If you're advised to go to hospital, it's important to go.
Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel constantly sad for weeks or even months, rather than just a few days.
Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.
They range from lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety
There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and various aches and pains.
The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living.
Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can affect you both physically and mentally.
How severe the symptoms are varies from person to person. Some people have only a few symptoms, while others have many more.
You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress.
Whatever you're going through, find out how just talking to a volunteer at Samaritans can help in a safe and non-judgemental space
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now.
If you need help urgently for your mental health, but it's not an emergency, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111, or contact one of the organisations below to get support straight away.
Your mental health is as important as your physical health. You will not be wasting anyone's time.
Don’t suffer in silence: text the word Kent to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160
Call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 for 24 hour support. They also offer support by email, letter and face-to-face.