We all feel low or down at times, but if your negative emotions last a long time or feel very severe, you may have depression. Depression is a mood disorder where you feel very down all the time. Depression is one of the most common types of mental illness. Although it’s hard to feel optimistic when you’re depressed, there is lots of support available to help you feel better.
Depression can affect people in different ways. You may experience symptoms such as:
If you feel you are experiencing these symptoms, speaking to someone you trust will help you get support. You might want to go and see your GP who can signpost you to support such as Kooth, I-Thrive or Bolton CAMHS.
If you find it hard to talk to someone you know, why not try creating a free account on www.kooth.com where you can speak to a trained counsellor or read about other young people’s experiences. If you are really struggling you can ring the Bolton 24.7 mental health crisis line on 0800 953 0285 or text SHOUT to 85258
An animation for young people which describes what depression looks like and what you can do to support yourself
BBC Three provide real life stories of people experiencing depression
Local information about services available to support your mental health
Bolton Together have provided a ‘My Mental Health check in’ document which allows you to document ways to relax, things that have helped you in the past and things that you can do to distract yourself.
