Depression can come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong.

 “Sometimes people may not realize how depressed they are, especially if they have been feeling the same for a long time, if they have been trying to cope with their depression by keeping themselves busy, or if their depressive symptoms are more physical than emotional,” explains Depression Alliance.

“As a general rule, if you have experienced four or more of these symptoms, for most of the day nearly every day, for over two weeks, then you should seek help.”

They include:

·       Tiredness and loss of energy

·       Persistent low mood or sadness

·       Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem

·       Feeling hopeless and helpless

·       Difficulty concentrating

·       Feeling tearful

·       Feeling guilt-ridden

·       Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable

·       Sleeping problems - difficulties in getting to sleep or waking much earlier than usual

·       Avoiding other people

·       Finding it hard to function at work/college/school

·       Loss of appetite

·       Loss of sex drive

·       Physical aches and pains

·       Thinking about suicide and death

·       Self-harm

The symptoms of depression can have a knock-on effect on daily life, with work suffering, social contact falling away and increased difficulties in home and family life.