Depression

About this topic

Depression is more than a low mood. It can be a heaviness that does not lift, a loss of interest in things that used to matter, a tiredness that sleep does not touch, or a flatness where feeling used to be. For some people it arrives after a clear loss or a long stretch of stress; for others it settles in without an obvious reason. It can also show up first in the body, as much as in the mind.

The pages below are written for people trying to make sense of a low mood, and what to do about it. They are general information, not a clinical assessment. If you would like to talk to one of us, you can start with a Meet and Greet.

Therapy for depression →

Answers

1. Is this depression, or something else?
2. What's the difference between depression and just feeling sad?
3. Can depression be physical without feeling sad?
4. Why do I not feel anything anymore, and is that depression?
5. Is depression linked to ADHD?
6. What happens in the first session for depression?
7. Can I do therapy for depression online?
8. Will depression come back if I get better?
9. I think I might be depressed but I am scared to start. What now?
10. Someone I love is depressed. How do I help?

Guides

• Depression as withdrawal, not malfunction
• When depression is actually burnout, prolonged grief, or chronic stress
• Why doing less makes it worse: the behavioural activation idea
• Medication and therapy: how they actually fit together
• The shape of recovery is not linear
• Depression in later life: what looks different after 60

Worksheets

• Mood and activity log
• Values audit
• Your depression story: preparing for a first session
• Noticing your early signs

More reading on related topics

• Evidence-based
• Nervous system
• Self-knowledge
• Psychology explainer
• Older adults