An insight into our Understanding Depression course

What is depression?

Depression goes beyond temporary feelings of sadness; it involves persistent and prolonged emotions of sorrow or distress lasting for weeks or even months. Traumatic events like bereavement, financial struggles, or major life changes can trigger depression. 1 in 4 individuals in the UK will experience depression during their lifetime (ONS). It’s essential to recognise that depression is a genuine illness with tangible symptoms and should not be dismissed as a sign of weakness. Contrary to misconceptions, one cannot simply ‘snap out of it’ or ‘pull oneself together.’ However, the positive aspect is that depression is not permanent, and many people fully recover from it.

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms that range from feelings of hopelessness and sadness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Most people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety too. Aside from emotional symptoms, people with depression often feel tired, sleep badly, have no appetite or sex drive as well as experiencing severe aches and pains.

However, identifying when support is needed is extremely important, that’s why we have created a course spotlight to make things a little easier when deciding which type of support will be best for you.