A guide to depression

Depression is a very common problem characterised by a pervasive feeling that you are unable to cope with life.

At least one in ten people will experience depression at some time. In its mildest form depression does not stop us from leading a normal life, but the most severe depression can be extremely distressing, with thoughts of death and suicide. You may experience negative emotions and thoughts, as well as changes in your behaviour and body. You may change your eating and sleeping patterns and you may start to withdraw from activities you used to enjoy.

There are two types of depression.

One is feeling bad when bad things happen. You may feel low at times due to life stresses, such as bereavement, money worries or difficulties in relationships. This is normal and really about feeling unhappy. You may find yourself thinking that you can't cope, or aren't as clever as your friends, even though you've achieved a lot to get to university

The other type of depression is not based on a bad thing happening to you. This is when you cannot identify any particular event as a cause for how you are feeling. When you experience this kind of depression you may feel helpless and alone in the world. You may blame yourself for all the faults you think you have and feel pretty worthless. In short, you feel negative about the world, about yourself and about the future. So you tend to lose interest in what's going on around you; you don't get any satisfaction out of the things you used to enjoy and you withdraw even further into yourself. Eventually, it can become hard to make decisions or to carry out little tasks that you once did easily. People who are depressed say that they don't recognise themselves they feel so different.

The good news is that there are many things that can help and people do recover from depression.

How you can help yourself

Depression: seven tips for managing difficult days

In this video, mental health educator and author, Pooky Knightsmith, explores seven ideas for getting through the most difficult days when you’re struggling with depression.

If you are concerned that you cannot keep yourself safe then please do ask for help.

Further information

Downloads

Useful websites

What we can do to help

Student Services offers a range of support that includes Wellbeing Advisors, Counsellors, and the Mental Health Advisory Service. To access any of these services contact the Student Advice and Guidance team. This is the entry point to speak to the Wellbeing Advisors, Counsellors, and the Mental Health Advisory Service and all our services are confidential.You can email the team on advice@liverpool.ac.uk, or call 0151 795 1000 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.