There are many different kinds of depression, and there are degrees to which how severely it can affect you and your life. According to recent figures, about a fifth of us will suffer from a form of depression during our lifetime.
It is important to distinguish between feeling a bit down sometimes – which is natural – and experiencing a period of feeling low which does not seem to go away and is more likely to be a clinical depression of some sort. Remember that your doctor should be one of the first people you could go to if you feel like this.
The following resources try to cater for the wide variety of depression and changes in mood, and there are further sections below on feeling depressed after giving birth (post-natal depression), bipolar disorder (what used to be commonly called manic depression and SAD or seasonal affective disorder (when mood is affected by the seasons).
We have tried to link to some of the best resources currently available on the web, as well as support services over the phone and where you can go to get professional therapy.
Papyrus are a good source of information for those who are emotionally low or suicidal.
The Royal College of Psychiatry website has detailed, up-to-date information available about all types of depression and other mental illness, including symptoms and the best treatment options available.
Sometimes the best way to way to work through depression is to share feelings with other who are trying to come to terms with it. Journeys, which was previously known as the Depression Alliance, has 25 self-help groups across Wales.
A lot of valuable information can be found on the SANE website, including advice about books which can help with any form of depression. Helpline service every night also.
Mind Cymru has 20 local groups across Wales, and can give you high standard information about your local services and any help available connected to mental health in your area. Go to their website for good, up-to-date information about any aspect of mental health or phone the MindInfoLine.
Hafal is one of the main charities in Wales for people with severe mental health problems and their carers. They offer services based on the principles of self-management and empowerment, so that people can improve every aspect of their lives. Contact details for each local authority area on the website.
If you're a young man, some friendly advice is available from the Campaign Against Living Miserably if you're feeling low, either at their website or by phoning them on the number shown.
For a support service based in Wales prepared to listen to any concerns about depression or other mental health issues, you can phone C.A.L.L. or go to their website for more information about how they can help. You can also access support and information via text from your mobile phone: simply text the word HELP and a description of your problem to 81066 e.g. 'HELP where is the closest eating disorder service to Conway'. The only cost is that of the initial text to your service provider.
Lot of useful information to help with your emotional life and mental health, if you're a young person. Also, help if you're a parent or carer wanting to understand more.
As a student, there many different sources of help at hand. Nightline is available on every campus, and is there to listen to your problems. You can get your local number through the student's union. More details of local services on the website.
Useful information and help if you're a student and feeling low or worried about somebody else who might be.
For theraputic help for your condition, or if in need of help in a relationship, go to the BACP site to find out about your local qualified therapist, as well as the types of therapy available.
If you're under 25, you can can get free, confidential emotional support from Get Connected.
Confidential emotional support over the phone is available from the Samaritans - anytime, day or night. There's also a Welsh language service available on , open 7pm-11pm every evening.
This site gives details of a variety of local support services and counselling availble to you.
Extensive, good quality health information usually provided by GPs and nurses during consultation.
NHS Direct Wales is a 24 hour helpline, which can give advice about health and health services across Wales. It is staffed by experienced nurses specially trained to give advice over the phone and provide information about all your local services.