DEPRESSION

What you need to know.

What is depression?

While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason. Depression affects how you feel about yourself and makes life more difficult to manage from day to day. The encouraging news is that there are a range of treatments, health professionals and services available to help with depression, as well as information on what you can do to help yourself.

Download our information leaflet on depression to learn more about its effects, how to identify it, and how to treat it.
Download Leaflet

Watch our video to learn more

How do I know if I have depression?

Like everyone, you can have occasional mood swings, feel irritable sometimes and be particularly sensitive to rejection and criticism. But if these moods have lasted for two weeks or more, you could be suffering from depression.

Symptoms that may indicate depression include:

  • Feeling irritable or grumpy
  • Feeling tired
  • Feeling worthless or guilty most of the time
  • Having thoughts of death or suicide
  • Having trouble sleeping – either falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Lacking motivation and feeling everything is too hard
  • Losing interest in food or eating too much
  • Losing weight or gaining weight
  • Using cigarettes, alcohol or illegal drugs.

You may also have recurring negative thoughts, such as:

  • ‘I’m no good.’
  • ‘It’s all my fault.’
  • ‘Life’s not worth living.’
  • ‘People would be better off without me.’

How can I get help?

Different types of depression require different types of treatment. This may include physical exercise for preventing and treating mild depression, through to psychological and medical treatment for more severe symptoms. There are a range of treatments to help, but it’s different for everybody. The important thing to remember is that a solution can be found when you speak about what you are experiencing and ask for help.

Get professional help early if you think you’re experiencing depression. Your symptoms may not go away on their own and if left untreated, they can start to take over your life.

For more information on how you can get help with depression, download our information leaflet.
Download Leaflet

Useful support

www.olli.chat
Richmond’s free, 24/7 webchat offering emotional support and practical guidance.
www.kellimni.com
A free, 24/7 support service managed by SOS Malta.
Aġenzija Żgħażagħ
Provides youths with a safe space to express views, needs and concern.
Youth in Focus Service
Provides social work intervention to adolescents and young persons.

Other mental health conditions