on the severity of your experience and personal preferences.
Options include medication, psychotherapy, and self-care. However, a mixture of these three options is usually the most effective.
Medication
Antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed to help manage depression. They work by balancing chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which influence mood.
Antidepressants can take time to work and can come with some side effects. However, alongside positive lifestyle changes and even therapy, they can be incredibly effective at helping to manage depression.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talking therapy, can be an effective pathway for managing depression. It is often used alone or in combination with medication. Different types of therapy can help address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours linked to depression.
Self-care
Alongside professional support, self-care can be helpful in managing depression. Small, daily habits can help improve your mood and help you lead a happier life.
Some positive and helpful self-care suggestions are listed below. By incorporating these changes into your daily routine, you may also be less likely to develop depression again in the long term:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Mindfulness and relaxation
- Connecting with others
- Setting realistic goals
- Avoiding substance use
Looking for support with depression?
If you want to seek support for low mood, take the first step and learn more about depression.
Contact us now at 0203 326 9160.
As the UK’s largest private mental health partnership, we're dedicated to supporting children, adults, families, and organisations nationwide. Let's start your journey towards clarity and support today.
Related articles
How do you know if you have depression?
How can EMDR therapy help overcome trauma?
5 simple steps to better sleep
Clinically reviewed
- Dr Paige Fujiu-Baird