What is depression?

Don't worry. You're not alone

Depression_Information_Guide_TALKWORKS-35
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.

Whilst depression may sometimes 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 – sometimes you can start to feel down despite it seeming like your life is very happy. If you have noticed some of the signs of depression in yourself and are struggling with prolonged low mood, TALKWORKS can help.

What are the signs of depression?

There are many things that could indicate that you are feeling low or experiencing depression. There are some more obvious depression symptoms, such as always feeling unhappy or hopeless, as well as less obvious signs like feeling less up to socialising or going off your food. The signs of depression are not always easy to spot, and will be unique for everyone, but depression 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.

It is an important first step to identify how you feel and the things that are likely to trigger depression.

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 to help yourself is reach out to the people you trust, and speak to them about how you are feeling. 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. We are open to anyone over the age of 18 - no matter what your gender, sexuality, age or race. 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. 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 

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. 


Your experience with us

Your feedback matters

“I was apprehensive about using the service thinking I wasn't "bad" enough but a talk to the cardiac group by a TALKWORKS practitioner gave me confidence to self-refer. I was referred with respect and taken seriously throughout, felt safe and was given tools and advice to help myself take control of my situation.”

“The therapy gently supported me to both understand and come to terms with my diagnosis and how it has impacted on me as a person for so many years. I felt I could be open and honest in a very safe space. I not only feel better, I understand myself better too.”

“I could not fault the service I received. I was listened to and given so many different resources to help my anxiety and depression. I was so very low a year ago but with the amazing support from my therapist I feel more and more myself every day. Thank you TALKWORKS.”