It is important to know that depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can easily ‘snap out of’ by ‘pulling yourself together’. The positive news is that with the right treatment and support the majority of people make a full recovery.

Most of us can feel sad or low at times and will have experienced the ‘blues’ or felt low in mood for a few days. Clinical depression however is more than that and lasts for at least two weeks, affecting a person’s behaviour, emotions and ability to process thoughts. It can also impact on your work and relationships and commonly occurs in conjunction with anxiety. In England depression affects 3% of women and 2% of men at any one time

Depression can affect us in a variety of ways but most commonly if you are suffering with depression you will have at least two of the below symptoms for at least two weeks.

Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms and people with severe depression will experience more of the symptoms than those who are mildly depressed.  In can be difficult to recognise, acknowledge or know when you’re feeling depressed.