Download 7 tips for coping with depression here.
Depression is sadly very common.
Statistics available from the Mental Health Foundation suggest that 1 in 4 British adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year, and 1 in 6 experiences this at any given time (The Office for National Statistics Psychiatric Morbidity report, 2001 and www.mentalhealth.org.uk). The most common problem is mixed anxiety and depression.
Depression affects 1 in 5 older people living in the community and 2 in 5 living in care homes. (Adults In Later Life with Mental Health Problems, Mental Health Foundation quoting Psychiatry in the Elderly, 3rd edition, Oxford University Press, 2002).
Common symptoms can include:
- Low mood and feeling sad on a regular basis
- Struggling with feeling tearful, guilty or worthless
- Finding it very difficult to make decisions
- Thoughts about self harm or suicide (if you need help urgently, see our Emergency Links)
- Lack or energy or extreme lethargy
- Loss if interest in things
- Sleep problems
- Struggling with relationships at home, work and in the family
- Avoiding things, people or situations
If you would like help with depression or low mood, call us to arrange an appointment on 0131 215 1066 or email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
You don't have to suffer alone and help is available.