Self-Management Resources

There are several ways to promote better mental health.

Learn how to help yourself and manage your depression.

Read about self-management and take the self-test

Learn more

Take the self-test

DEPRESSION

can affect anyone

Join the first European Patient Congress Depression on 7th December (online, free)! Learn more about how depression can be successfully managed and become part of a supportive community.

What you need to know about depression

Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. (World Health Organization, WHO, 2017).

Depression is an illness that involves not only the mind or brain but the whole body, affecting the way a person eats, sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. It is not a passing, normal, state of mind and it is neither a sign of personal weakness nor a condition that one can "snap out of".

In general, depression can affect anyone: men and women from all backgrounds, in all professions, and at all stages of life. Even people whose lives seem carefree and contented can experience depression.

Depression can be treated. If you think you have depression, seek help.

iFightDepression Tool

The iFightDepression tool is an online, guided self-management programme that aims to help individuals with mild to moderate depression to self-manage their symptoms. If your GP or healthcare professional referred you to access to the iFightDepression tool and you have a personal user account, you can log in here:

LOGIN HERE

Let us help you!

If you don't feel right, seeking help is an important first step.

See our 'Get Help' section for contact details for emergency departments, helplines, and GP listings.

GET HELP HERE

Recognising Depression

If you don't feel right, you can take this self-test to get some answers. Are you concerned that someone you know may be depressed?

Encourage them to take the test.

TAKE THE SELF-TEST

Searching for help with depression

is an important first step

For Family & Friends

Living with someone with depression can be difficult. You might feel worried, afraid, frustrated or have several questions. When you live with someone with depression, you can help them recover, but you need to take care of yourself too. Are you worried about someone? Do you need information about signs and symptoms, or treatment options?

For Young People

Depression can affect young people. In fact, a large number of first depressive episodes appear during adolescence, as well as most mental disorders. Early recognition and treatment can promote remission and might even prevent relapse. Do you need information about adolescence, depression in young people, self-harm, or treatment options?

For Community Professionals

Media professionals, teachers, religious leaders, police officers and other community professionals play an important role in the context of depression and can act as gatekeepers to primary care. Are you unsure about what you can do to spot and support affected individuals? Are you looking for information about depression tailored to your profession?

For Healthcare Professionals

General practitioners or pharmacists are usually the first healthcare professionals to come in contact with affected individuals. Hence, it is important to recognize depressive symptoms and know how to further proceed. As a GP, find out about depression treatment, medication, referral and suicidal risk. As a pharmacists, learn about pharmacotherapy, challenging myths about antidepressant medication, and suicidal risk.