Free, safe, anonymous help with depression. You are not alone
If you’re struggling with depression or low mood and don;t know where to turn, try Qwell.
No referrals or waiting lists. Just caring, effective support to help you manage feelings of depression.
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Help with depression is just a click away
When you’re struggling with depression, low mood or prolonged feelings of sadness, it can be difficult to know where to turn, or what services are available to support you. It can feel lonely, scary and upsetting.
For many of us, depression feels like an endless cycle, but the right support can help you find ways to manage your symptoms.
Depression can be lonely, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are services out there that can help.
Like Qwell.
Qwell is an online safe space, where people come to find support for all kinds of issues, including depression.
Join Qwell for free and you’ll find meaningful, supportive services that can help you manage depression and find a way forward.
What is depression, and when should I seek help?
Everyone feels sad sometimes, and everyone has the odd ‘off day’. However, depression is when that sadness or low mood doesn’t go away and it starts to interrupt the quality of your life.
It’s important to reach out to someone if you are worried about feelings of depression. It might be a friend or family member, or professional such as a counsellor or your GP.
There are also plenty of things we can do to manage feelings of depression ourselves.
Symptoms of depression
Of course, depression is experienced differently by different people. While some might experience mild symptoms, for others, they are more severe.
Here are some of the more typical symptoms a person might experience:
low mood that lasts all or most of the day
changes in appetite
sleep difficulties or changes in sleeping patterns
lack of motivation or interest in things you previously enjoyed
irritability
difficulty focusing on tasks or remembering what to do
a feeling of sadness or emptiness that doesn’t seem to go away
What can I do to manage my feelings of depression?
Everybody experiences depression differently. Like many mental health conditions, depression is ‘invisible’. People can’t necessarily see that you’re struggling, which can make it harder to find support.
You can’t just ‘snap out of’ it, and sometimes medical intervention is required.
There are some ways we can try and help ourselves when we’re dealing with depression. There is rarely a quick fix, and it may take time and trying lots of different things to make progress. Sometimes, if you’re suffering from depression, it’s an achievement in itself just to try.
Self-help ideas for depression
Connect with someone
Simply connecting with somebody can help you feel better and less alone, as well as giving you a welcome distraction. Connecting doesn’t just have to involve talking – doing something like playing a game, walking the dog, or just sitting together watching a film can be a great alternative.
Keep a mood diary
This is a great way to track any changes in your mood and get to know any possible triggers. If a physical diary doesn’t appeal to you, making notes in your phone, or other devices can be just as useful.
Practise self-care
Taking care of yourself is so important, especially when you lose the motivation to do so. Simple acts of self-care, such as taking a shower, listening to your body’s daily needs, and doing things you enjoy, can be really helpful.
Move your body
Keeping your body moving is a great mood booster and can also help to increase your motivation. This could be anything from some gentle stretches, a walk around the block, or a workout in your bedroom, to even taking part in a team sport.
Set daily goals
Setting yourself small achievable goals, such as getting up at a certain time, walking the dog or even calling a friend, can help increase your motivation at a pace that feels right for you.
Do something you enjoy
This might feel tricky when your interest and motivation are lacking. However, spending just a few minutes (or whatever feels manageable) doing something you usually like to do can really lift your spirits. This could be walking, gaming, drawing, or spending time with a pet.
If you are concerned about feelings of depression, making an appointment with your GP or talking to a mental health professional is a great first step to explore your feelings and find out what support is available to you. You may also find Qwell a useful way to explore your feelings and find support.
How does Qwell help with depression?
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Check in – whenever you feel like you want to. Qwell is here whenever you need us.
Help with depression to suit your needs
Our trained mental health practitioners work extended hours at evenings and weekends. We make sure we’re available 365 days a year, even at Christmas and public holidays.
Tools and tips to help with depression
We are BACP-accredited. That means you can trust our advice and rely on the therapeutic tools and activities you find inside Qwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Qwell has been commissioned by the NHS in many areas of the UK to offer free, anonymous mental health support to all adults in the commissioning area.
We have a youth service called Kooth. It’s available to young people between 10-25 in many areas across the UK. Please visit kooth.com to find out more.
Qwell is a completely anonymous service. For further information on our data and privacy policy, please visit https://www.qwell.io/privacy
Qwell is available wherever it has been commissioned. We are active in many areas of the UK. To find out more, visit http://www.qwell.io
Understanding our users’ backgrounds helps us check that the services we provide are reaching as many people, from as many backgrounds, as possible. It also helps us signpost you to the right services & support. Historically, some sections of society slip through the cracks of traditional mental health support. We are dedicated to ensuring this doesn’t happen with Qwell, and really appreciate your help.
