Courses for school leavers
What is DEPRESSION?
Student Wellbeing Information for young people
What is depression? We all experience feelings of low mood from time to time. Depression is when you feel low for a very long time, and this affects your day-to-day life. Anyone can get depression, or become depressed. About 1 in 10 people have it. It is important to remember it is not your fault if you experience depression. People do not choose to feel low. Depression is not Something you can “snap out of” A sign of weakness
Causes of depression Depression does not have one main cause. Factors such as past experiences, diet, drug/alcohol use, brain chemicals, genetics can all increase the risk of someone developing depression. Symptoms Feeling low, irritable or anxious Having less energy Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy Poor concentration Feeling guilty or worthless Tiring easily Poor sleep patterns Eating more, or less than usual Fearing or thinking the worst will happen Muscle aches/ headaches Many of these overlap with symptoms of anxiety, it is not uncommon to experience both anxiety and depression together. Make a note of your own to help recognise when you are feeling low.
Something everyone experiences Something that will last forever
Coping strategies Talk to someone you trust Focus on your breathing Distract yourself with something comforting Listen to music, or go for a walk or run Make a note of the positive thoughts you have Eat healthily
Treatments Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you understand the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It helps you to overcome your low mood by challenging negative thoughts and beliefs. Behavioural Activation focuses on encouraging people to approach activities that they are avoiding. This helps refocus on future goals. Medication can also help; speak to your GP if you think this could help you.
Useful helplines & websites Mental Health Crisis Line 0800 915 4644 Samaritans 116 123 (Freephone open 24/7) www.samaritans.org Childline 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk The Mix (under 25’s) 0808 808 4994 (Mon-Fri 4-11pm) www.themix.org.uk SHOUT 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere Text: 85258 www.giveusashout.org Support Line 01708 765200 www.supportline.org.uk SANE 0300 304 7000 (4:30 to 10pm daily) www.sane.org.uk RELATE www.relate.org.uk KOOTH Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people (11-19 years) www.kooth.com Rethink Mental Illness www.rethink.org Depression UK www.depression.org Cruse Bereavement www.cruse.co.uk 0808 808 1677 PAPYRUS 0800 068 4141 or Text 07860 039967 www.papyrus-uk.org/
Anxiety UK
Text Service 07537 416 905 Infoline: 03444 775 774 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm) www.anxietyuk.org.uk No Panic Helpline 0300 772 9844 (Every day, 10am – 10pm) Youthline: 0330 606 1174 (For under 18s, Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, 3pm – 6pm / Thurs, 3pm – 8pm / Sat, 6pm – 8pm) www.nopanic.org.uk NHS self help guides
More Information www.mind.org.uk www.youngminds.org.uk Apps Move Mood Mindshift
Calm
( Free trial then £ ) Headspace
Clear Fear
Stay Alive
( Free trial then £ )
Calm Harm
DAYLIO
Student Wellbeing is based in the SAFEGUARDING & WELLBEING HUB which is on the Ground Floor of the North Wing in Room N17 If you are struggling with your wellbeing please drop by and arrange to chat with one of the student wellbeing coaches. Alternatively, you can speak to your tutor who can
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