Feeling low or unhappy is something we all experience at times. However, when these feelings last for a few weeks or more and start to affect your everyday life, it may be a sign of depression.
Depression can affect how you feel, think and behave, but support and treatment are available. On this page, you’ll find information, practical tips, self-help resources and support to help you understand depression and find ways to manage it that work for you.
Understanding depression
These resources explain what depression is, what can cause it and the support that is available.
Factsheet on depression from NHS Inform. Learn about the symptoms of depression, possible causes and treatment options.
Factsheet on depression from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Find easy-to-understand information about depression and how it affects people around the world.
Factsheet on depression from Rethink Mental Health. Information about depression, treatment and where to get support.
Managing depression
These resources offer practical advice and self-help techniques to help you manage depression and improve your wellbeing.
Depression self-help guide from NHS Inform. Practical advice and self-help strategies for managing depression.
Information and activities for depression from Get Self-help. Self-help information, activities and techniques based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
‘Coping with depression’ article from Help Guide. Tips for understanding depression and finding healthy ways to cope.
10 self-care strategies that help me manage my depression’ by Amy Marlow from Healthline. Personal ideas and practical tips for looking after yourself while living with depression.
8 tips for living with depression from Verywell Mind. Simple strategies that may help you manage symptoms and support your wellbeing.
Worksheets and activities
These worksheets can help you understand your thoughts and feelings, build coping skills and support your recovery.
Centre for Clinical Interventions. Free workbooks and practical exercises for managing depression.
Therapist’s Aid. Printable worksheets and activities to help you manage depression.
Psychology Tools. Worksheets to help you recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
First Psychology. A workbook with practical information and exercises to help you better understand and manage depression.
If you are looking for local support, please go to our service directory to find out what services and projects are available to you – iThrive Edinburgh service directory
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