Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy for a few days.

Many people go through periods of feeling down, but when depressed one can feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.

Some people think depression is not a real health condition. They are wrong – it is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression is not a sign of weakness or something you can simply "snap out of" or "pull yourself together", which are often what is said to those with depression. This is mostly because of a lack of awareness or a misperception of depression.

The good news is that with appropriate treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.

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How to tell if you have depression

Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

Depressive symptoms can vary in their severity and can include:

• Feeling down, depressed or hopeless

• Loss of interest in activities/hobbies

• Changes in appetite

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Lack of energy/fatigued

• Increase in critical thoughts/feelings of worthlessness

• Reduced concentration

• Thoughts of life not worth living

The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.

Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times.

A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.

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When to see a doctor

It's important to seek help from a GP if you think you may be depressed.

Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it's best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.

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What causes depression?

Sometimes there's a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or giving birth, can bring it on.

People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.

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Treating depression

Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicine. Your recommended treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression.

If you have mild depression, your doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own, while monitoring your progress. This is known as "watchful waiting". They may also suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise and self-help groups.

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are often used for mild depression that is not improving, or moderate depression. Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed.

For moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants is often recommended. If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a specialist mental health team for intensive specialist talking treatments and prescribed medicine.

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Living with depression

Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, giving up smoking and eating healthily.

Reading a self-help book or joining a support group are also worthwhile. They can help you gain a better understanding about what causes you to feel depressed. Sharing your experiences with others in a similar situation can also be very supportive.