At East Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau in west-central Scotland, we are here to help. If you live or work in the East Dunbartonshire area, we can give you personalised advice on getting the right support for mental health and wellbeing. Please contact us here, chat online or call us on 0141 775 3220. If you reside outside of East Dunbartonshire, please contact your own local Citizens Advice Bureau for assistance. Find them here.
Getting help with depression
Depression is a mental health problem that affects one in ten people over their lives in Scotland. It is common, and not a problem to be ashamed about. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available, online and in-person, to help with depression.
What is depression?
Many people think that depression is just feeling a bit glum – like you have low energy and ‘can’t be bothered’. Of course, this couldn’t be further from the truth, and just feeling unhappy is a long way away from the symptoms of depression.
Depression can often stay with someone their whole life. It can sometimes just be seasonal, for example during winter. It’s also possible for women to become depressed both during and after pregnancy.
People are affected by depression in many ways. This is why it’s important to see a GP if you think you are depressed, as they will be able to diagnose any issues. Depression severity can range from mild symptoms of feeling upset to severe symptoms leading to suicidal thoughts. This is why it is best to see a doctor sooner rather than later before the problem escalates.
Dealing with depression
Some people start feeling depressed after a life event, for example, a death in the family or losing their job. However, it is just as common for people to feel depressed for no obvious reason. Even if everything in their life seems to be perfect, it is still possible to suffer from depression.
Depending on the severity of depression, a doctor may prescribe you antidepressants. However, there are other ways you can start to control your depression in addition to any guidance given by your GP. For example, getting outside into nature more has been proven to help with depression. Dogs can also help with this as not only will they encourage you to go outdoors, they can be a comforting companion too.
General exercise can also be a benefit to you, which could be going to the gym or the local swimming baths. Changing to a healthy lifestyle can also be helpful, and this includes eating well. When depressed, some people don’t feel like eating at all. Others will over-eat instead. Finding the right balance is important to avoid further complications arising from malnutrition or obesity. Ensuring you have a routine throughout the day can also help with this. It makes sure that you eat regularly.
Giving up smoking can also help deal with the symptoms of depression, as can cutting down or giving up drinking. There are resources to help you give up smoking here, or watch what you are drinking here.
We’ve put together a range of information sheets which can be useful for those struggling with depression. They deal with a range of issues so you can choose to read only the ones you want from below or download them all here.
- What is depression?
- What causes depression?
- Psychotherapy for depression
- Vicious cycle of depression
- Behavioural activation fun and achievement
- Fun activities catalogue
- Improving how you feel
- Thinking and feeling
- Analysing your thinking
- Changing your thinking
- Unhelpful thinking styles
- What are core beliefs?
- Problem solving
- Staying healthy
- Grief and Bereavement
- Food and mood
East Dunbartonshire CAB is here to help
If you need any specific advice on getting support for your mental health and wellbeing, your local Citizens Advice Bureau can help. Residents of East Dunbartonshire can contact us here, chat online or call us on 0141 775 3220. If you live outside of East Dunbartonshire, you can find your local CAB here.
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