Depression
Depression
Embedded Files
Click here for our
We all have times when our mood is low, and we feel sad or fed up. Often these feelings happen for a reason and pass on their own.
But if these feelings last for weeks at a time, or become so bad that they interfere with daily life, this might be depression. If you're feeling this way, help is available.
What does depression feel like?
What does depression feel like?
Watch Hannah, Helen, Rishi, Nathan and Georgina talking about what it feels like to have depression, how they've learnt to cope and how their friends and family help them.
"It starts as sadness then I feel myself shutting down, becoming less capable of coping. Eventually, I just feel numb and empty."
You're not alone
You're not alone
Trigger warning: This video contains content about suicide.
In this video, Travelodge colleague Jon shares his experience with mental health. Whilst his mental health issues began prior to Covid, he found himself in a dark place during the pandemic; unable to switch off negative thoughts, stopping taking of himself and unable to cope with the stress. Despite facing struggles, Jon hasn't let any of this hold him back.
If you're struggling at the moment and feel unable to keep yourself safe, it's a mental health emergency. Please click HERE to get emergency advice.
Common signs
Common signs
How you might feel
Down, upset or tearful
Restless, agitated or irritable
Guilty, worthless and down on yourself
Empty and numb
Isolated and unable to relate to other people
Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy
Angry or frustrated over minor things
A sense of unreality
No self-confidence or self-esteem
Hopeless and despairing
Feeling tired all the time
How you might act
Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy
Self-harming or suicidal behaviour
Difficulty speaking, thinking or making decisions
Losing interest in sex
Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things
Smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs more often
Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
No appetite and losing weight, or eating more than usual and gaining weight
Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated
Where can I get help?
Where can I get help?
You can call our Employee Assistance Programme number which offers FREE confidential counselling sessions with professional counsellors to talk and help you find ways to move forward. Calls are free, anonymous, non-judgmental and confidential.
You can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies. There's a range of confidential and effective support available that can help you feel better.
Click HERE for more information.
If you experience depression symptoms most of the day, every day, for more than two weeks, you should visit your GP.
You can talk to someone at CALM from 5pm to midnight everyday. Their helpline and webchat are open 365 days a year, offering practical suggestions for all of life’s problems.
To visit the website click HERE
What can you do?
What can you do?
Experiencing depression can be very difficult. But there are steps you can take to help yourself.
It might feel hard to talk about how you’re feeling. But many people find that sharing their experiences can help them feel better. Having someone listen and show they care can help in itself.
You might not feel like you can open up to someone close to you. But you could call a helpline to speak to someone confidentially. For example you could call our EAP line at anytime or call the Samaritans any time on 116 123.
Peer support brings together people with shared experiences, to support each other. Many people find it helps them to share ideas about how to stay well, connect with others and feel less alone.
If you’d like to try peer support, you could:
Contact a specialist organisation. For example, you can find details of support groups, forums and helplines on the SANE and CALM websites.
Join Side by Side, Mind's supportive online community
Taking time to look after yourself can help with how you feel day-to-day. This could include making sure you eat and drink regularly and take care of basic hygiene. Or trying to get enough sleep, and going outside each day for some fresh air.
Take a look at our Better Me page here for ideas on how to support your emotional, physical, financial and work wellbeing
Mindfulness is a way of giving your full attention to the present moment. Some studies show that practising mindfulness can help to manage depression.
There are also some mindfulness-based therapies that can help treat mental health problems. For example, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is recommended for managing depression.
Keeping a mood diary can help you keep track of any changes in your mood. And it can help you notice if any activities, places or people make you feel better or worse.
There are many free diaries available, including from Bipolar UK, MoodPanda and eMoods.
It might help to put together a box of things that can comfort you when you're struggling. For example:
A list of your favourite books, films or music
Helpful sayings or notes of encouragement
Pictures or photos you find comforting
A soft blanket or cosy slippers
Snacks or drinks you like
Something that has a nice smell
Depression Guides
Depression Guides
Report abuse