Depression is a low mood that lasts for a long time, and affects your everyday life.

In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits. It doesn’t stop you leading your normal life but makes everything harder to do and seem less worthwhile. At its most severe, depression can be life-threatening because it can make you feel suicidal.

"It feels like I'm stuck under a huge grey-black cloud. It's dark and isolating, smothering me at every opportunity"

When does low mood become depression?

We all have times when our mood is low, and we’re feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually these feelings pass in due course.

But if the feelings are interfering with your life and don't go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back over and over again for a few days at a time, it could be a sign that you're experiencing depression. See this informative helpful website called 'Mind' - MIND - For Better Mental Health

Talk to someone you trust
Try peer support
Try mindfulness
Look after your physical health