Young PAPYRUS - Prevention of Young Suicide - a national charity in the UK

‘I just constantly seem to feel really down’

"I feel so low . I just can't cope with all of this. There's so much work to do! Essays . reports . reading . revision . cooking ... making sure my clothes are washed ... it's endless! On top of all of that my friends are all nagging me to go out all the time . I'm running out of money so should really get a job, but I can't . I just want to sleep .nothing seems to interest me anymore, I know I should do things but I feel really down. How does anyone manage to do this? What is it about me that means I can't? I feel so stupid; I may as well just admit that I'm going to fail now ."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes depression as being a "growing global problem." It is estimated that one in six people will experience some kind of depression in their lives. Depression is treatable and it is important to see the difference between feeling depressed and having a depressive illness. Feeling depressed can mean a persistent low mood, but a depressive illness can mean feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness which can dominate a person's life, meaning that they are unable to function normally.

Signs of depression include:

Feeling sad and anxious
Persistent low mood
Loss of interest and pleasure
Fatigue
Changes in sleep patterns
Changes in appetite/weight
Irritability
Feelings of inappropriate guilt
Unable to see things positively
Feelings of worthlessness / hopelessness
Unable to see a solution to their problems
Thoughts of suicide or death

Talk to your doctor/family/friends. If you are feeling depressed for longer then two weeks you should go to your doctor or talk to friends or family. Hiding the fact you're feeling down can be very dangerous, especially if it continues for a long time. Speaking to your friends and family can let them know that you need some help or even just a chat. Those closest to you might not realise what you are going through and will generally be more then happy to help you out if you ask them.

Your GP can offer you support and advice, offer medication to manage how you are feeling, or refer you to a psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist. Going to your GP can seem like a much larger step, but their job is to help you. Your problems are just as important as anybody else's and you shouldn't feel embarrassed about seeking help. Make sure you are registered with a GP whilst at university. You can also still access the GP you have at home.

There may be things going on in your life that are making you feel down. Even if you are unable to deal with them directly (or don't want to straight away) there are things you can do to make yourself feel better

Get out of the house - If you don't feel that you can go out by yourself, arrange to meet someone or get them to come round and pick you up.

Get some exercise - At the least you'll feel healthier (eventually).Exercise also releases serotonin, the "happy" chemical in the brain which can raise a person's mood.

Try to get your chores done - Things at first can seem really hard to do, particularly if you have let things pile up. If this is the case, try to break things down, for example don't aim to tidy the whole kitchen just do the dishes. Even breaking the time you spend on a task can help, for example don't aim to spend the whole day tidying your room, just an hour. As you complete each small task you'll gain the motivation and confidence to do the bigger tasks.

Set realistic goals and manage academic and personal tasks on a day by day basis, rewarding yourself for completing tasks and goals that have been set.

Sometimes when you are feeling depressed or low it can be quite common to have thoughts about harming yourself or even killing yourself. If you are feeling like this it is important to try and get your feelings out in the open. Talk to someone you trust, a family member, a friend or your GP. If you don't feel comfortable speaking to someone you know then there other ways of getting help. This can include speaking to someone on a helpline or going to see a counsellor. It can be hard opening up to someone and letting them know your innermost thoughts and feelings - but it can be done. Taking the first step to help may be hard but it is through taking this step that you will be getting yourself through the first stages of feeling better.

















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