Services
Depression
What is depression?
Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.
Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.
Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They’re wrong – it is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression isn’t a sign of weakness or something you can “snap out of” by “pulling yourself together”.
The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery.
%
of people in England will experience depression in their lifetime
Getting help
Talking Therapies can help
Talking Therapies is our Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. We offer guidance, courses and talking therapies that give you the skills and techniques to manage difficult days, lift your mood and improve your overall wellbeing.
We are a free service and are here to listen, help and suggest the best way forward for you.
How to access Talking Therapies
You can refer yourself to Talking Therapies by calling 0800 073 2200, filling in our self-referral form or you can ask you GP to refer you.
For more information about the support available, please visit our Talking Therapies page.
Treatment for depression
Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of self-help, talking therapies and medicines.
The treatment that will be recommended will be based on the type of depression you have.
You can learn more about the types of depression and treatments available by visiting:
%
1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a common mental health problem
Our teams and services
Information for professionals
News
News stories linked to depression and related conditions.
‘Preparing for Discharge and Next Steps’ course launches soon
Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing College is delighted to announce it will be rolling out its new ‘Planning for Discharge and Next Steps’ course this November.
Health and Wellbeing College – Autumn/Winter 2024 prospectus
Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing College (GHW College) delivers educational courses teaching people the skills, techniques and knowledge to make them experts in their own recovery from long-term physical and mental health conditions.
Mental Health Awareness Week – the power of moving
This week (13-19 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week. Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading #MHAW to unite the UK in achieving good mental health.
Further help and support
Other organisations who can help or who partner with us.
