If you have been experiencing prolonged low mood or depression, it’s important to reach out for support. TALKWORKS is a free NHS talking therapies service, here to help you get back on track so that you can feel like yourself again.
complete our online self-referral form
What is depression?
Most of us will have heard of depression, but it is often misunderstood. Depression is more than feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days – it is a long period of feeling very low and struggling to feel happiness in the things that we usually enjoy. Even day-to-day tasks can feel incredibly difficult, and people can feel helpless as they struggle to see a way out of their depression.
Feeling depressed can be triggered by a hard time in life or a particular life event – such as a relationship breakdown, period of ill health or difficulties at work – but sometimes it can appear even when life seems “fine.” If you’ve noticed signs of depression in yourself and are struggling with prolonged low mood, TALKWORKS can offer depression help and talking therapies that can support you.
What are the signs of depression?
There are many things that could indicate you are feeling low or experiencing depression symptoms. There are some more obvious signs, such as feeling unhappy or hopeless, and less obvious signs like social withdrawal or losing your appetite. Everyone’s experience of depression is different, but common symptoms may include:
- Tiredness and loss of energy
- Sadness that doesn’t go away
- Feeling dread and worry for the future
- Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
- Withdrawing from seeing friends
- No longer doing activities you used to love, or not enjoying the activities when you do them
- Feeling irritable and agitated
- Loneliness
- Losing your sex drive or experiencing sexual problems
- Thinking about suicide and death
- Contemplating hurting yourself.
Understanding your symptoms is the first step towards finding the right depression treatment for you.
Who does depression affect?
Depression can affect anyone, at any age - no matter how happy, healthy, wealthy, popular or settled they may seem from the outside. 25% of us here in Devon will experience depression symptoms or anxiety at some point in our lives, so do not feel alone. Depression does not need to hold you back from living your life and achieving everything you want to do, and help is available to you.
Should I talk to someone if I have depression symptoms?
If you have noticed yourself feeling low, you have already taken the first step to recovery.
We understand that it can be a lonely and scary time, and talking about it can be daunting. One of the best things you can do is reach out to people you trust and open up about what you’re experiencing. You don’t have to go through depression alone. Often by opening up to those close to you, you help others to discuss their feelings, too.
How can TALKWORKS help with depression?
Depression does not discriminate, and neither do we. TALKWORKS is here for anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for depression treatment and support. We do not discriminate – we welcome everyone, no matter your gender, sexuality, age or background.
If you’re feeling low, TALKWORKS is here to help. We can provide you with talking therapies, including counselling for depression (CfD) to help you understand depression and to develop strategies to help you manage and improve your mood. Our mindfulness practitioners also offer an eight week mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) course which is aimed at supporting people who are experiencing mild depression or who are in recovery from depression.
To get in touch with us, it is as simple as filling in our self-referral form. If you prefer, you can speak to us over the phone to book an appointment, or speak with your GP to discuss how we can help.
complete our online self-referral form
We work across Devon and Torbay, offering appointments in local community buildings, GP surgeries, hospitals and more, meaning getting depression help is more accessible than you might think.
With five teams across Devon and Torbay, help can usually be provided close to where you live and appointments can take place in a variety of community buildings, hospitals, GP surgeries and libraries.
Please don’t feel that you have to struggle with depression symptoms in silence. The sooner you take the next step and contact us, the sooner we can help you to feel like ‘you’ again.