Ask Jigsaw: How to get through depression

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Whats the best way to get through depression?

-Anonymous

Hi Anonymous,

Depression is a word often used, but from person to person it can have a different meaning or label a range of emotions. Generally, depression describes low mood and frequently feeling sad or upset. It can look like lack of motivation or energy, as well as changes in eating and sleeping.

This can feel overwhelming and lonely. However, it’s not unusual for young people to feel down. Research carried out by Jigsaw and UCD showed that 1 in 4 young people experience feelings of low mood. It may be helpful to pause for a moment and think about what might be causing you to feel low. Because there are different reasons, there can be different solutions for each person.

Fiona

Jigsaw Clinician

These feelings aren’t easy to “snap out of”, but there are ways to get through it.

These feelings aren’t easy to “snap out of”, but you’re right that there are ways to get through it. There’s a difference between something that is challenging and something that is impossible. While dealing with these challenges, there are a number of things that you can try. For example, one piece of research identified five things that you can do each day that support positive mental health.

Connecting with your friends or family, creating a routine that makes you feel good, getting enough sleep, and engaging in exercise are all practical steps you can take.

There are a number of mental health apps that can help you understand your feelings and behaviours, as well as giving you more coping skills to help improve your mood.

Asking for help might seem difficult, but can be an important step towards improving our mental health. Please try to talk to someone, Jigsaw Online Chat is a good place to start for anonymous, support and advice.

Take care,

Fiona, Jigsaw Clinician