Depression or Low Mood

Someone you care about might have told you that they’re feeling down or depressed, or you might have noticed them acting differently. If you think someone you know is feeling low, let them know everyone feels like this now and then and it’s ok. Let them know they can talk to you and make time to listen to them. It can be helpful to support them to find out more about low mood, what it is and how it works.

What is depression and how can I help?

Depression is a mood disorder. It can make it hard to do everyday things, to enjoy things, and sometimes even to get out of bed. Sometimes people who are depressed talk about feeling hopeless, or not being able to feel anything at all. A lot of people say they feel tired all the time and think bad things about themselves. Depression can affect anyone, of any age, including children.  It is one of the most common mental health problems.  People aged over 60 are slightly more likely to become depressed (WHO, 2023).

If the person in your life has been feeling like this for a while, or it has been affecting their life in a serious way, you should encourage them to visit their GP. Their doctor will be able to find out if they may have depression and talk them through the types of support could help. It is not unusual for people with depression to have thoughts that life is not worth living, or that they don’t want to be alive. If you think someone is feeling this way, please read more about Suicidal thoughts here.

It can be hard when someone close to you is depressed. Make sure you look after yourself and ask for support if you feel like it is starting to affect you.

Take a look at these videos for further information. The first is from the BBC, and the second is from the World Health Organisation. Both are about living with depression.