Everyone gets down now and again and this can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and impossible.
For most of us, this will pass if we do some simple things, even though we might not feel up to it.
For some people these feelings can go on for a long time and lead to feelings of being numb, losing confidence and having negative thoughts about yourself.
The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between people. As a general rule, if you are depressed, you feel:
- sad
- hopeless
- lose interest in things you used to enjoy.
It's important you take this seriously and seek help. You can find a list of possible symptoms and assess your mood at nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression
One You – Every Mind Matters 
Every Mind Matters has information and advice if you are feeling down or low. You can build Your Mind Plan by answering five questions in an interactive quiz
www.nhs.uk 
www.nhs.uk has information about low mood and depression, feeling lonely and advice if you feel you are lacking in confidence or self esteem.
NHS Audio Guides
A series of mental wellbeing NHS audio guides to help you boost your mood. You can listen to them privately, in your own time, to help you through feelings such as anxiety or a low mood.
Reading Well – mental health 
Reading Well for mental health provides helpful information and support for managing common mental health conditions or dealing with difficult feelings and experiences.
Books are available to borrow from your local library. Selected titles are also available to borrow as e-books and audiobooks.
More information is also available on Medway Council or Kent County Council websites, depending on where you live.
Live Well Kent
Live Well Kent offers support with keeping active and healthy and everyday living including: Managing your money, debt and benefits, housing support and guidance, and accessing counselling.
NHS Talking Therapies 
If you are struggling with anxiety and/or depression, NHS Talking Therapies is a free, effective and confidential way to treat common mental health issues.
We Listen has an interactive map, which shows NHS Talking Therapies in different parts of Kent and Medway.
You can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies by contacting the services available in your area as shown on the map or via nhs.uk/talk. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to refer you.
Kent and Medway safe havens
Safe Havens offer face-to-face mental health support for those living in Kent and Medway and offer an open-door policy for anyone needing help who is known, or not known to mental health services.
If Covid-19 and lockdown have impacted your mental health, you are not alone.
NHS services are available, and you can still access care and professional support listed on this page.
Every Mind Matters offers tips for coping with low mood and keeping well when staying home during lockdown.
Claire Murdoch, NHS National Director for Mental Health said: “The NHS has been and continues to be here for the nation’s mental health.
“We know the impact Covid and lockdowns can have on people’s mental health and it has never been more important to seek help.
“People might feel nervous about burdening the NHS or getting exposed to the virus but remember we are here to help.
“Please speak to your GP or self-refer online so we can get you the mental health support you need.”
Have you tried the Better Health Mind Plan?
The impact and experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult for us all. It's so important to look after our mental health and wellbeing.
Better Health – Every Mind Matters has launched a campaign to support the nation’s mental wellbeing. At the heart of the campaign is the free, NHS-approved Mind Plan.
By answering five simple questions online, adults will get a personalised mental health action plan with practical tips for helping deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, sleep better, and feel more in control.
Search Every Mind Matters to see what works for you.
Release the Pressure
Text KENT or MEDWAY to 85258 or phone 0800 107 0160 for free confidential support at any time.
Free expert advice from trained counsellors is available for every mental health concern.
Visit Release the Pressure to find out more.
Safe Havens
Safe Havens offer face-to-face mental health support for those living in Kent and Medway.
Find out more on the hub's dedicated Safe Havens page.
Live in Kent and Medway and need urgent mental health support, advice and guidance?
Over 18? Phone the 24-hour helpline on 0800 783 9111.
Under 18? Phone the 24-hour Single Point of Access on 0800 011 3474 (select option one, then option three).
Samaritans
Email jo@samaritans.org or phone 116 123. For more info, visit the Samaritans website