Last reviewed: September 2026
What is depression?
Depression is a low mood that lasts for weeks or months and stops you from being able to live your normal, every day life.
It’s different from the short dips in mood everyone experiences occasionally. Sometimes people feel depressed but don’t necessarily know why. It can feel all-consuming and make everyday tasks like getting up and having a shower feel unmanageable. It can sometimes come with feelings of dread.
What causes depression?
There’s rarely a single cause. Depression can follow a difficult life event, such as bereavement, redundancy, illness or relationship breakdown, but it can also develop gradually, or without an obvious trigger at all.
A family history of depression, long-term health conditions, loneliness and alcohol or drug use can all increase the risk of someone experiencing depression. Often it’s a combination of factors building up over time.
Common symptoms of depression
Emotional and mental
- Feeling sad, low, or empty for a long time.
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or excessively guilty.
- Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy.
- Finding it hard to concentrate or make decisions.
- Feeling irritable, tearful, or anxious.
- Feelings of dread.
Physical
- Constant tiredness or low energy.
- Sleeping badly or sleeping too much.
- Changes in appetite or weight.
- Aches, pains or a lack of interest in sex.
- Brain fog or trouble concentrating.
Behavioural
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities.
- Neglecting everyday tasks like washing or eating regularly.
- Using alcohol or other substances to cope.
- In some cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
What can help with depression?
If you think you may be depressed, speaking to a GP is a good first step. They can talk through how you’re feeling and let you know what support is available.
Therapies and medication: a GP may suggest talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or, depending on how you’re affected, antidepressant medication. These are typically used together or separately depending on individual circumstances, and a GP can talk you through what might be suitable. You could also look into counselling options to explore and better understand the underlying feelings behind the depression.
Self-care: small, steady changes can help alongside any treatment.
- Keeping a regular sleep routine, even when sleep feels difficult.
- Spending time in green space or nature, even a short walk or sitting outside.
- Gentle movement, such as walking or yoga.
- Making space for hobbies or creative activities, like writing, drawing, or cooking.
- Joining a club or social activity to help you feel part of a community or group.
- Mindfulness techniques can be a real help. Taking a few minutes to sit quietly and notice your thoughts and surroundings, without judging them, can help difficult feelings settle. This isn’t about solving anything in the moment, just allowing space to notice what’s there.
Learn more about depression
- NHS overview of depression, symptoms, causes and treatment
- Mind’s in-depth resources to help understand depression
- The Blurt Foundation – a UK charity focused specifically on depression, offering resources and community support
Get support with depression
Whatever you are going through, you are not alone.
Response can only support people who come to us through an NHS or local authority referral, so we’ve gathered helplines and organisations you can contact directly for support with your mental health, including services available 24/7.