Depression

It's natural for everyone to feel down sometimes. If someone's been feeling low for a while or their feelings stop them enjoying life, this is sometimes called depression. If someone is feeling low a lot of the time there's always help available.

What is depression?

Lots of people feel can low sometimes, but when someone’s depressed it can be hard for them to cope with this feeling.

Feeling depressed can stop people from being able to enjoy their life as much as they used to. Depression can have a big effect on you, but you’re not alone. There are lots of ways to get support, cope and start to feel better.

Whatever’s happening, we’re here to support you.

Getting Help with Depression

Talking about your feelings can really help you make sense of them and feel less alone. You deserve to get the help and support that you need and to feel happy and to enjoy your life.

Our conversation starter could help make this easier. You can use it to write down how you’re feeling and how you would like to be supported. You can then give that to a safe adult. Childline is also always here to listen and support you too.

Remember that only a doctor can tell you if you have depression and you can talk to your safe adult or Childline about visiting your doctor if you feel that would help.

Coping with low moods

Whether you’re depressed or feeling low, there are lots of things you can do to cope:

  • Keep talking
    Whatever’s happening, keep talking to the people trust about it. Remember that you can always talk to Childline.
  • Express yourself
    Let your feelings out through writing, art or any way you feel comfortable. Or you can use the Calm Zone to get ideas.
  • Make a bedtime routine
    Try to go to bed at the same time each night, and take some time before bed to relax and stop doing anything so you can have a good night's sleep.
  • Eat healthily and keep active
    Gentle exercise and eating healthily can help to improve your mood and to feel better over time.
  • What would you tell a friend
    If you find yourself having negative thoughts, it may help to take some time to think about what you would say to help a friend who was having these kinds of thoughts.
  • Do something positive
    Try and do one small thing each day. You could do something to express yourself, feel good or help someone else. We’ve got lots of ideas to get you started.