Other simple changes

These may make a difference to depression symptoms and general wellbeing:

• Exercise can be a real mood booster but needs to be enjoyable to be effective and sustainable. For some, exercising at home using free videos such as those provided by Fitness Blender are ideal, while others prefer the physical act of going to the gym. For those who like being outdoors, the Couch to 5K running programme is an activity that people can do on their own, while walking groups such as those run by the Ramblers charity add a social aspect. Projects like Green Gyms, where people undertake practical and purposeful physical activities such as planting trees and establishing wildlife ponds, are a good fit for those who want to get out and meet people
• Eating well can be a struggle, with some people with depression finding they eat for comfort and gain weight while others lose their appetite. The British Nutrition Foundation has published a blog on the link between diet and depression
• Understanding depression can help break down taboos and empower sufferers to find the energy to navigate a way through their illness and its management. There are many good resources available, including from Mind, the Mental Health Foundation, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the NHS itself.