Depression is when you have overwhelming feelings of sadness, unhappiness or hopelessness that last for weeks or months.
These feelings can often take over and make it difficult to continue with daily activities such as work, studying, spending time with friends and family.
Depression can affect anyone, at any time in their lives, regardless of age and gender. Autistic people are more prone to feeling depressed and low in mood than those without autism.
Depression is a genuine illness with real symptoms.
It is nothing to be ashamed of and is not a sign of weakness.
The effects of depression can be different for everyone, and its severity can vary depending on your symptoms.
Depression can be split into three levels:
Mild depression
Symptoms have some impact on daily life, but you can still manage day to day life.
Moderate depression
Symptoms may have a significant effect on daily life.
Severe depression
Symptoms make it almost impossible to get through daily life and perform straightforward tasks such as getting out of bed, brushing your teeth and leaving the house.
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Resources to help
Please note, these services are not autism specific. You may find it helpful to tell the person you speak to that you are autistic. Explain what they can do to help you, e.g. use clear language, speak slowly and give you time to process the information, give opportunities for you to ask questions to clarify your understanding.
If you have urgent mental health concerns, – for example thoughts about harming yourself – or suicide – you can call NHS 111 and press option 2.
You will be put through to a qualified call handler, who will be able to give you the advice and support you need.
This service is totally free and confidential and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week
It is for all ages – so you can call this number if you are a parent or carer and need urgent mental health advice and support for a child or young person.
Alternatively, you can visit https://111.nhs.uk/ and follow the on screen instructions. This service is also staffed by the same qualified call handlers. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free and confidential.
Please note however that this NHS 111 line is not an emergency service. Where
there is an immediate, serious and life-threatening emergency, you must call 999 or attend A and E.
Other options for non-urgent situations:
- Speak to your GP and tell them how you are feeling
- Talk to a friend, family member or someone you trust and tell them how you are feeling
- Speak to someone confidentially:
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- Talk to the Samaritans on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org anytime of day, 24 hours a day
- Call Hopelineuk: 0800 068 4141 (operating 9am to 12 midnight)
- SHOUT The UK’s first 24/7 crisis text service, provides free, confidential, 24/7 text message support in the UK for anyone who is struggling to cope. This service is free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis, anytime.Text SHOUT to 85258.
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Remember: if there is a risk to life call 999 or go to any hospital A&E department
