Skip to main content
– DEPRESSION TOOLKIT

You’re not defined by your depression.

We’re here to give you a helping hand

Navigate to the next section

It’s more than just feeling down

We all have days when we feel a bit blue. It’s normal to feel low after a tough time – like a breakup, losing someone you care about, losing a job, or facing a sudden change.

But depression goes deeper than feeling sad. It’s like a heavy fog that clouds your thoughts, feelings, and actions, making it hard to see yourself and the world clearly. Depression affects everyone differently. Sometimes it’s triggered by specific things, but other times it seems to come out of nowhere. If left untreated, depression can lead to serious consequences.

But here’s the good news – there’s plenty you can do to manage depression. The fog can lift, and The Mind Project is here to show you how.

What you might not know about depression

1

About 1 in 10 people will experience depression in their life.

2

Women are twice as likely to get depression.

3

More than half of people with depression also have anxiety.

4

60% of people who die by suicide struggle with depression or a similar mood problem.

5

Exercise can help lift your mood.

What causes depression?

Experts think depression might come from a mix of biological factors and not having some of our deeper needs met. These needs are mostly about feeling connected – to others, to work that feels meaningful, to values that matter to you, to nature, to dealing with past pain, and to feeling hopeful about the future.

Recognising the symptoms

To tackle depression, you need to know what to look out for. Everyone experiences depression differently, but it usually involves a mix of these signs, over a long period:

  • Feeling empty, worthless, or hopeless, or just feeling numb.
  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Feeling tired and lacking energy all the time.
  • Eating too much or not enough.
  • Not finding joy in things you used to enjoy.
  • Struggling to concentrate.

Tips for managing depression

Mindfulness can help control your mood and stop depression coming back. Try this mindfulness exercise:

Pay attention to your thoughts.

Notice any upsetting thoughts, and sit with them for a bit.

Let those thoughts go – imagine them drifting away.

Focus on your breath.

Get out of your head and into your body. Exercise, music, nature, and sunlight can all lift your mood. Connect and talk. Spend time with people who understand and support you. This could be friends, family, or a therapist.

How to help a friend with depression

  • Validate their feelings. Don’t tell them to “cheer up.” Let them know you understand how tough it is.
  • Listen. Be there for them, and ask how you can help. Be supportive and non-judgmental.
  • Learn about depression. Understanding what your friend is going through can make a big difference.
  • Encourage them to get help. Instead of telling them what to do, gently suggest talking to someone who can help.
  • Take it seriously. If your friend talks about suicide, talk to them about it and try to keep them safe.
  • Look after yourself too. Supporting someone with depression can be hard, so make sure you take care of yourself.

Remember, it’s okay to talk to someone else about your concerns for your friend. You don’t have to carry this burden alone.

Tessa Prior - The Mind Project

Tessa can help

Reach out today to start your journey towards better mental health with someone who understands and supports you.

Get in TouchAreas I Can Help
The Mind Project
© The Mind Project – 2024