How to get help
Treatment for depression broadly divides into two types: talking therapies and antidepressant drugs. If you undergo treatment it will normally consist of one or both of these methods, under the supervision of your GP: hardly any sufferers need to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
For more detailed information, visit the NHS depression treatment page.
If you are feeling suicidal right now or are worried about someone who might be, our affiliate website, Students Against Depression, offers good advice if you’re feeling desperate yourself or if you’re worried about someone else.
Talking therapies
These are the recommended treatment for most forms of depression, either as one-on-one or group sessions. They normally focus on changing the thought patterns behind how you think about the problems you face throughout your life. Three common types of talking therapies are:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a fixed-term approach based on the principle that our emotions are strongly affected by the way we think about things and so focuses on recognising and challenging negative thought patterns. CBT practitioners will work with you to identify potential causes of depression and set self-help goals to alleviate the effects.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT is another fixed-term approach that focuses on your interpersonal relationships and how you deal with problems. IPT practitioners help to teach you about depression, its causes, and the various treatments; identify your depression’s context in terms of relationships; and develop strategies for coping.
- Counselling: Counselling is a form of therapy that encourages you to think through your day-to-day problems and find new ways of dealing with them. Rather than giving you specific advice on action, counsellors help you explore your problems to find new solutions.
Antidepressants
For mild and moderate cases of depression, antidepressants are not usually prescribed immediately, but they can be part of the treatment for any type of depression. They generally work by raising your serotonin (a chemical naturally found in the brain) levels or blocking processes or other chemicals that are lowering those levels. If the first antidepressant you’re prescribed doesn’t help or causes side effects, you may need to vary the dose or try a different type.
What should I do to get help?
If you think you or someone you know is suffering from depression, you should first contact your GP. Your GP can explain the different treatments, help you decide what would be likely to work best for you and make a referral to a mental health professional if appropriate.
If for any reason you don’t want to visit your GP and want to speak to someone directly, you can try one of the following routes:
- Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647
- Contact a charity with a confidential advice service (see the confidential support section below)
- Search for an approved mental health professional (see the specialist treatment search section below)
- Get hold of a book to help you learn more about how to cope with your depression (see the books section below)
Organisations with free confidential support helplines
0845 766 0163 / info@mind.org.uk
The leading mental health charity for England and Wales. The Mind Infoline provides information on a range of topics including types of mental distress, and where to get help, support, drug and alternative treatments and advocacy.
0800 068 41 4
A telephone service providing support, information and practical advice to anyone concerned that a young person they know may be at risk of suicide.
0800 58 58 58
A public service with a special focus on helping young men aged 15 to 25 who feel depressed and suicidal. You can speak to trained counsellors on the phone for free. They offer advice, help and referrals to specialist organisations within Merseyside and Cumbria (North-West England).
0800 802 5544
A charity specifically committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people and empowering their parents and carers. It offers a confidential helpline for anyone worried about the emotional problems or behaviour of a child or young person.
Other sites that can help you find specialist treatment in your area:
A database to find psychological therapists by postcode. You can filter by IAPT compliancy or look for other psychological therapy services.
A searchable database to connect you with professional support, listing only qualified/registered counsellors and psychotherapists
The UKCP holds the national register of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors, listing those practitioner members who meet exacting standards and training requirements.
A searchable database of CBT therapists by location, all accredited by BABCP or AREBT, the leading CBT organisations in the UK. This means they’ve achieved a high level of competence in cognitive and behavioural methods.
The British Psychological Society
The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. Their site provides a directory of psychologists throughout the UK by region.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
BACP is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, seeking to develop these treatment disciplines in the UK and overseas. The site is primarily useful for practitioners themselves but provides a searchable database of trained practitioners by location.
Books and other inspiring resources:
Depression and how to deal with it
PDF booklet, commissioned by CWMT soon after the death of Charlie Waller. Awarded the Gold Award 2000 by the Creative Circle. Since its production, the booklet has been circulated, through branches of Boots the Chemists Ltd, to 11,000 GPs.
Overcoming Depression: A Self-help Guide Using Cognitive-behavioural Techniques (by Paul Gilbert)
This is an excellent book, filled with clear, un-patronising explanations and abundant good advice. The first section explains the biology, psychology and sociology of depression in greater detail, with an interesting chapter on how evolution may have shaped our vulnerability to depression. The main part of the book goes into much more detail about depressed thinking habits and how to challenge them in practical, effective ways. There are also several other helpful titles in this series, including Overcoming Anxiety (by Helen Kennerley).
A best-selling self-help workbook that takes you step by step through the process of changing your negative thinking. It has a chapter focusing on depression, but is also about challenging unhelpful thinking patterns in general. It has blank “record sheets” to photocopy, such as an activity sheet for recording your activity levels. Very helpful for putting the ideas from this site into practice.
Manage Your Mind: The Mental Fitness Guide
(by Gillian Butler and Tony Hope)
An excellent book which goes a step beyond challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, describing how to develop positive attitudes and ‘superskills’ for a more fulfilling life, including good study habits. A useful companion to support your strategies, particularly as you work on practising positive habits.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
(by Susan Jeffers)
A classic in the pop psychology self-help genre. Quite simplistic and repetitive, but this book has inspired millions of people and the basic message is worthwhile. Potentially a useful support for challenging some forms of depressed thinking.
Other sources of information on depression and available treatments:
The leading UK charity for people with depression, working to relieve and to prevent this treatable condition by providing information and support services to those affected.
The new campus mental health and wellbeing organisation that aims to amplify the student voice, and inspire positive wellbeing on campuses nationwide.
A leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists: Depression
The Royal College of Psychiatrists: Psychotherapy, counselling, and treatment in the NHS
