This stand-alone course, developed to build upon the successful Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) program, offers an in-depth exploration of Depression. As a stand-alone course, it is specifically tailored to provide you with the essential tools and knowledge to effectively support those struggling with depression. This comprehensive guide is suitable for a wide range of individuals, from mental health professionals to concerned friends and family members, or even those simply interested in expanding their understanding of this complex mental health condition.

As you progress through the course, you will also discover best practices for engaging with those experiencing depression in a compassionate and supportive manner. This includes learning how to provide immediate, effective first-line support to individuals struggling with depression. The course will guide you through crisis intervention techniques and essential safety measures that can make a significant difference in someone’s life, and familiarise you with available mental health resources and services in Scotland, ensuring that you can assist individuals in accessing the support they need for long-term recovery.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a common and serious mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and overall physical health, leading to a range of emotional and physical symptoms.

Symptoms of depression may include: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood; Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex; Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, or irritability; Fatigue or decreased energy.

Additional symptoms include: Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping; Appetite or weight changes; Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts; Aches, pains, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease with treatment.

Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and it affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Treatment for depression often involves a combination of psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy), medication, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis and overall quality of life for someone with depression.

• In the Scottish Health Survey 2019, approximately 15% of adults in Scotland reported symptoms of depression.
• The prevalence of depression was higher among women (17%) compared to men (13%).
• Young adults aged 16-24 years had the highest prevalence of depressive symptoms at 23%.

• According to the Mental Health in Scotland report published in 2020, depression was one of the most common reasons for people to seek help from mental health services.
• The same report also mentioned that the number of people in contact with mental health services for depression increased between 2014 and 2019.

By participating in the “Depression” module, you will not only gain a thorough understanding of the intricacies of depression, its symptoms, and causes, but you will also learn how to identify early warning signs, approach someone in need with empathy, and provide immediate, tailored support. Furthermore, the course will familiarise you with the available mental health resources and services in Scotland, empowering you to guide individuals towards the professional help they require for long-term recovery.