To raise awareness of this condition and to encourage people to find therapy, BACP has highlighted 10 of the key signs to look for if you think you or someone close to you may be suffering from depression. The advice coincides with Scottish National Depression Week which runs from 16-22 June.

1. Getting no sense of pleasure out of life or things you used to enjoy
2. Crying much of the time
3. Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
4. Feeling unable to cope with everyday tasks
5. Unusual tiredness and a loss of energy
6. Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
7. Suddenly distancing yourself from others and avoiding social situations
8. Feeling strangely restless and agitated
9. Noticeable loss of appetite and weight
10. Recurrent thoughts about suicide

If you suspect you may be suffering from depression it is vital to seek help. Treatments for the condition can include counselling, antidepressants, exercise and self-help. Counselling is particularly effective, with recent research undertaken in Scotland revealing that within a primary care setting, 66% of clients suffering from depression achieve a clinical recovery within an average of six sessions[1].

Shane Buckeridge, BACP Lead Advisor for Scotland, said: "For some, depression may follow a significant life event such as bereavement, divorce or redundancy; for others there may be no obvious reason; instead it could be something that has built up over many months or years. Many people suffering with the condition feel ashamed, often blaming themselves for their feelings. They tend to withdraw from family and friends and find it hard to reach out to others for help.

"Whatever the cause and however depressed you are, talking about your feelings can be helpful, creating clarity in how you view both your life and the people within it. Although talking to friends and family is useful, it can be difficult to express how you really feel to those close to you. In such circumstances it can be beneficial to talk things through with a trained and unbiased counsellor."

To find a counsellor in your area contact BACP on 01455 883300 or visit http://www.bacp.co.uk

For further information please contact: Alison Croft, BACP Press and Public Relations Manager, on 01455 883342 (office), 07989 416665 (mobile) or alison.croft@bacp.co.uk or Phillip Hodson, BACP Media Consultant on 0207 794 2838 (work), 07961 401685 (mobile) or phillip@philliphodson.co.uk

Ref: 219

Date: Monday 14 June 2010

[1] Freire, E. 2010. The effectiveness of counselling in primary care: A naturalistic evaluation. University of Strathclyde.